Using Laptops for Research

If you do not have laptops available for all students, sign up to use a computer lab. Create a timeline for the research paper. On the timeline leave the dates blank, so you can have the kids fill them in as they do each step. Consider approximately ten steps to finishing the paper.

One of the first steps to teaching research is how to narrow a topic, so students can write a reasonable thesis. Give them a list of topics and have them research information on the internet. Once they have a topic of interest, have them narrow the topic and write a thesis statement.

Have them complete an outline for the paper. Use the laptop, so you can review each outline and fix it right in class.

Practice writing an introduction on the laptop. Do a lesson on writing introductory paragraphs and a lesson on how to position the thesis statement for effect. Usually the last sentence in the introduction works the best.

Once students have a thesis, an introduction, and an outline, it's time to start researching. Before they research, give them an activity to do on the laptop. Have them look up some websites, answer questions about the site, and state whether it is a good resource or not. Of course, you have made a list of sites for them to research. Include some blogs, and other unreliable sources. Mix unreliable sources in with reliable sources such as government websites.

Review rules on plagiarism.

Review the rules for either MLA or APA research guidelines. Most high schools use MLA. Show the students how to access MLA guidelines to help them review the concept. Always have MLA books available for their use and check with the computer technician to purchase software with the MLA research paper format. MLA Guidelines

Set up dates for the students to work on the laptops in class. This will give you a chance to review their papers, so you can check for possible plagiarism, unreliable sources, and content. Have them print copies in class, so you can review their work, send it back, and they can correct it on the laptop.

Set a date for the final draft. Plan time to go over editing skills and time for peer editing.

By using laptops in the classroom, you have more control over the questionable research paper.