Information Literacy Toolkit: Research Log
Assignment Description
Research Logs help students document their research strategy and keep track of where they found their sources. Instructors can require students to turn this document in with their papers. Adapt the attached paper assignment for your class, or use some of the web-based solutions below. Research logs are also a great way to help students collaborate as part of group research projects. Instructors can consider asking each student to mark their contributions. The Find Articles guide is useful for this assignment.
Suggested web-based solutions for research logs
- Google Drive (Documents)Google Documents are easy to use, can be accessed from any device at any time, and allow students and the instructor to see who is contributing with the "history" feature.
- Cons - at least one student must have a Google account.
- Pros - easy to see who has added what, can be shared with group members who don't have an account - PadletPadlet users can create a virtual bulletin board where they can post links and text, organized any way.
- Cons - At least one student (or the instructor) has to have an account
- Pros - easy to organize items by topic, flexible, easy to use.