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The difference between searching and researching can affect the quality of your resources. Simply searching (Depression in Women) in Google cannot provide you with adequate information. The using research tools and refining your search can turn a million results into a set of useful and manageable information. Making sure that you use proper search techniques takes the hassle out of finding credible and pertinent information.

For scholarly searches you can use Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.com/) and University Libraries (http://library.osu.edu/). Although I recommend using University Libraries, other resources can be useful. When using search engines there are certain criteria that your resources must meet. Creating a checklist of requirements can help you make sure your resources will be useful to you.

Reliability: The reliability of the information is determined by the credibility of the author and the reputation of the publishers. Information being peer reviewed and provided contact information. The credibility of a source can be determined by position, degree, and previous publications.

Quality: the quality of information is extremely important when researching online. Broad generalizations, outdated statistics, consistency of facts, proper citations, proper grammar, and bias are all important factors to look for when checking the quality of the information.

Usefulness: Make sure that the information found related to your goals and are written for a audience similar to you. Too much or too few details will not be useful to you.

To make sure that you get the most out of your material, it is important to practice good reading and studying strategies. Before you read you should prepare for your reading by creating a good studying environment. Make sure that all potential distractions are removed and you are able to focus on your materials. Also, scan through your text before you begin to read. This will help you identify key points.

While you are reading you should highlight, underline, and write notes on the information you find useful. Pay attention to the graphs and charts in your text. These visual aids may add to your understanding of your material. Make sure you write down any questions you might have in your notes, along with a summarization of what you do know.

After you are done reading, make sure that you are able to summarize what you have read. Keep your information organized. Also keep track of where to find your reading and materials for future studying.

To have a new, visual, or interactive studying session you can turn to alternative studying strategies. You can use google docs to create useful documents like flashcards. You can create a narrated presentation (http://voicethread.com), timeline (http://www.timetoast.com/), animation (http://goanimate.com/), or mind map (https://bubbl.us/). These resources can help you produce a more interactive and memorable study tool.

To effectively take notes and completely comprehend the material discussed in your lectures you must have efficient listening and viewing strategies. Fist, you must prepare yourself for your lecture. Going over key points in your books and other materials like your syllabus can help you pinpoint what information is important during a lecture.

During a lecture you should pay attention to vocal cues, repetitions, and the summarization of information. Also pay attention to visual cues. Be able to tell when your instructor has digressed and it’s relevance to your topic. Make sure you leave space for your own observations, questions, etc. You can use Microsoft One Note, which acts like a binder for all of your notes, images, and other information. This tool can be helpful to those who have problems with organizing notes and binders.

Lecture recordings and podcasts can be used to further understand a subject. These can be useful because you can pause, rewind, and rewatch them as often as you would like. This can be helpful in making sure you fully understand the material and that you have not missed any key points in your notes. The podcasts and recordings can also be kept and used as study materials.

This video is of particular interest to me. I came across this video when I was taking FDSCTE 1120, Wine and Beer in a Western Culture. This video. This video shows how surface tension causes a ring of “legs” or “tears” around a glass of wine. The water in the beverage has a higher surface tension than the ethanol or alcohol that is in the beverage. This causes water to move up the glass before gravity eventually pulls it back down into the glass.

This video helped me to visualize the topic of discussion, especially because I am unfamiliar with alcoholic beverages. The video provided me with a visual and auditory aid. Both of these aids provided a greater understanding of surface tension and the effects it has on wine. I was able to pause the video and write my note effectively and clearly. Rewatching the video helped me to ensure that I knew what was to be learned.

In module three of my online learning course, my class was schooled in online etiquette. Many of the interactions that we have online require that certain steps are taken. Business and education require more effort than what is needed when you text or email your friends.

In emails: Emojis and emoticons need to be absent. Emails need to be written in letter form. Always greet your addressee properly.

Remember that social media websites, such as blogs, can be very effective tools, if they are used properly!

Blogs can be very helpful is analyzing and organizing information that you have been learning in your courses. Putting your thoughts down on a social media site can allow discussions to occur that will help give you insight on your topic. Educational discussion may help you form new ideas or understand other viewpoints concerning your schoolwork.

Remember that although having access to the internet may be helpful, there may be downsides to using it as an educational tool. Interactions between you and your professors or overseers may seem impersonal. People may be slow to respond to your email, phone calls may be more effective. Also, technology sometimes fails us. Unsent emails and failing internet connection happen, do not let it be your downfall. Be prepared to finish tasks by other means.

When you get ready to pack up and move into your dorm, you may be confused as to what is appropriate to bring with you. My freshman year I left home with two cars full of luggage, there were many things that I didn’t need and even more things that I left behind. Keep a close eye on the supply lists that Ohio State will provide you. The essentials are listed and need to be the first priority, extra blankets and other comforts come second. All of the small trinkets and memories that you will wants to take with you can WASTE space. A cluttered desk and cramped room are not good environments for studying or living. You have to use your space to your advantage, extra picture frames and stuffed animals will make this difficult. So, the first step to making sure you have a great semester is to have a great packing plan.

Sit down with your list and/or your parents and work out the essentials.

Make sure you are prepared, bring extras for things like Benadryl and batteries. A dead calculator or a stuffy nose during lecture can be problematic.

Do NOT over pack with sentimental items

You do NOT need the latest gadgets to make it through the school year

Weather can be unpredictable, make sure you bring clothes suited for all weather: never forget to pack your boots and umbrella

No matter what your mother says, you don’t need to take that turtle neck she bought you. You’ll be just fine.

Don’t overthink! Preparing for the school year can cause some anxiety, but relaxing will help the process go much smoother!

Hope you enjoy

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