A discussion workshop with Sharon

This workshop consists of an initial presentation followed by a Q/A session with Sharon Glaas (PhD Applied Linguistics and AWAS tutor).

We started by asking participants about their experiences so far using various software packages to support their research and academic writing practices.

Have a listen to this discussion and think about your own practice.

Note taking and PDF annotation

Next we looked at digital note taking and PDF annotation. A number of alternatives were discussed. Think about how you like to work - would any of these alternatives help you as your studies progress?

Note taking and annotation software links

Onenote: https://www.onenote.com/
Evernote: https://evernote.com/students
Nebo: https://www.nebo.app/
NotesPlus: https://www.writeon.cool/notes-plus/
Goodnote: https://www.goodnotes.com/
LiquidText: https://www.liquidtext.net/

Digitising existing notes

One point that came out of the discussion is that many people have handwritten notes they would like to digitise.

Here are some thoughts on ways to do that: Digitising handwritten notes.docx

Scanner apps to try include:

Microsoft Lens for Apple devices: https://apps.apple.com/app/id975925059
...and for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.office.officelens
Genius Scan (for either platform: https://thegrizzlylabs.com/genius-scan/

Reference management software

Here, Sharon talks about Reference Management software and demonstrates some of the functionality in her prefered system, Zotero. Think about how you might use such software as a repository for all your research and notes. Or, would you prefer to just use it to automate referencing when writing?

Reference management software links

Both Mendeley and Zotero have extensive 'how to' guides. It is worth looking through them to see what functionality they offer.

*** NB Since this workshop, Zotero have announced the addition of PDF annotation from within the desktop version (currently available in beta) and a mobile app coming soon ***

Making the most of Word and alternatives for writing

Are you making the most of Word? Here we talked about using Styles, automatic tables of contents and automated referencing. These become especially important for your longer assignments and dissertations.

*** UoB have curated a selection of tutorial videos for Word on linkedIn Learning here

Writing software links

Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview
LaTex (for the adventurous): https://www.latex-project.org/about/
SimpleMind for mindmapping: https://simplemind.eu/

Powerpoint slides

Here are the slides used in the workshop session.

AWAS Tech for PGTs.pptx

Next steps

There are numerous resources to help you with research via the UoB library, including training for reference managers https://libguides.bham.ac.uk/asg/research

And the library also offer links to training for Word and other digital resources, including through Linkedin-Learning. https://libguides.bham.ac.uk/asg/digital

If you would like to arrange an AWAS tutorial with Sharon to discuss further, here is her email address: S.L.Glaas@bham.ac.uk