10 Online Research Tools Every Online Learner Should Know About

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This article will give you some insights on how to make your research process more effective using online research tools.

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10 Awesome Online Research Tools 

Online learning has opened up the opportunity for many people to educate themselves, learn new skills, and earn college degrees even if they are not able to attend classes in a traditional sense of the word. Some just don’t have the time/money to move or commute to another city, or they work full time and have families, which means eLearning is their only option. As great as online learning is, it has several drawbacks. Obviously, it requires you to be online most of the time, which is fine, if you are doing research, writing, taking online tests, or attending your virtual classes.

But being online also makes you more prone to procrastination and distractions. There is also the issue of keeping all those gigabytes of research data organized and having hardware that’s powerful enough to enable real-time communication. These are just some of the issues eLearners face. Fortunately, there is something you can do to make your eLearning experience a lot more efficient and stimulating, especially the research part. We have prepared a list of 10 online research tools every online learner should master.

1. Todoist.
   Research is a time-intensive activity, which means you will need a tool to organize both your professional and personal life. We advise you to give Todoist a shot. Todoist enables you to manage all of your projects and access them from any platform you own, including your desktop computer, laptop, or portable devices. You can share your tasks and collaborate with other people. Another clever feature is “karma” points, which are given to users if they are successful in assigning tasks to projects.
2. EndNote.
   EndNote is a multi-functional research tool which helps you search for information in online databases and full texts based on abstracts, as well as manage and auto-complete all of your references. Like Todoist, EndNote also enables you to share your research data with your collaborators. If you prefer to work alone, you can do that too by saving, managing and tagging your research results for better access. Other features include bibliography maker that is capable of creating citations in over 6,000 styles, as well as automatic journal suggestion.
3. EduGeeksClub.
   Every once in a while, you are going to come across an insurmountable obstacle while doing your research. Instead of giving up, you can turn to EduGeeksClub for professional research help. Get in touch with professional writers and researchers and learn all the ins and outs of thorough research. Also, you can commission a paper from them which you can then use as a resource for your essay, paper, or dissertation. They also provide editing and proofreading services.
4. Zotero.
   Another essential tool all online learners should make use of is Zotero. Zotero integrates itself seamlessly into your browser and uses its clever ability to automatically recognize content for you. After that, all it takes for you to save it to your personal, fully searchable library, which is another feature in Zotero, in a single click. It supports audio and video files, PDF documents, as well as most image formats.
5. RefWorks.
   RefWorks is a browser-based tool which has the ability to help learners find the right research data, organize it, store it, and easily share it with their colleagues and collaborators. All of that research information and written work needs to be supported by proper citations, and RefWorks generates those for you automatically, as well as bibliographies in every style. If you are not sure how to make use of its full potential, there are plenty of tutorials on how to do it, right there on the website.
6. DataElixir.
   One of the best ways to keep up to date with all the latest news, developments and data in science is to find a website which curates all of those on a weekly basis. We recommend Data Elixir. Whether you’re an eLearner, a scientist, or a researcher, you benefit a lot for its weekly collection of all the best data resources and news, and you don’t even have to put in any effort whatsoever. You just have to subscribe to their free weekly newsletter and that’s it.
7. Paperpile.
   Paperfile is a reference management software which, similar to Zotero, works as an extension for Google Chrome browser, making it accessible for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux users. We recommend that you use it to find and import data from platforms like Google Scholar, PubMed, or arXiv. You can easily export all the PDF documents and data to Google Drive, which means you’ll have the opportunity for collaborative editing of your papers. The collaboration doesn’t end there, because you can send data back and forth between Paperpile and Zotero, for example, as well as Mendeley.
8. DeepDyve.
   High-quality research papers and scholarly journals can often set you back a pretty penny, so it’s important for you to know exactly what you’re getting for the money you’ve paid. The only trouble is, you are often allowed to look at an abstract for free, and decide if you want to buy the full-text paper, and then realize it’s of no use to you. DeepDyve enables you to access the full-text articles for a limited period of time, enough for you to figure out if the paper is exactly what you are looking for.
9. ContentMine.
   ContentMine is an online resource which aims to bring over 100,000,000 scientific facts close to the people, by converting the collective knowledge of the world that is present in scientific literature into content which can be read on your computes. All of its tools, features, and services are free and open access. They often cite Wikipedia and similar open projects as a source of their inspiration.
10. Plagiarism Checker.
    In order to rid your work of duplicate content, run it through Plagiarism Checker, which will scan and determine if there is any duplicate content present. If there is, you either need to provide better citations, or rewrite your work so that it’s more unique.

