Technology: Web sites can help students with projects

For students, the summer probably seems a long time ago, replaced by classes, homework and project assignments. Book reports, research papers, multimedia presentations and science fair projects all have due dates. No more procrastinating.

Many students will turn to the Net for information and guidance. But before you head out, please beware of sites that offer access to written research papers, book reports, essays and so forth. Remember this African proverb: "One falsehood spoils a thousand truths."

Here are a few sites that will assist you in this year's efforts:

Giving Credit

www.yahooligans.com/tg/citation.html

This site is actually a teacher's guide covering the why and how of source citation. Since the format continues to be revised, the Write Source (www.thewritesource.com/mla.htm) will help you cite your electronic sources correctly, as outlined by the Modern Language Association.

A Guide to Writing Research Papers

www.ccc.commnet.edu/mla/

This site includes guides to taking notes, citing sources, paper format and plagiarism.

The Research Paper site

www.researchpaper.com

You'll find suggestions, topics and aid for your school projects.

The Reference Desk

www.refdesk.com

Here's a vast array of references, such as almanacs, newspapers, dictionaries and encyclopedias. Information on scholarships, college admissions, job links and even the 50 states makes this a one-stop site seeing experience for all.

The Internet Public Library

www.ipl.org/div/aplus/stepfirst.htm

It provides a step-by-step approach to writing a term paper. There are some great tips here that will prove useful to all students.

Merriam-Webster Online

www.m-w.com/

It hosts the Language Center. Remember, "If you don't know it, look it up." Check spelling and use the online thesaurus.

PowerPoint in the Classroom

www.actden.com/pp

This is a tutorial site that will guide the user to create slides, edit, add images and sound, and it offers tips on making an effective presentation. PowerPoint Instructions from Carol Siwinski of Germantown Academy (www.ga.k12.pa.us/curtech/instruct/powpt1.htm#anchor113275) in Pennsylvania provide step-by-step instructions for creating a PowerPoint presentation. Topics covered include creating slides, applying transitions, using graphics and images and animation.

Creating a Web site

www.microsoft.com/education/?ID=web site

The software giant gives a lesson for high school students. The directions are easy to understand and may be used for independent study on Web pages. Products used in this lesson include FrontPage, Internet Explorer, Publisher and Word.

Web Page Creation

www.ga.k12.pa.us/curtech/pagesup/pagesuin.htm

Another one from the Germantown Academy in Pennsylvania, this site includes a tutorial for PageMill, downloading images from the Web, converting PICT to GIF and loads of other helpful information.

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