We truly live in an information age. Because of the computer, you can access huge quantities of information literally with your fingertips. However, as a college writer, you are expected to use information that was generated by careful thought and research. Finding these quality sources requires knowledge and practice.

This skill module begins with two units on the basics of using the World Wide Web, appropriate for beginning users and available for more experienced users to review. Units 3 and 4 cover the effective use of Web search engines for academic research, Unit 5 explains how to assess the quality of sources, Unit 6 covers electronic use of the University library, and Unit 7 explains how to document sources.

Each of these units includes an assignment designed to help you with your research-based writing. Unless your instructor directs you otherwise, use the research topic you've chosen for your coursework in these exercises. Doing your research early and incrementally means you can avoid some of the overload at the end of the semester. In addition, should a problem come up with your topic, it won't be too late to make a change.

Make sure you have set up a University e-mail account so that you can communicate with your instructor and receive all course-related messages. You can access your e-mail at the computer lab via the University's system, PINE. Click here for PINE instructions.

You are welcome to use the campus computing lab for your course work and research. Check with your instructor for your campus's location and hours.

You also can work on this module or do your course research from home if you have internet access. The University of Delaware provides all enrolled students with Internet access free of charge.  Phone lines are available in each country.  Click here for instructions for accessing the UDEL network from home.   If you have another ISP (Internet Service Provider) at home, and wish to access the University's network (the library databases, etc.), you will need to set up a Proxy server and have Netscape on your system. Click here for instructions. Note: when you click on links in this module, the link will usually open in a new browser window.  To go back to the original window, click on the x at the top right corner of the window to close that window.

Contents

Below is a more detailed list of what each unit covers. You can click on any of these topics any time you wish to read or review the material.