TOP PICKS | 20 TOOLS
Research and Citation Tools for Students
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PebbleGo
Easily accessible, kid-friendly database for the littlest researchers
Bottom line: Delightful, safe introduction to the world of research, databases, and reporting, with interesting articles and helpful teacher supports.
NowComment
Rich collaboration and discussion site engages students and teachers
Bottom line: It's a versatile discussion platform for teaching, peer reviewing, and fostering active reading, and offers much more than traditional word processors.
Citelighter
Substantial all-in-one tool scaffolds the research and writing process
Bottom line: This smart, intuitive system supports students in every step of the writing process.
Digital Public Library of America
Organized digital library features piles of useful primary resources
Bottom line: DPLA is at the top of the list of high-grade, online primary source collections if teachers make effective use of what's on offer.
Gooru
Personalized tool fosters exploration, teacher-led meaningful learning
Bottom line: A great portal for supplementing classroom instruction; supports independent and personalized learning.
ZoteroBib
Fewer clicks and less clutter equal a new go-to site for citing sources
Bottom line: An intuitive site that takes the stress out of citing sources, but students will still need instruction to tweak auto-generated citations.
findingDulcinea
Aging search tool has curated resources and links to credible sites
Bottom line: It can help kids quickly find credible websites for study and schoolwork, but those resources will be a bit out-of-date.
SweetSearch
Search engine with filtered results leaves room for critical thinking
Bottom line: SweetSearch supplies valid, reputable websites that can help kids learn about a variety of topics.
Britannica School
More interactive support and instruction than Wikipedia -- for a price
Bottom line: Over 140,000 credible and up-to-date articles are presented with social media savvy; the research here is engaging and accessible.
Hypothes.is
Browser extensions add layer of annotation and discussion to the web
Bottom line: Free, user-friendly tool opens up the web to in-context annotation and discussion.
Imagine Easy Academy
Versatile site helps integrate literacy skills into the curriculum
Bottom line: Detailed lessons make information literacy accessible; it's a great resource for teaching research-based units.
NoodleTools
Expansive research tool uniquely melds learning and productivity
Bottom line: While the complex, old-school design isn't ideal, NoodleTools gives students specific assistance where they need it the most -- with citations, paraphrasing, elaboration, and organization.
Diigo
Social bookmarking encourages discovery, collaboration, and sharing
Bottom line: With a Diigo educator account, teachers and students have a safe space to organize, customize, and share Web content while learning about a variety of subjects.
EasyBib
Helpful citation and writing resource for instant bibliographies
Bottom line: EasyBib takes the pain out of citing sources and gives students and teachers a comprehensive place to organize all research paper-related activity.
PowerNotes
Simple, efficient research tool lacks features for group projects
Bottom line: When paired with strategic teacher guidance, the simple user interface and effective research-gathering capabilities make this a useful but incomplete option.
Weava
Chrome extension helps organize web-based research
Bottom line: For Chrome users and mostly digital classrooms, this is a fairly intuitive tool that'll help students wrangle their research.
Scrible
Browser extension helpful for annotation and research organization
Bottom line: A solid -- with room to grow -- annotation and research tool; serious users will need to pay for premium.
Google Scholar
Academic search engine, an excellent source for credible research info
Bottom line: This smart tool can help teens locate credible material for paper and report writing, general research, and other school projects.
Purdue Online Writing Lab
Quality resources for literary teens, but won't motivate reluctant writers
Bottom line: Use this site as a robust resource for all aspects of the writing process, but don't expect an online community or interactivity.
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database
Deep, complex database is challenging but a peerless research tool
Bottom line: This is a highly academic site for better and for worse; it's filled with deep, research-backed resources and primary sources but is intimidating without clear guidance.