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Typical features include adding notes to individual documents, syncing your work across devices, attaching supplemental files, connecting to existing databases, searching your collection and sharing your resources with others (i.e., as part of a group research project). Most of these tools help with organizing your references in the form of a personal collection. You can also export these sources as bibliographies formatted in the style required for your courses (e.g., Chicago, MLA, APA). Taking time to figure out how you will track your sources and set up a system to collect all of the materials you find will streamline the process, and help you outline a cohesive narrative when you are ready to write.Ĭitation or reference management tools allow you to collect the sources from which you plan to cite in your papers or projects. Making your online research as efficient as possible involves thoughtful organization. For example, Chrome’s research and writing extensions include Grammarly (grammar and spelling assistance) and Citelighter (citation formatting), and Firefox’s Zotero and Cite This! add-ons help students organize their writing and references.
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Some of the most commonly used browsers are Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Internet Explorer.Įxtensions and add-ons expand on the functionality of Internet browsers. This specialized software often requires a free download, and once installed, provide a variety of standard features, including bookmarking, navigation buttons, tabbed views, search capabilities and add-ons or extensions for additional features. Internet browsers allow you to access online resources, such as webpages, databases and videos. These steps will help you manage your time and effort as you identify relevant resources and begin to incorporate them into your papers and projects. Prepare for the work ahead by selecting which browser you will use to navigate the Internet, and by organizing your work with a reference management tool. Make It Count: Valuable Experience for Working StudentsĬonducting useful research takes time.The Recent Grad’s Guide to Surviving Layoffs.
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