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CURRENT EVENTS COURSE: HOME

This LibGuide is intended to help students in Current Events who are looking for research, hot topics, debate sites, etc.

WHAT ARE CURRENT EVENTS?

  1. Contemporary developments in local, national, or world affairs; the organized study of such developments
  2. Present-time news events concerning important people, places, things, and ideas; also called current affairs 

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Raising student awareness of global issues is increasingly important as the countries of the world become more interdependent. At the same time, consuming domestic news with a critical eye is vital to enhancing democracy and defeating narrow-mindedness. Students also need an understanding of the world’s economy, politics, social structures and environment in order to make the best decisions about how to live their own lives. More than ever, an appreciation for news and our civic institutions is a key step toward self-empowerment and advancement. (Source:  http://www.pbs.org/now/)

CURRENT EVENTS - MRS. FRECH-OMMENDATIONS ON WHERE TO START!!!!

REMINDERS

  • SEARCHING: Be patient while trying to find the search navigation on any website or database page. It's there, but sometimes it's not easy to find (shame on them for that!!!!). So get your detective on...and find that search box!!! As for your term, that is half of the battle. Work on alternate terms or ways to word your search. Use Google as a tool for viewing alternate terms/wording.
  • PRINTING: It's often easier to copy & paste articles into your Google Drive instead of printing directly from the site (plus it often saves paper). So think of the best way to save & print your articles (and remember to include the URL so you can always get back to the article).
  • DATABASES: Remember, if you are using Padua provided databases (like Gale's Opposing Viewpoints in Context), you'll need usernames & passwords if you try to access them at home, which is why I gmail these to you each semester. So look for a gmail from Mrs. Frech in your mail.

WHERE TO TRY FIRST

1) Try the DATABASES & WEBSITES: Opinion, Debate, & Persuasive Sites for This Class tab above (especially Gale's Opposing Viewpoints in Context...and ProCon.org (which will be a hit or miss, since they have a defined list of covered topics)...and Debate.org (hint: to find the search tab for Debate.org go to Debate.org > Debates tab (or Polls, etc. tab) > and search under that specific area. Do not use the general search box on the HOME page)).

2) If you're not having luck there, try NEWS: Newspapers & Current Events Sites tab above.

3) If you must resort to Google, try a BETTER Google search (narrow your search by using quotation marks, look at the suggested wording under your term while you're typing, and give a try to .edu, .org, and .gov first before .com sites). For example, type the following into your Google search box: "State of the Union Address" .edu .org .gov (f you have no luck, eliminate the .edu .org and .gov part and try again).

4) Depending on your topic, you may also want to try the DATABASES: All Padua Databases tab above (especially recommended is Gale's PowerSearch).

5) Still no luck...try any of the other many choices on this LibGuide...or stop by to see Mrs. Frech.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

  • Remember to keep a doc containing a breadcrumb trail of your visited sites, etc. to assist with location and citation.
  • You can access LibGuides & Databases from home (see "Help at Home" below).
  • Locate your Database Username & Password chart (it was gmailed to you/shared with you).
  • Always know that you can stop up in the Library or email Mrs. Frech if you need assistance.

LIBGUIDE ACCESS (FROM SCHOOL & HOME VIA ANY COMPUTER OR MOBILE DEVICE)

 

 

 

 

 

ACCESSING LIBGUIDES: You can access all available LibGuides, Padua Databases, and the Padua Library Catalog both at school and from any place where you have internet access. The LibGuides link and all other required information can be found in MyPad > Groups > Padua Library > Quick Links > LibGuides.

LOOKING FOR A PARTICULAR LIBGUIDE? Remember, if you are looking for a particular LibGuide, go into LibGuides and look under the class SUBJECT. 

DATABASE USERNAME & PW REMINDER: Most Padua Databases require PW info, especially if you are off school premises. This access info is private; therefore, it cannot be posted on this site, so you can find this info in MyPad > Groups > Padua Library > Quick Links > Database Usernames & Passwords