Online Research Toolkit

I have a theory. With the proliforation of online tools (word processors, linksavers, etc.), I think that soon, if not now, someone will be able to do all the actions they need for research, all online. All the research materials may not be online, but the tools you need to do research are or will be soon.

This site will be a collection of reviews of online tools and suggested uses for online research. Many of these services are in beta testing and so may end up with new functions, new fees, or may disappear completely. However, I think that the potential is there, and I will try to keep these posts updated and current. (Wish me luck!)

Do I really think that distance students (and faculty, and librarians) will all jump up and start using all of these tools to become hardware independent? Of course not. But, a few of these may be just what you’re looking for to work on that group project, or to use when your job (or your life) sends you off on a big trip right in the middle of your online course.

I’m using a blogging tool for this, because of the ease of updating. Each tool will be assigned to a category, and each category will be accessible from the side bar. Categories will include Online Searching, Notetaking, Collaboration, Presentation, and probably more as I find more tools. (I’ll take suggestions, too.)

I hope you find this information intriguing, and useful.