Tip #2: Research Success with Google

Sometimes Google can overwhelm students. Enter a name, phrase, or event under research into the search engine and Google replies with a staggering number of hits. Students may scroll for a few minutes and then

 

Tip #1: Using Wikipedia as a Research Tool

I have begun to produce short videos to assist my freshman and sophomore students with some tips on conducting research. My number one go-to place to begin online research is (no need to insert drumroll here, because of its obvious nature): Wikipedia.

 

Review of Halloran’s “Fallen of World War II”

Neil Halloran recently released a short video that helps us to digest the tremendous toll that World War II took upon both military and civilian casualties. Halloran, who calls himself a data visualizer as well as documentarian; and co-founder of Higher Media Incorporated based in Texas, has done a splendid job bringing home the poignancy and tragedy of this often-called

 

“Read a story and then forgot it right away”: How Historians Approach Reading (A Video)

Reading is such a vital part of what historians do, so much so that I decided to produce and post a video about it. Now reading is fundamental. I can easily and readily see how a freshman in college could take offense. The problem is not so much reading, but in remembering what it is you just read.  

 

What’s in a Canoe?: Plenty, if you ask the right questions

During the seventeenth and eighteenth century, particularly along the Great Lakes regions, movement of goods and people occurred in canoes: birch-bark canoes to be more precise. A glimpse into the world of Native Americans, early French, Dutch, and then British traders comes via a video placed by the Museum of Underwater Archeology. As historians, such videos are terrific reminders of the Historical Inquiry Process (questions well posed, sources well scrutinized, and interpretations well constructed).

 

Thesis Generation for Major Papers: A “How To” Video

Heck, I’m getting good at this. Actually I made this video prior to the other one I posted yestarday about the basics of reading notes. As you can ascertain, I’m all about developing skills in students as they struggle through their first year in college. This video shows two examples of how to develop a dynamite thesis for a major paper. Hint: It takes thinking. But that’s a good thing. 

 

Using Technology for Real: Testing my geek bounds

I’ve been creating…which is a good thing. And now it’s time to see if what I have given life to actually works on a blog. Not so sure. So this post may be in error. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Today’s blog is an attempt to use technology to assist college students in reading retention. However, it involves a rather large MP4 file, like some five point nine megs worth. Not sure that’s legal.