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Fall '25 - ENGL 1301 - Mackovic - by Kara Dixon: Source Hunt Activity

Step 1

1. Brainstorm Keywords 

Think about your essay topic.  What are the main ideas or key terms you could search for? 
Write them in the box on your worksheet.

If you get stuck, try:

  • Breaking your topic into concepts and listing a few possible ways to say each
  • Googling synonyms or related words
  • Using an AI tool (like ChatGPT) to help you think of relevant keywords and variations
     

Example Topic:

Comparing Online Learning vs. In-Person Learning 

Possible Keywords:

online learning virtual classes digital divide
e-learning achievement motivation
distance education face-to-face learning traditional classroom
student success challenges traditional learning

Step 2

2. Search the Library Databases 

Choose one database from the three below and begin a search using the keywords you brainstormed in Step 1. 

More databases available on the A-Z List of Databases. 

Tips!

  • Combine keywords 
  • Quotation marks around phrases ("online learning")
  • Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)
  • Use filters
     

  • "online learning" AND "student success"
  • "distance education" AND motivation"
  • "online learning" OR "virtual learning"
  • "online learning" NOT "high school"
  • Virtual class* OR teach*

Step 3

3. Keep Track of Your Sources

When you find a source that looks promising for your assignment, write the details on your worksheet and email yourself the citation or permalink.

Remember to use the citation and permalink tools in the library databases!

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