aidemia--modules-courseplan_type	Create a plan of a course
Which subject	Design and technology
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	Tech Research Tools
Number of lessons	20
Split into modules
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Course Plan: Design and Technology - Tech Research Tools

Course Introduction

Welcome to the "Tech Research Tools" course designed for Year 7 students! In this course, students will explore various research tools and techniques relevant to the field of design and technology. This course aims to equip students with essential skills to navigate, evaluate, and utilize a range of digital resources effectively. As technology continually evolves, understanding how to utilize research tools responsibly and efficiently will serve as a foundation for their future academic and professional endeavors.

Course Goals and Aims

• Goal: To empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively conduct research relevant to design and technology.

• Aims:

  • Understand the importance of research in the design process.
  • Identify and utilize various tech research tools.
  • Develop critical thinking and evaluation skills when assessing resources.
  • Create and present research findings effectively.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Research in Design and Technology

• Lesson 1: What is Research?

  • Defining research in the context of design and technology.

• Lesson 2: The Importance of Research

  • Discussion on how research influences design decisions.

Module 2: Types of Research Tools

• Lesson 3: Overview of Research Tools

  • Introduction to various types of research tools used in design (books, articles, online databases).

• Lesson 4: Library Resources

  • How to effectively use library resources and catalogs.

• Lesson 5: Online Databases

  • Exploring online databases and their relevance.

Module 3: Internet Research Skills

• Lesson 6: Search Engines

  • How to use search engines effectively (Google, Bing).

• Lesson 7: Evaluating Online Sources

  • Tips for assessing the credibility of online information.

• Lesson 8: Using Keywords

  • Effective keyword strategies for targeted research.

Module 4: Academic and Scholarly Resources

• Lesson 9: Understanding Academic Journals

  • Introduction to academic and scholarly publications.

• Lesson 10: Using Google Scholar

  • Navigating Google Scholar for academic research.

Module 5: Specialized Design Resources

• Lesson 11: Design Websites and Blogs

  • Identifying credible design blogs and websites.

• Lesson 12: Using Design Tools

  • Introduction to design software and online tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Spark).

Module 6: Data Collection and Analysis

• Lesson 13: Collecting Data

  • Methods for collecting data relevant to design projects.

• Lesson 14: Analyzing Research Findings

  • Basic techniques for analyzing and summarizing data.

Module 7: Presenting Research

• Lesson 15: Organizing Your Findings

  • Structuring research findings for presentation.

• Lesson 16: Visual Aids

  • Creating visuals and supporting materials for presentations.

• Lesson 17: Presentation Skills

  • Tips for delivering effective presentations.

Module 8: Ethical and Responsible Research

• Lesson 18: Understanding Copyright and Plagiarism

  • Discussion on ethical considerations in research.

• Lesson 19: Citing Sources

  • Introduction to different citation styles (APA, MLA).

Module 9: Final Project

• Lesson 20: Final Research Project
  • Students will conduct a research project on a chosen design topic, culminating in a presentation.

References

• Anderson, C. (2019). Research Methods in Design and Technology. New York: Routledge.
• Denscombe, M. (2014). The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects. London: McGraw-Hill Education.
• Research Methods Knowledge Base. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/
• The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). (2021). Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/citation_styles/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html
• The Practical Researcher: A Guide to Proposal Writing. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348787943

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This course plan provides a comprehensive overview of tech research tools for Year 7 students, focusing on practical skills that can be utilized both in the classroom and beyond.