Next I tried EasyBib. What a great site! I have some experience with Noodle Tools which I like very much, especially since it not only creates the citation, but also gives one the option to create notecards in which the user is required to paraphrase the actual section that they're planning on using in their product. What a great tool to prevent plagiarism! However, EasyBib is free! The online tutorial was very easy to understand and within seconds, I was able to create a citation in MLA form. EasyBib gives the option to create citations in MLA, APA, Chicago Style, Harvard Style, and much more. Additionally, it gives the option to save the work cited into either a Google doc or a Word Doc. Anyone who has worked with fifth graders on typing up a work cited list knows what an obstacle it is. The students forget to alphabetize, put periods in the wrong places, write the dates incorrectly, and have trouble every time they put in the <> because it turns their citation into a hyperlink. They get so frustrated! Is it so important that they know the process of writing a citation, or is it more important to make sure that the authors of the resources that they are using are being recognized? I'm leaning towards the latter.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Thing 16: Time to Explore
The first tool that I attempted to explore was Knowtes. Unfortunately, their site has been shut down indefinitely due to "cost concerns of providing a free service". They did however provide three links that I could visit to create flashcards. Flashcards can be useful in many of the subjects that I teach, from math facts to important vocabulary terms in our Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies units.
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We use both Noodle Tools and easy bib at the high school. I agree with you -- easy bib is unbelievably simple to use. Did you know that they are adding a notecard feature to the subscription version?
ReplyDeleteMaureen
Maureen-
ReplyDeleteIs Noodle Tools available at the middle school level? I'd love to incorporate them into our research project on Japan.
Magie
ReplyDeleteNoodleTools is a database that we subscribe to at NHS - you would have to talk to your LMS about getting it at your school. However, I think that easybib is much less complicated to use - esp. for middle schoolers...and, we like Noodletools, but we LOVE easybib!
Joan