These 10 awesome online research tools will change the way you do research for good, and for the better, and your eLearning process will be made much more streamlined and efficient. In the end, that’s the thing that matters the most.Educational Technology ToolsFree Educational Technology ToolsOnline LearnersOnline Learning Write or read Comments

READ ALSO

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By Christopher Pappas
June 9, 20165 minutes to readWrite a commentELEARNING BEST PRACTICES

7 Tips To Enhance Online Research Skills Through eLearning

They say that the internet is a gold mine of information, but do your online learners know how to properly prospect it? In this article, I’ll share 7 tips to enhance the online research skills of your learners through eLearning.

How To Enhance Online Research Skills Through eLearning

Finding the information you need has never been easier, thanks to the internet and mobile devices. Gone are the days of saving up all of your questions for the next trip to the library or study hall. Today, your online learners have the power to read eLearning articles, watch eLearning tutorials, and play serious games that entertain and educate. But even tech gurus may find it challenging to wade through all the information to find the nuggets of wisdom. Luckily, you can help them cultivate their online research skills by using these 7 eLearning design tips.

1. Provide them with a list of must-have eLearning resources.
   In order to conduct online research your learners need some tools of the trade. You can equip them with a well-stocked tool box by compiling a list of must-have eLearning resources. Break the list up by category and include as many links as you can, making sure to offer a good mix of eLearning blogs, sites, articles, and eLearning videos. Encourage them to add links that they find during their online research for the benefit of their peers. Update the eLearning resource database on a regular basis and replace any outdated or broken links with new online sources. In addition, you need to ensure that all of the online resources on the list are credible.
2. Teach them the basics of source citation.
   Citing sources is an essential part of online research, especially if you want to avoid copyright issues and give credit where credit is due. Provide your audience with articles, tutorials, eLearning videos, and tip sheets on how to properly cite an online source, including websites, news articles, and online books. Choose one style that you would like to use, such as MLA or Chicago, so that everyone is on the same page. Noteworthy online sources can also be added to their eLearning resource database, which can save them research time in the future. You may also want to stress the importance of choosing reliable online sources, and show them how to cross-check the information to avoid inaccuracies. For example, including three or four different sources for each topic.
3. Stick to one research topic at a time.
   It’s easy to start mixing up ideas and concepts when you research multiple topics at once. That’s why it’s important to focus on one research topic for each eLearning session. Encourage your online learners to set a goal before they begin the research process, as well as any questions that they need to answer by the time they’re finished. This also improves their notetaking skills and makes the process more productive, as well as helping to prevent cognitive overload. Instead of trying to concentrate on a variety of different topics, they can dedicate all of their time and attention to one specific area. If your eLearning course involves a more complicated subject, then chunk it into more manageable subtopics that online learners can explore individually.
4. Develop browser and search engine tutorials.
   Some of your online learners may already have the desire to become research pros, but they simply lack the tech know-how. You can remove this obstacle by creating browser and search engine tutorials that teach them the basics. Give them a step-by-step walk through of how to effectively use the search engines, such as how to choose the right keywords. Research your audience beforehand to gauge their level of tech familiarity so that you can customize each tutorial. For example, if they already know which search engines to use and how to conduct research on their mobile devices, you can skip these areas in your tutorial.
5. Include research breaks into your eLearning course.
   Everybody needs a break from time to time to refresh and regroup. Set aside some time after each online research session or eLearning activity when your learners can give their brain a chance to absorb the information. This also helps to reduce cognitive overload, particularly when corporate learners are researching more evolved or complicated topics. You might also consider setting sub-goals for your online learners, such as researching one aspect of the topic before their first break and then diving into the second when they are mentally refreshed. This way they won’t start blurring concepts and can fully assimilate the information before moving forward.
6. Create an online forum for peer-based sharing.
   In addition to websites and eLearning blogs, peers can also serve as a valuable source of information. Create an online forum where learners can gather online and share their eLearning resource links, feedback, and experience. You can also opt for a project management online platform or document sharing site, such as Google Drive. For example, online learners who have printed learning materials can scan them in and share them with their colleagues. Be sure to set some ground rules so that learners stay on topic and don’t veer off on time consuming tangents.
7. Pair it with time management skills.
   One of the most important sub-skills of online research is time management. They must be able to find the facts and stats in a timely manner, without letting distractions stand in the way. For example, learners who spend half the time chatting with their friends on Facebook or watching irrelevant YouTube videos are wasting valuable online research time. Encourage your learners to create a schedule and stick to it. This should map out how long they’ll spend on each topic, as well as how often they will take study breaks.

