Reports/Papers

Long gone are the days when students used typewriters and (a whole lot of) correction fluid to compose their school reports.

Today, the vast majority of research reports and expository essays are written with a word-processor equipped computer (please see the link to "Word Processing" under General Uses in the navigation area to the left) that is connected to a printer. Students can quickly and easily compose, edit, store, and print text from word processing software. Click on the questions below to learn more about technologies and school reports

1. What are the dangers of using the Internet as a resource for writing reports and papers?
2. How can students who don't have a computer at home get their reports done?
3. Can students submit reports electronically?

What are the dangers of using the Internet as a resource for writing reports and papers?

Plagiarism
With so much information so easily available to them, some students build their reports by "cutting and pasting" text from other Web sites. Other students simply buy papers from so-called "term paper assistance" Web sites. It is important for all researchers (both young and old) to understand that copyright laws are just as applicable to Web content as they are to anything else. For more information about plagiarism and how do avoid it, click on the tab "How Can I Help My Child?" and look for the link "Plagiarism" in the navigation area on the left side of your computer screen.

Incorrect Information
Because it has no editorial standards (i.e., anyone can post their own website), the Internet contains vast quantities of misinformation and outright lies. For this very reason, some teachers will not allow students to cite Web sites in their research papers. Students instead are required to gather information from print resources.

Many teachers, however, are coming to the realization that the Internet is an invaluable resource for students. Rather than banning the Internet entirely from reports, teachers are turning their attention to teaching students how to gauge the reliability of information found on it. A student who can critically evaluate the integrity of a Web resource is far better off than a student who has simply been told, "No Internet!"

For tips on evaluating the quality of information on the Internet, click on the tab "What is the Internet?" and then choose the link, "How can my child know whether to trust what he or she finds on the Internet?"

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