Nicole Dyer Lecture Topics
Nicole is limited her speaking engagements while she works on certification.
RootsTech 2020
Artificial Intelligence
From Research to Writing: AI Tools for Genealogists
Writing about your genealogy research can be challenging. Assembling genealogical conclusions requires time, persistence, and dedication. Learn how generative AI tools can help – whether you’re writing a biography, research report, or proof argument. Tools like ChatGPT and Claude can turn research logs into reports and timelines into narrative. Providing text to the AI tools helps increase accuracy and limit errors. Generative AI tools can increase your writing efficiency, but your personal style may be lost. Learn how to maintain your unique voice while increasing productivity. We will also discuss when to disclose writing assistance from AI tools and how to cite them.
Disclosing Use of AI for Writing Assistance in Genealogy
When is it okay to use artificial intelligence tools for writing assistance? If it’s okay to use AI, how and when should we disclose the use of AI tools? Learn how various applications of generative AI — from grammar assistance to generating new text — may need to be approached differently. We will go over specific methods for disclosing and citing AI tools, such as mentioning the use of generative AI in the limitations section of a report and citing the specific AI tool in a reference note citation.
Methodology
Doing a Genealogy Research Project from Start to Finish
Do you feel overwhelmed by the never-ending nature of your genealogy research? Dividing research into finite projects can help. We’ll review the research like a pro process and how to stay on track during your project. Use a research project template with sections for objective, research plan, locality information, and more.
Research Like a Pro with DNA
Learn a step-by-step process to help you confirm/reject a traced relationship or test a hypothesized ancestral relationship.
Strategies for Overcoming Genealogy Roadblocks
When you hit a roadblock in your genealogy research, how can you find what you need to make progress? Discover how to stick to a research process, analyze clues, use the FamilySearch Catalog to identify new records to search, gather hints from DNA cousin matches, and locate sources that are only available on-site.
DNA
Tracking DNA Matches with Airtable
Learn methods for creating a research log that includes DNA matches and tools along with traditional sources.
DNA and Genealogy Research: Confirming an Ancestral Line
Learn through a case study how to use your DNA match results to confirm your family tree. We’ll discuss clustering, organizing, and diagramming your DNA matches, then how to use those as evidence of relationships.
Using Multiple Autosomal DNA Test Takers to Solve Distant Research Questions
Finding enough evidence for the parents of an ancestor born in the early 1800s can be difficult. The amount of autosomal DNA evidence inherited decreases with each generation, yet it can still help solve these challenging research questions. Learn how using multiple DNA test takers can help you discover potential ancestors and increase the quality and quantity of your DNA evidence. You will also learn how the concept of autosomal DNA coverage can increase your chances of finding relevant DNA matches.
Organization
Choosing Family Tree Software that Aligns with Your Genealogical Goals
Explore and compare popular family tree building applications with a focus on basic and advanced features, citation management, reports, chart functionalities, DNA tools, and connectivity to online records and family trees. This overview will guide you in choosing a family tree software program that aligns with your specific goals, whether it’s for securely backing up an online tree, maintaining personal control over your research conclusions, or using it as a central repository for all your genealogical findings.
Organizational Tools for Document Management: Exploring Airtable, Google Drive, and Beyond
Learn document management techniques for genealogical records and documents, including a file system on your computer as well as in the cloud. Leveraging tools like Airtable and Google Drive, we’ll explore the creation of a comprehensive file folder system, accessible across various devices. Key to this approach is the use of Airtable for tracking sources and citations, and the documents’ locations—whether on local storage or in the cloud.
From Data to Discovery: Organizing DNA Results with Research Logs and Lineage Diagrams
Organizing DNA results is crucial in genetic genealogical research, involving the tracking of the amount of shared DNA, possible relationships, common ancestors, match page URLs, correspondence with DNA test-takers, genetic networks, and shared segments. It is essential to have a system for note-keeping on testing platforms. A research log is also needed to capture matches and clues for analysis relating to a specific research objective. Visually organizing matches to highlight connections to common ancestors is also essential. We will explore various tools and techniques for crafting descendancy diagrams. Finally, writing a report at the end of a phase of research is a helpful practice. These reports not only serve as a record of hypotheses and findings, but also as a reflective tool, guiding further inquiry and analysis.
Technology
Tools for Automating Source Citations
Discover tools for creating academic style source citations automatically, following the Chicago Manual of Style. Learn about additional tools for genealogy specific source citations, like Online Repository Assistant (ORA) and Cite-Builder.
Genealogy Writing and AI
Learn to use ChatGPT and other AI tools to help you become more efficient with genealogy writing projects – whether it be a research report to yourself, a family history narrative, or a proof argument.
Records
Tax Records Tell the Story: Cluster and Neighborhood Research
Learn how tax records can help locate individuals, identify neighborhood groupings, and separate individuals from others of the same name.
Sources to Research Confederate Soldiers Online
Confederate soldiers in your family tree may be more difficult to research than Union soldiers. Using the Compiled Military Service Record (CMSR) as a starting point, we’ll dive into the world of the Civil War by finding regiment histories, photographs, hospital descriptions, and more to bring your relative’s service to life. Online state archive collections, the Library of Congress’ Civil War Photo and Maps collections, digitized letters and diaries, and civil war forums may contain valuable tidbits to help you understand why they served and what the war was like for them.
Sharing Family History
Inspiring the Next Generation of Genealogists
Sharing genealogical discoveries and family stories with your children and grandchildren will benefit both you and them. Passing along what you’ve learned ensures that precious family information will be preserved for future generations. Knowing family history strengthens people of all ages to face hardships with confidence. Learn practical tips to incorporate family history into the everyday lives of the people you love – including involving them based on their personal interest level, skills, and unique talents. Learn ideas to discuss ancestors in the context of historical events, create reader-friendly books, act out family stories at reunions, use multimedia for storytelling, and more.
How to Involve the Whole Family in Family History Fun
Every family member connects with their family history in a different way. You may be the genealogist and researcher, but perhaps your other family members are not. Your brother might be the storyteller who gathers his nieces and nephews to tell them funny stories from the past. Your sister may be the musician who sings the traditional Christmas song each year, then writes down the notes and words and shares it with everyone. Grandma may help find names for the temple and the grandchildren may help complete baptisms in the temple for them. Your brother may be the technology expert who digitizes the old videos and slides and shares them with everyone. Your daughter may enjoy typing old handwritten documents into FamilySearch and your son may like learning about stories of his ancestors in the military. Everyone has a contribution to make to preserving family history. You can have a tremendous influence in your family by inviting others to use their talents to engage in family history. Come learn age appropriate activities to invite the children, youth, and young adults in your family to help with.