Summary
Highlights
Vivian introduces documentation as the final step in completing a written assignment, emphasizing its importance in providing a listing of resources used. This prevents plagiarism by giving credit to original ideas and allows instructors to verify information. The video will not detail how to document but will show available tools.
Instructors will specify the required citation style, usually APA or MLA. The video differentiates between a 'bibliography' and a 'works cited' page, advising students to confirm with their instructor for clarification. A bibliography is defined as an alphabetical listing of all resources used, documented according to specific standards.
Historically, students used hard copy manuals (like MLA manual) to manually format citations. Now, software tools and database features can automate this process. However, it's crucial to proofread automated citations and prioritize the instructor's specific guidelines over tool-generated formats. Current editions are APA 7th and MLA 9th, but instructors may request older editions.
The video demonstrates how to find citation generators on a recommended websites page, listing options like BibMe, Citation Machine, Cite This For Me, and EasyBib. It also points out resources for using style manuals and highlights that hard copies of APA and MLA manuals are available in the library for reference or copying.
Vivian showcases the 'Citation Machine' tool. After selecting 'create citations,' she demonstrates how to generate a citation for a website by pasting the URL. The tool identifies the article and populates citation fields, allowing for review and completion. It generates citations in various styles, including APA 7th and MLA 9th.
When copying citations from the tool, it's essential to use the 'copy citation' button to maintain proper formatting (e.g., indentation, italics) and avoid using simple copy-paste shortcuts. The video briefly also shows how to manually create a citation for a book if the ISBN is not available, by filling out a form within the tool.
While citation tools are helpful, they are not always perfect, and students must verify the accuracy and adhere to instructor guidelines. The bibliography must be alphabetized. Documentation is a critical final step in an assignment, and students are encouraged not to "drop the ball." Vivian advises working on documentation when comfortable, either throughout the writing process or at the end, and previews a final video on additional tools.