Citing Internet Sources

Denise Radaker

Instruction Elective 1

SLM 521

As a college professor this past semester, I had many responsibilities. One of which was being sure that students knew the proper way to cite sources from a variety of sources. Students in the level 111 (basically Spanish 3) had to complete a project on a famous Hispanic with a Power Point presentation (in Spanish). Rather than leave it to them to find the proper way on their own, I linked from Blackboard to two sites: one for APA and one for MLA. As a language major, I used MLA style for years. However, upon entering the Masters program, I have had to use APA. I understand that my students may not be language majors so providing both styles is best. Students did have to tell me which style they were using when they handed in their resources. Several students simply gave me the web site URL where they obtained their information. I did not give them credit and referred them to the link site for proper Internet resource citing. One student argued with me that another professor had accepted it that way. I simply asked what year he was, a sophomore, then proceeded to explain that he needed to learn the proper way now because senior year he has a thesis to present and improper citing would not be accepted by the review board for graduation. I believe I had his attention then. I also understand, as a student myself, how frustrating citing Internet sources can be. I sometimes feel as if I am on a treasure hunt to find what is needed to properly cite the resource. I use the following site for information regarding APA style. I like the use of examples to show the students. It also provides a simplified explanation with notes how to cite many types of resources.

http://www.liunet.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citapa.htm

Examples using APA style:

1. Salwan, P. (1996) The Quotable Mark Twain. Retrieved June 10, 2006.

Web site: http://salwen.com/mtquotes.html

2. The World Factbook: Afghanistan. (June 6, 2006) Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved June 10, 2006.

Web site: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/af.html

3. 2003 Winston Series Drivers. (2006) Retrieved June 10, 2006.

Web site: http://www.nascar.com/drivers/list/wc/dps/

4. Mackenzie, J. (2001) Just in Time Technology. Retrieved June 10, 2006. From From Now On: The Educational Technology Journal. Vol. 10, No.9, June

2001. Web site: http://fno.org/jun01/building.html