Student Survival Guide

Angela Tremblay's Student Survival Guide

Angela Tremblay

Axia College of University of Phoenix

Angela Tremblay's Student Survival Guide

Conducting Successful Library and Internet Searches

When conducting research in a library or on the internet there are successful ways to gain the information needed. "The most successful and time-saving library research involves following a specific search strategy--a step-by-step method for finding information that takes you from general to specific sources" (Carter, Bishop & Lyman Kravits, p. 261).

For online searches try, http://www.google.com, or the University Library at: http://www.apollolibrary.com/Library/library.aspx?bc=1.

The Internet today has made researching information a convenient tool for researchers to use. Although, you need to make sure you can validate your sources. Some ways to check is by looking at the author or group to see if they are reputable. Also, if it ends in a .gov or .edu you know it is a government or educational source. You can also check to see if the source you are looking at is a published piece of information. Also, you can check the accuracy by seeing when the text was written, and comparing it to other sites.

When using the University Library you can pick from numerous databases. The University Library has a "Library Interactive Tutorial," that can be found here, http://www.apollolibrary.com/Library/Tutorial.aspx?tut=1.

If there is something you just do not understand you can ask a librarian. A link to this is: http://www.apollolibrary.com/Library/librarian.aspx?ask=1.

When searching online for information there are some key ways to look for your information. For example, in the chart below they are looking up information on "financial aid."

Note. The data on the image above are adapted from Carter, C., Bishop, J., & Lyman Kravitis, S. (2002). Doing Library and Internet Research. In Keys to College Studying: Becoming a Lifelong Learner (pp. 262).

Upholding Academic Honesty

At Axia or any of type of educational institute you need to learn how to properly cite your work. Especially at a distant learning environment where everything is based on honesty and hard work.

Plagiarism is not only morally wrong it is illegal and can prevent in legal actions. When gathering information you need to always cite your references and list where you received your information from. Axia uses APA format, that you will need to do your in text citations and references by.

Citing your references can be a difficult thing to accomplish. Axia has a Writing Style Handbook that can be accessed through your courses syllabus, which can be used as a guide for APA format. Also, through the school's library there are sample APA references that can be seen at, http://www.apollolibrary.com/cwe/pdfs/AXIASampleAPAReferences.pdf.

There are also things that can lead to plagiarism. Such as, poor time management. You need to give yourself enough to complete the task at hand, and delegate other tasks that may come up unexpectedly. If there is inadequate time management your work may get sloppy and you could plagiarize accidently. There is another tool you can use to double check your work when you think your paper is completed. Axia has a plagiarism tool that you can submit your paper to, and it will let you know if you have incorrectly cited someone else's work. It can be reached at, https://axiaecampus.phoenix.edu/axiauopcwe/Content/Home.h.

Developing Effective Study Skills

Learning in a distant learning environment is different than a traditional school. Here you have your assignments and materials for the entire course given to you on the first day of class. How and when you choose to do your assignments is up to the student. Unlike in a traditional setting you have more help when doing your work. You can ask to see examples or to receive help and get an immediate response. Online you write your instructor an e-mail and await a response. Therefore, you need to have good time management skills to get your work completed to the best of your ability.

SQ3R is a study technique that can help you stay organized and on track while doing your research. It stands for survey, question, read, recite and review. Below is a diagram for better understanding:

Note. The data on the image above are adapted from Carter, C., Bishop, J., & Lyman Kravitis, S. (2002). Mastering Content. In Keys to College Studying: Becoming a Lifelong Learner (p. 156).

Your own learning style could make it seem difficult when referring to Axia format, but once you learn and understand your learning style you can add in your own techniques that will