Citing your sources gives credit to the author(s) of the information you used in your research. It is a very important component of digital citizenship and the research process: we cannot claim someone else’s ideas as our own. It is what Christ asks of us: to be truthful in all circumstances. Plagiarism- whether done purposefully or haphazardly – can have dire consequences and it is sinful.
“‘Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.” ( Leviticus 19:11).
We all want to be innovative and put forth creative ideas into our work. Remember that you are your own design in Christ and capable of wonderful things. You also have teachers to help you to avoid the need to copy the words of others.
Citing your sources is important:
- to show your reader that you did the proper research on the topic
- to be a responsible and lawful digital citizen by giving the due credit to the author(s) you consulted in your research
- to help your evaluators (teachers and peers) the opportunity to locate the information you included in your project or research paper and allow them to scrutinize the accuracy of those details
- to be mindful and discerning as you navigate: citing helps you avoid committing plagiarism
So how do you avoid plagiarism and conduct your research ethically and responsibly?
The following WAKELET contains many online Citation resources and online bibliography generators:
BIBLIOGRAPHY TOOLS
Websites for free, usable images:
Please note: It is customary to cite the website from which you sourced images even if the image is deemed “royalty free”.
Example:
| Creator’s Last Name, First Name. Image Title. Year Created. Museum/Institution, Location. |
| Example: Cartier-Bresson, Henri. Juvisy, France. 1938. The Museum of Modern Art, New York City. |
