Jennifer Postal
Elective #8
Since the Internet has become an important research tool
for students, it is essential that they know how to properly cite their
sources. There are two different
accepted means of citing sources, APA style and MLA style. APA style is used in the social and
behavioral sciences while MLA style is generally used in the humanities. Either style is accepted though it is
important to be consistent throughout the entire paper.
Though both styles of citing sources are easy to follow,
the APA style is the one that I use more frequently. Students are able to find information on how
to use this style online. The website
that I would direct my students to use is Reference Examples for
Electronic Source Materials. This
website shows students the proper way to cite sources from various situations. Students are able to “plug in” their information
into the choice that fits. The site
includes detailed explanations for the different ways to find information
online. This website also gives students
links that show how to properly cite other types of resources including books
and journal articles.
It is important for students to become familiar with both
styles of citing sources because various instructors may prefer one to the
other. Also, be sure to check the
websites for updates since the Internet is rapidly growing and the ways to cite
Internet sources may also change.
Proper APA Format for Citing Internet Sources:
Salwen, Peter.
(1996). The Quotable Mark Twain. Salwen Business
Communications. Retrieved October
27, 2004, from http://salwen.com/mtquotes.html
CIA’s The World Factbook:
2003 Winston Cup Series Drivers. (2004). Retrieved October 27, 2004, from http://www.nascar.com/DRIVERS/winston/KHarvick00/index.html
McKenzie, Jamie. (2001) Building Good News Ideas {Electronic
Version}. From Now On The Educational Technology Journal,10, No.9. http://fno.org/jun01/building.html