Top tips for using the internet for research
The internet is an amazingly powerful tool, but you need to know how to use it efficiently in order to make the most of it. Here are our Top tips for using the internet for research.
- 1. Today, more and more people are thoroughly experienced with the internet. However, if you’re not, then don’t worry, it’s never too late to learn how to use this amazing tool! There are many free classes in libraries and learning centres in the UK. If you are struggling please try to attend a class.
- 2. If you don’t have internet at home, then there are many places offering free Wi-Fi. Try your local library or café and study with a latte!
- 3. Be picky, if you do a random search on a topic like “Metals” you get inundated by websites, be specific about what you want and where possible make sure you write what level you want, e.g. “Reactivity of transition metals AS Chemistry Edexcel.”
- 4. If your course has a practical element, you can find plenty of guides on YouTube.com, both for experiments and practical demonstrations. As you get a choice of people and websites for any topic, try a few and you will find websites that suit your learning/ revising. Generally if you struggle to do a calculation, if you copy and paste the question into the search engine you will find tips and guides on how to complete a calculation you are struggling with.
- 5. Unfortunately, I have not seen much use of forums on the Oxford learning websites, do use this as a tool to communicate/ share and learn from other students.
- 6. Mix different ways of learning, so use the coursework, search and research topics further, share ideas or queries with others and use tools like Youtube to see practical aspect of the theory you are learning. You can waste a lot of time using the internet so first go through course material and then use the internet as necessary so for research or to find past papers or other examples of the topic you are struggling with.
- 7. Do not trust just one source when you carry out research, e.g. for an assignment or when learning. Compare and read at least two different sites like Wikipedia. Also show your sources and make sure you write any reference in your own words, or if quoting it, always acknowledge the author (tell the reader where you found your information).
- 8. The best form of information retention is to read, make notes, do research, practice and form memory cards or summaries of the topics.
- 9. To learn best, make sure you enjoy and understand the course, ask for help, talk to your peers and use tools like social networking sites.
Some useful internet sites
- 1. TES.co.uk – the first time you access it create a username and login
- 2. Google
- 3. YouTube.com
- 4. Wikipedia.com
- 5. Social networks sites like Twitter/ facebook/ google plus etc
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