Online research skills are often overlooked in eLearning course design, despite the fact that they can be used in every aspect of your eLearning program. You can use these 7 tips to enhance the online research skills of your learners through eLearning and help your audience tap into the mine of knowledge.

Online research is just one of the soft skills that your learners need to know. Read the article 4 Tips To Develop Soft Skill Courses For Corporate eLearning to discover how to build soft skills courses for corporate eLearning, and how to apply the top 4 skill sets that corporate learners need in the modern workplace.Adult LearnerseLearning Best PracticesOnline LearnersSoft Skills

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By Christopher Pappas
February 18, 20137 minutes to readComments: 9FREE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

12 Best Free Online Bibliography And Citation Tools (2017 Update)

Referencing the person whose ideas an eLearning content developer uses is of the utmost importance. Plagiarism is the worst nightmare of every eLearning professional. Are you looking for the best free online bibliography and citation tools? In this article, I’ll share the top 12 free online bibliography and citation tools.

The Best Free Online Bibliography And Citation Tools 

Free online bibliography and citation tools have become an integral part of every eLearning project, especially if you are on a tight eLearning budget. eLearning content developers make extensive use of these platforms to avoid being accused of stealing somebody else’s ideas. However, cost keeps rising if you add fancy citation tools with elegant and advanced features. So, here are the best free online bibliography and citation tools that are bound to get the job done without any extra burden on your eLearning budget.

1. BibMe

One of the most functional free online bibliography and citation tools on the Internet. All the features an eLearning content developer needs are there.

• 4 Citation Styles
  Whether you are using MLA, APA, Turabian or Chicago, BibMe can help you reference your work effectively.
• Variety Of Sources
  Journals, websites, books and many other sources covering both digital and print format.
• Plagiarism Checker
  Check your content for plagiarism against plenty of sources on the Internet to avoid using somebody else’s words.

Features And Plans

• Free Version Available
  Most of the features are available in the free version.

2. Citation Machine

This is definitely one of the most easy to use free online bibliography and citation tools.

• Vast Citation Style Variety
  Citation Machine can help eLearning content developers reference in all 4 major styles, namely APA, MLA, Chicago and Turabian. However, it provides an immense library of 7.000 additional citation styles for many different fields.
• Resources And Guides
  The platform offers a guide on how to properly cite in APA, MLA, and Chicago.
• Plagiarism Checker
  Much like BibMe, this platform also offers this feature that only comes if you subscribe though.
• Numerous Sources
  Citation Machine allows you to cite content from books, magazines, newspapers, journals, films and many other sources.

Features And Plans

• Free Version Available
  Citation Machine offers many of its great features for free.

3. Citavi

Citavi is multi-purpose free online bibliography and citation tool eLearning content developers can use for their knowledge organization needs. It is also a reference manager and a task management platform.

• Research Process Management
  From importing sources, referencing them properly and then exporting them, to managing content and allocating tasks in a team, this free online bibliography and citation tool does much more than help you create a works-cited page.
• Many Options To Add References
  Citavi gives you the chance to choose the way you want to add references. It features 35 options to include automatical or manual referencing as well as using a bar code scanner or PDF referencing.
• Knowledge Organizer
  Two groundbreaking options that are Citavi exclusives enable you to organize knowledge in an efficient way. Keywording and a hierarchical category system will aid you in adding your own thoughts to the platform.

Features And Plans

• Free Version Available And Various Premium Options
  Citavi will not charge you anything for up to 100 references. Then, you have various premium membership options for commercial use, education as well as student and personal use.

4. Citefast

While having a relatively simplistic interface, this platform offers all the major functions of a good free online bibliography and citation tool.

• 3 Citation Styles
  APA, MLA and Chicago to cover all your basic reference needs as well as an in-text citation generator.
• Good Variety Of Sources
  Webpages, books, journals, newspapers and online videos along with many other digital and print sources.
• Style Guides For All 3 Citation Styles
  Comprehensive list of style tips for APA, MLA and Chicago.

Features And Plans

• No Subscription Programs
  Citefast offers all of its features for free.

5. Citelighter

An award-winning multi-purpose free online bibliography and citation tool that also functions as an excellent writing aid tool.

• Automatic Bibliographies And Writing Templates
  Citelighter will generate your bibliographies automatically leaving you more time for writing. It also features great writing template variety to help you organize your thoughts effectively.

