Rob,
I too have noticed the trend toward students asking very basic questions
on the net that would or should be answered by a quick trip to the
library. Recent questions I have seen were both done when I did Jr. High
Science Fair 25 years ago and we didn't have the net to use to get info -
just the public library.
I encourage students to use the library first and then the net. Our
library is very bad but, it is still possible to find info if you only
learn where to look. My seniors last year had never heard of
Bioabstracts or Science Citation Index. They thought you looked up
journal articles in the card catalog so, two class days were spent in the
library learning how to use the library. As it was, only half the class
attempted the assignment. They'd rather take a zero than work.
Last May there was a rash of high school students wanting info for
projects due the next day along with parents wanting info for their
kids. In both of these instances I find the use of the net
unacceptable. However, I would look more favorably on high school kids
using the net to get info since many only have access to public libraries
that sometimes lack good science info. I put myself through college
working at a Los Angeles Co. library which, while being better than most,
still left lots to be desired in the way of scientific info. If you use
the net, at least search before asking.
There's nothing like reading the article (primary source) yourself to get
the whole picture.
Cyndy
--
Dr. Cynthia M. Galloway
Associate Professor
Dept. of Biology
Campus Box 158
Texas A&M University
Kingsville, TX 78363
(512)595-3790
FAX: 512/595-3409
