Contact Information
Developmental Disabilities Institute
Wayne State University
4809 Woodward Avenue, Suite 268
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone (Toll Free): (888) 978-4334
Phone (Voice/TTY): (313) 577-2654
DDI@wayne.edu
Using Apps to Organize Notes and Research
- ZoteroZotero collects all your research in a single, searchable interface, and you can then use the citation information to create footnotes, endnotes, in-text citations, or bibliographies, You can also add PDFs, images, audio and video files, snapshots of web pages, and more.
Good for: organizing research, creating citations - Zotero Quick Start GuideWatch this video to get a quick introduction to using Zotero.
- EvernoteEvernote is a way to gather your own notes, research sources and more. It has Windows, Mac and mobile versions, so you can access your Evernote account anytime, anywhere.
Good for: group projects, taking and organizing class notes - Evernote Video LibraryLots of how-to videos on using Evernote.
- DropboxDropbox is a traveling file folder that lets you access your files from a desktop computer or mobile device. It also allows you to share documents easily using a public folder.
Good for: group projects, sharing documents
Help with Technology
- Warrior Writing, Research & Technology (WRT) ZoneThe lab consists of 8 iMac computers loaded with multimedia editing software. Stop by during open hours or contact the WRT Zone to set up an appointment.
- Guide to Microsoft Office 2010Tips and resources to help you with Microsoft Office 2010 applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Access, Publisher, and Outlook
Stopping Distractions
Limit distractions by placing your own limits on where you can surf on the web. You can block certain sites, block for a certain period of time, and even schedule blocked time.
- Stay FocusedFor Google Chrome only.
- Self ControlFor Mac only.
Help with Writing Papers
- Wayne State Writing CenterLocated in the WRT Zone, the Wayne State Writing Center can help you with all stages of the writing process, and they have both in-person and online help. You do generally need to make an appointment.
- Citation Style GuidesResources and help with MLA, APA and Chicago citation styles.
- Assignment PlannerBeing organized and getting started early are excellent starts to writing a good research paper. The Assignment Planner helps you organize research and writing by providing 12 target steps and completion dates. You can even sign up for e-mail or text message reminders.
- Online Books to help you with your research and writingIncludes online access to titles like Schaum's quick guide to writing great research papers.
- Guide to ebooksThis shows how to read, download, and print ebooks.
- LearningExpressLibrary This link opens in a new windowClick this link, then select the College Students button on the left. Select Writing and Grammar Skills Improvement from the list to get to Writing Prompts and Practice and a Fundamentals of Writing Course. These resources are free, but you will need to create an account.
Library Databases for Research
Some library databases have special tools, like downloading MP3 files of the articles (so you can listen to the article being read to you), citations tools that will create citations for you in different styles and lots more.
- GALE databasesClick on an article title in a GALE database to get to the TOOLS, which include MP3 download and a citation creator. Start with a database like Academic OneFile, which has resources on lots of different topics.