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STUDY

Use the Information

The Addison Trail Information Literacy Instructional System is a process to help you think and work through questions and  projects. You need to follow a system to find and develop the best answers to your research questions.  The following steps were developed and adapted by the AT faculty.
State the Question - That includes the task analysis, asking the questions and knowing what needs to be done.  Set a timeline that allows you to meet your deadlines.
Track down the Resources - Find out what resources you need to answer your questions and where do you find them.  What access do you have?
Use the Information 

Using information means to begin to make it your own.  This is done by taking all of the information you gathered and organizing it.  Create your own "web" of ideas to support your thesis - your main point.  

This is hard work and takes time.  It is something only you can do after you have gathered information for your main points.  You may find that you need more information for certain points.  At this point you "Track down more resources."
  Sort and organize your notes.  
  Paraphrase, quote and cite the sources you are using.  
  Make notes, use graphic organizers or an outline to bring order to your thoughts.
  Review the details on Plagiarism so you can avoid this important mistake!
  Using citations is key to avoiding plagiarism and creates a "scholarly piece." 
Do your assigned project.  Use the information to design your presentation.  Is it a PowerPoint presentation, a speech, a lab report or a research paper?  Remember your First Draft is not your final presentation.  Editing and revisions are a real part of presenting your thoughts based on the information you found.
You Evaluate.  How did you do?  What will you do differently when you do this again?  What do you think of your skill in gathering information, presenting, and meeting requirements?  Are you skilled at finding and using Information?