Features And Plans

• Demo Version And 1 Premium Option Available
  Although Citelighter has a paid version, you do have the chance to test out many of its great features for free. Citelighter offers a very competitive package in a very affordable price which they claim is 80% less than similar market solutions. By contacting them you can find out about the price specifics.

6. Docear

Open-source academic literature management and free online bibliography and citation tool with lots of interesting features that can assist eLearning content developers in referencing their eLearning materials.

• Single-Section User Interface
  Easy-to-use layout that allows users to organize documents and categorize annotations. It also enables multiple viewing of various annotations in different documents.
• Available In Various Platforms
  Windows, Mac, and Linux to suit the needs of any eLearning content developer.

Features And Plans

• No Premium Subscription Required
  Docear doesn’t have any premium membership options, but it does give you the chance to donate for its running and maintenance costs.

7. Recipes4Success

What’s radical about this free online bibliography and citation tool is that it gives you the chance to even reference sources like sound effects, music pieces, images and email messages.

• Automatically Formatted Citations
  You still have to type in all the information but Recipes4Success formats it for you.
• Simple And Easy-To-Use Interface
  Recipe4Success’s user-friendly interface is applicable to all sorts of needs.

Features And Plans

• No Premium Subscription Required
  No fee is required for users to utilize Recipes4Success’s features.

8. OttoBib

While we are in the digital era a great deal of information comes from print publications such as books. OttoBib is one ofthose free online bibliography and citation tools that are used specifically for book sources.

• ISBN Citations
  OttoBib enables eLearning content developers to reference their content just by providing the ISBN number of the book they used.
• 6 Citation Styles
  MLA, APA, Chicago, Turabian, Wikipedia and BibTeX to cover all your basic citation needs.
• Google Chrome Extension
  This add-on allows you to create citations from the comfort of your favorite web browser.

Features And Plans

• No Subscription Required
  OttoBib does not require any premium subscriptions.

Design the Best Learning Experience for your Academic AudienceFind, choose and compare the top eLearning Authoring Tools for Academic Learning!FIND THE RIGHT VENDOR

9. RefDot

Although you wouldn’t actually call it a free online bibliography and citation tool, eLearning content developers can definitely benefit from this Google Chrome extension.

• Numerous Citation Options
  RefDot allows you to cite books, journals, and websites.
• Reference Storing
  References are stored in your Google Chrome browser.
• Lots Of Features
  Simultaneous author management, XML, standard text and HTML format viewing.

Features And Plans

• No Subscription Required
  RefDot is a 100% free Google Chrome extension.

10. Zotero

Browser plugin and a great free online bibliography and citation tool that helps eLearning content developers gather, manage and share their research sources.

• Personalized Resource Libraries
  By embedding this plugin you are able to store digital sources of virtually any kind in your library by a single click.
• Support For Many Sites
  From university libraries to news sites, Zotero provides all the research assistance you need.

Features And Plans

• No Subscription Required
  Zotero is a free online bibliography and citation tool. As such it does not require any memberships.

11. EasyBib

Free online bibliography and citation tools constitute a functional way for people wanting to reference various types of content, both digital and print. EasyBib provides a well-rounded solution for all your citation needs.

• 59 Content Sources
  Content sources range from traditional types such as books and journal articles all the way to live performances and newsletters.
• Manual Cite
  Although Easybib provides automatically formatted citations, you also have the option to manually cite your references and even add annotations.

Features And Plans

• No Subscription Required
  EasyBib offers its citation features for free.

12. CiteThisForMe

CiteThisForMe is one of those free online bibliography and citation tools that offer a plethora of features for reference management.

• Functional Interface
  Citethisforme showcases a great layout. Everything you need is easily accessible from the comfort of your own dashboard.
• Practical Features
  Great variety of sources, citation styles, and editing options. What’s more, if you pay for a subscription you can get additional features such as a plagiarism checker, a Chrome add-on and a mobile application.

Features And Plans

• Free Version And 1 Premium Option Available
  Although CiteThisForMe comes with a free version, there is also 1 premium option available. For $9 you can purchase the premium version and get 5 plagiarism checks per month, spelling and grammar checks as well as various other features.

Free online bibliography and citation tools are the most effective way for eLearning content developers to give credit to people whose ideas they used. More importantly, these platforms offer great and functional features with no additional expenses, which is extremely important for maintaining a low eLearning budget for an eLearning project.

Free online bibliography and citation tools are just one type of tool eLearning content developers should have in their bunker. Another one is free tools to create infographics. Read the article List Of Free Tools To Create Infographics For Your Learners and find out about the best free tools to produce quality infographics for online learners.Free Educational TechnologyFree Educational Technology Tools