Welcome to our interactive learning hub, designed to empower high school students as they dive into the world of academic research, digital media, and information literacy. Whether you're researching in an academic library, creating a podcast, or producing a short documentary, this site is your guide through the exciting journey of inquiry-based learning.
Our goal? To help you master the skills needed to confidently navigate academic spaces and produce meaningful, multimedia projects that spark conversation. Collaborating with expert teacher librarians and high school educators, you will learn to think critically, work creatively, and communicate your ideas effectively.
Ready to get started? Explore the resources, tools, and learning spaces we've created just for you. Let's turn your research into something amazing!
In this episode of Crash Course: How to College, Erica talks us through what preparing for college could entail and how we can be active in that preparation. Applying to college is exciting and stressful and lots of other things that cause a whole lot of emotions. But you can take steps now that will make the college admissions process a lot easier once you get to that point.
Over the next few weeks, you will take a deep dive into the issue of your choice -- a lesser-known historical event or person, the science of sustainability, the hidden costs of fast fashion -- any political, historical, scientific, literary, or contemporary social issue that you are interested in.
You will work in groups to study your issue:
How does information shape our understanding of the world?
How can the sources of information we use influence our perspectives and conclusions?
What are the implications of misinformation or biased sources in academic research?
What makes a piece of information reliable and trustworthy?
How do we evaluate the credibility of a source?
What factors should be considered when determining if a source is valid for academic use?
How do digital tools transform the way we research and present information?
In what ways can multimedia (e.g., podcasts, videos) enhance our understanding of a topic compared to traditional essays or reports?
What are the advantages and challenges of using digital media in academic settings?
Why is collaboration important in research and information sharing?
How can working with others improve the research process and the quality of the final product?
What strategies can help manage effective collaboration across different roles, such as between students and librarians?
How do we responsibly use and share information in the digital age?
What are the ethical considerations in using digital media for research and projects?
How do copyright laws and fair use policies affect the way we create and share academic work?
What role do academic libraries play in lifelong learning and intellectual growth?
How can academic libraries help students prepare for college and beyond?
In what ways can early exposure to academic research tools influence future success in higher education?
How can storytelling through media (e.g., podcasts, documentaries) impact public understanding of complex issues?
What elements make a compelling story in a podcast or short documentary?
How can multimedia storytelling help bridge gaps in understanding for a wider audience?
What are the skills and strategies needed to effectively navigate a digital and academic landscape?
How do research strategies differ between traditional library systems and digital databases?
What are the steps to crafting a strong, research-based argument using multiple sources?
At the end of the project, your group will create a short podcast or documentary film inspired by what you learn.
Credits
Header image: Image by PrompterMalaya (press 👍 and ⭐) from Pixabay
References
CrashCourse. (2022, April 7). How to prepare for college | How to college | Crash Course [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84873656908