5 Helpful Online Tools For Communications Majors

Online Resources for Communications Students

Professional Organizations
Research Aids
Bibliographic Tools
Grammar and Editing Tools
Plagiarism Checkers

As well as being a subject most communications majors study, online communications tools can actually help students succeed in their coursework. Many websites are dedicated to helping students with such tasks as career development, research, and writing. Some of the major categories of websites of use to communications students include are discussed below.

Ranking: Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs

1. Professional Organizations

Many professional organizations have websites that are particularly useful for communication students. The National Communication Association site offers a wide range of useful tools, including online academic resources, student chapters, a job board, and networking opportunities. Those interested in global communications and possible international careers can join the International Communication Association. Professional organizations in areas such as marketing, public relations, business and technical communications, and journalism also have valuable online tools for students and may sponsor student chapters or events.

2. Research Aids

For students preparing papers or speeches for communications courses, online indices and databases provide a convenient way to search for significant scholarly resources. Perhaps the most import field-specific database is EBSCO Communication & Mass Media Complete. Several more general databases such as Google Scholar and JStor also provide access to citations for major works in communication studies. As many academic journals have paywalls, students normally access these resources online via their university library’s website.

3. Bibliographic Tools

One of the more tedious elements of writing academic papers is preparing and formatting bibliographies according to various style guides. Several online bibliographic management tools can help with preparation of bibliographies and works cited lists. Some of the most commonly used are EndNote, RefWorks, Mendeley, and Zotero. Many universities offer free access to some of these applications via their library website portals.

4. Grammar and Editing Tools

Although most word processing programs contain some spelling and grammar checking capabilities, online tools can offer greater power, including the ability to analyze writing for habitual errors or types of errors. Other online resources offer style guides and other useful advice for student writers. One of the most widely used free sites is the Purdue Online Writing Lab or OWL.

5. Plagiarism Checkers

Given the severe penalties for plagiarism, students should always use plagiarism checking software before submitting work. Not all plagiarism is intentional and when one is cutting and pasting, sometimes a quotation or groups of notes copied from an important source can get lack proper citation. Many online course management programs used by universities offer access to Turnitin, but there are many other online plagiarism checking tools such as Copyscape that are commonly used by students and professionals.

Although online communications tools are extremely helpful, it is important not to neglect offline tools. University libraries have reference desks that offer help with research and paper writing. Many universities have writing centers that offer free tutoring and other help with academic work. Most professors have office hours during which you can discuss coursework or seek advice on careers or graduate schools. Although online communications tools can be extremely useful, students can benefit from combining a wide range of online and offline resources to help them succeed in their studies.

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