Week 3

TUTORIAL
The tutorial in week 3 covered activities which included using online libraries and databases. The first activity we completed was logging onto and exploring the electronic ECU library service. This was beneficial for me as I never realised how useful this service can be to students. In the second activity we looked at journal articles and the fact that they can be a reliable resource to use throughout our studies. To access these articles I mainly used a database known as MetaQuest. The Last activity consisted of us viewing a web page regarding drugs and information on certain health topics.

LECTURE
In the lecture we where educated about online databases. Which are an organised collection of information. Some of the advantages of using online databases is that they are always able to be accessed as they can be used 24/7 also they are comprehensive, current and the information is easy to locate.

Online libraries are electronic libraries therefore are popular as the information is up to date and making notes or copy and pasting is easy. They are generally used as online libraries are convenient.

ACTIVITY 1. ECU Library service.
For accessing the online libraries and databases our instructions where to visit the ECU library service. The ECU library service is located at

http://www.ecu.edu.au/library/. This web page has many useful tools to find; general information, resources, services, general assistance and quick links. Some useful function's or search tips which I found on the ECU library included;
1.The opening hours and contact details - as its convenient for students
2.Links to databases - such as MetaQuest and Trail databases.
3.Access to the ECU library catalogue - Therefore students can check if the book is on shelf before arriving at the library.
4.Websites- Its a good resource for students to find websites relating to certain topics.
5.SIMO- Quick link to SIMO which if beneficial to all students.
6.Library locations - Useful for other university students and the public.
7.Referncing Tips - Useful to all students as every student is required to reference their resources.
8.Loan services - provides students how to loan books and items from the library.
9.Electronic book access - A link from the ECU library to provide students with electronic books.

ACTIVITY 2. MetaQuest
Metaquest is a from the online ECU library. It's an online database which assists students in retrieving information in the form of journals and articles. The information is current and relevant to the topic researched. After selecting a suitable database there are a few options when using metaquest:

For a basic search I found that the easiest way to locate information was by typing in a keyword/s related to my topic. Although it is important that the keyword/s used are specific to the topic being research as the are thousands of outcomes.

Using the advanced search in metaquest gives the researcher more of a selection to find what they are looking for as there are different fields to choose from and tittle names as well as subject categories and database categories.

ACTIVITY 3. MEDline Plus Website.

The last activity completed in the tutorial was using a website known as Medline plus. After viewing all the conditions and drugs; the main condition that i found interesting was autism, as autism and other mental health and behaviour issues are related to what I want to do further study in.

MetaQuest; Screen Shot.

ECU Library; Screen Shot