Empowering Studentsfor Life: Research Skills in the Age of Testing

Foote, Carolyn, “Empowering Students for Life: Research Skills in the Age of Testing” MultiMedia Internet Sch 17 no2 March/April 2010 Article accessed from LCCC Library/Academic Search Premiere April 18, 2010

The use of Web 2.0 Tools has become essential in classrooms today. Though many consider students today to be Digital Natives because of their use of social networks, uploading videos and blogging to name a few common areas of usage by young people today, the facts are that not all students engage in all these activities, and they need instruction in some areas to become more proficient. This is important because knowledge enables students to become engaged in the internet, databases, researching, thinking and learning. Being engaged leads to empowerment.
These tools are not just for use in the classroom. Part of the education process is to prepare students for the workplace and businesses today, down to the Military, use forms of social networking tools in daily operations. Teaching research skill is “imperative because. . . the ability to seek out relevant information is critical.” If we don’t teach our students the necessary skills we are failing them.
There is a vast amount of information to be explored, studied and researched, and there are many tools available to do just that. Some of these tools include wiki sites, search engines, YouTube and blogs. It is equally important for librarians to be familiar with these tools to be able to know the go-to tool for student guidance. Some librarians and even some teachers may feel that it is not their job to deal with these tools, but it is the job of all involved in the education of our youth. Teaching these skills to students not only helps students to complete assignments but these skills will remain with them long into their employment years. Some educators may think that teaching students to use these tools is time consuming, but once students learn them and apply them it can save a great deal more time in the long run.
This article is very useful to the understanding of how important Web 2.0 Tools are in all aspects of the world today; from education to the workplace, or just for personal enrichment. For Digital Immigrants it provides detailed information on how learning these tools and how to use them empowers a person to attain higher goals and greater knowledge. It shows how obtaining these skills are crucial and can lead to advancements in the workplace.
I believe this source was very helpful in proving the necessity and importance of learning and using Web 2.0 Tools starting in the schools and all through life. I recommend parents and students alike to read this to get a greater appreciation for learning and using these tools.