Want to use your phone in class?
Not a problem!
Another robust database app that students love is
ScienceDirect. Don’t let the name full you – this database
isn’t just for the hard sciences, it contains a wealth of articles covering the social sciences, humanities, and arts. It’s
for everyone! The best feature is the ability to run a
search for your topic and then set an alert that acts as an
RSS feed, continuously updating your app screen with the
latest articles about that topic. It’s a great way for your
students (and you) to stay abreast of all the changes in
your academic discipline.
Megan Donald, MLIS, JD, Librarian, West Campus
Mobile devices are everywhere. Eyes and minds
are fixated on these illustrious small screens – in fancy
restaurants over filet mignon, on evening walks with the
dogs, while strolling through the mall, and, quite likely,
even during your lectures. Mobile devices are everywhere, and thus, information is everywhere. But instead
of joining the chorus of Luddites lamenting the death of
civilized society and interpersonal communication, let’s
view mobile devices for what they potentially can be: powerful learning
tools. One of the goals of education
should be to turn this ever-present distraction device into a learning device, a
critical thinking tool that will benefit students throughout their lives.
In addition to the library database apps, there are
so many other apps created by educational,
government, and non-profit institutions that
can be used in a classroom setting. One such
is the National Archives app, Today’s Document. Trying to emphasize the importance of
primary documents to your students can be
daunting. Nobody wants to hear a lecture
about primary documents; instead, students
want to actually experience them. Through
this app the National Archives pushes a photograph of a primary document to your mobile device and links out to more information. It’s a great way to start a discussion
during the first few minutes of class. You
could also have your students search for specific historical events during class and see
what the app returns.
The library has some ideas about
how we can do that. In fact, four of our
databases have apps that are quite good
and available for both Apple and Android
devices. These apps are a great alternative to the Wikipedia ones your students
have probably downloaded to their
phones. Also, if you find yourself teaching
in a room with no student computers,
leverage those mobile devices they surely
have. Once connected to the TCC wireless
network, there is no concern about data
usage charges.
There are many more excellent apps I could
share, but alas, space is limited. Be sure to
visit the guide I have created: http://
guides.library.tulsacc.edu/apps. Here you will find detailed instructions on how to download the apps – authentication is required for the library apps, so definitely
consult the guide before downloading. If you need any
help please contact me at [email protected].
The first is EBSCOhost; you are probably already
familiar with the full-site version of this database accessible from the library homepage. EBSCOhost allows students (and instructors) to search many different article
databases (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Business
Source Premier, ERIC, PsycINFO, et cetera) in a scaleddown version. Many students are intimidated by all of the
choices, boxes, and links on the full-site databases, so introducing this app is an excellent way to slowly and comfortably introduce research. The app will even allow
search results to be filtered by full text, peer reviewed,
and publication date. Articles can be viewed and emailed
from within the app for ultimate convenience.
Also, I would be happy to come into your classes
and demonstrate these useful apps for the students. I’ve
held apps workshops for five Computer Concepts classes
here at West campus, and the student reception has been
wonderful. I’m itching to expand my apps workshop to
other courses… so if you’re interested, I’m available.
This is just one more way the TCC Library is leading the way with ?????????????????????((??(??((