Thing 21--Student tools

The idea of this thing is good, but the reality is pretty humorous. Most students only think about their assignment a few days before it is due. We've all been at the reference desk and has students tell us that their 10 page paper is due tomorrow. My 10 year old is not there yet since in elementary school there is very little homework, but she is generally interested in school work and likes to get started early.

I looked at the Assignment Calculator and thought that the steps laid out by the program seemed useful if you give yourself enough time to do the assignment. As a librarian in the public library, I can see myself suggesting this to patrons who are working on a project. I don't know if would work for library projects, since they don't fit into the subject categories, but since the guidelines are very broad and general, it could be useful.

The Research Calculator is interesting. After listing the assignment dates, this tool gives you questions to contemplate as you work on your project. It teaches students to think about their project. I liked this one and I think it could be used for library projects.

The uses of these tools are limited, but still have value.