Getting Organized

When you're starting your research project...

Make sure you understand the assignment and come up with a plan.
Get initial organization in place - read below!
Begin finding your focus through initial information gathering.

Create a Google Drive Folder for Your Project

  • Open your Google Drive.
  • Navigate to the folder for your class. 
    If you don't already have a folder for your class, create one now!
  • Inside of your class folder, create a folder for your project.
  • Moving forward, store all project-related documents in your new project folder.

Is this a group project?

  • Have just one person create a project folder and share it with other group members providing "Can edit" rights.
   Other group members then:
  • Locate the shared project folder in their Google Drive under "Shared With Me."
  • Right-click on shared project folder and select "Add to My Drive."
  • Once added, organize shared project folder inside of personal class folder.

  • Moving forward, any documents added to the shared project folder may be accessed and edited by all group members.

Keeping Track of General Website Resources as You Start Exploring Your Topic

As you initially explore your research topic, you will usually start by looking at a number of websites. Some websites may end up being more or less useful as you progress through the research process. Since you may not use them all, you likely don't want to create a formal citation for every website that you look at; but, it may be helpful to track websites that you review so that you may return to them later. Below are two strategies that may help you keep track of websites.
  • Bookmark your Google Drive project folder in the Chrome bookmark folder for your project for easy access to all of your project work documents!
  • Install and use extension to quickly copy open tabs.
  • Paste the links into a Google Doc in your project folder.
  • Reference website list later or use to quickly re-open.

Ready to take notes and and attribute your information sources? Visit these other pages to learn more.