Electronic Citation–Salvation or Damnation?

Today I explored the world of electronic, on-line citation creators. Hmmmm….

My feelings are mixed. It’s kind of like buying pre-made Chex Mix in a bag. Ultimately you have the same result, but is it really the same? I like the sites and think they can be very helpful–ah, to be an English major in 2008!!! But I must admit I still see the value in teaching the skills it takes to format your own bibliography.

1. I had a hard time finding a site that would create a citation for a poem or work of literature within an anthology. This is a major component of some higher level classes. If students have the ability or knowledge about creating citations, they can adapt this knowledge to suit any assignment, as well as any citation format that a professor could randomly select.

2. I have found that kids have a hard time following formulas. If I give them a bibliography formula and work with them on following this, that will also help with math and chemistry skills where placing information in formulas is a valuable skill.

3. Again I’m concerned with kids who do not have technology available to them. Teaching them to write bibliographies will help them get work done at home when technology is not available. (But that’s a whole other discussion about technology running our world–see future blog entries. LOL)

So, I guess I would wrap this up by saying that sometimes, yes, I buy the Chex Mix in the bag when I’m in a hurry or heading to the next school pitch-in. But you know what? I really like it when I can pull my very own warm batch of Chex Mix out of the oven…

PS…I liked Bibme and Easy Bib. Easybib had a clear area for citing literature in anthologies.

It’s a New Day!

Wambo has a new blog–better than a new pair of shoes!  Ok, maybe not.

What shall I do with this? Wow… The possibilities are endless. I’m seeing a lot of homework in your future.