How can I use a digital library to support my teaching? Find good resources to enhance existing curriculum  Search special collections aimed at your interests  Read teaching tips and reviews to determine whether to use a particular resource  Determine alignment with educational standards Learn new content Find other strategies for teaching Make community connections  Learn about workshops, summer institutes, courses, and funding sources for teachers and students  Participate in discussion groups on a wide range of topics

How to find materials in digital libraries Approach varies with library, but basics are common Browse functions (controlled vocabularies)  Subject, grade level, resource type, collection name Keyword search (free text) Advanced search ( free text and vocabs) Results contain descriptions and links to resources

Browsing in different libraries…

Searching for resources: Keyword search Descriptive info returned

Refine your search: Add grade level and resource type, etc.

Fewer, more targeted results

View full description of the resource

A closer look at Resource Types Discussed restricting your search using search options in each library Now focus now on resource type

Resource types continued… A resource can be several types, e.g., JVV Jr. Reference material, lab activity, presentation tool, map tool, dataset Can be used to teach in different ways (gather facts & info, structured or open exploration…)

Tying resource type to learning goals Level of learning (basic to complex) You want students to be able to: Resource types that may target your goals Sample problems and resources Knowledge (recall or recognize info, ideas, principles) Gather facts about a topic, etc. Tutorial Text (reference) Services (ask an expert, discussion forum) Also check out: Activity (classroom, computer, lab, field) – may have good background information Problem: What are the different types of clouds and how are they formed? Resource type: Tutorial, reference Resource: Clouds and Precipitation (URL) Analysis (distinguish, classify, or relate assumptions, hypotheses, evidence) Analyze a problem Case study Dataset Activity Lesson plan … Enter keywords: Analyze, assess... Problem: How is water quality determined? Resource type: Case study Resource: Exploring the Environment: Water Quality Teaching approaches for the goals and res. types Teacher typically organizes the learning and guides the activities Can use technology to increase knowledge and comprehension Assessment is often straightforward Students play a more active role in learning Teacher is more of a facilitator Learning is problem or inquiry based…

Explore Explore the Tying Learning Goals to Resource Types handout Look at the examples of level of learning, problems and resources Explore several example resources

Evaluating resource quality Each collection has well-defined criteria for selecting its resources Some collections have formal review processes In DLESE, reviewed items are flagged with Can read reviews, teaching tips and other annotations

Tools for evaluating resource quality

Tally of user ratings Tips for classroom use DLESE Community Review System

How is resource quality evaluated? Review systems vary among collections Community involvement  Community Review System (CRS)  Digital Water Education Library (DWEL) Content specialists, review boards  Teachers Domain  ENC  ALSOS Univ. of Colorado research with educators  Desired policies, preferences and practices for online education resource design – varied somewhat with grade level taught

A National Advisory Board With 24 Members Supports the Library

Editorial Process Selection of references (Dr. Settle and board)  Selection of references (Dr. Settle and board)  Annotation (students under direction of Dr. Blackmer)  Indexing (Dr. Settle)  Initial editorial review (Dr. Blackmer)  External review (appropriate board member)  Final edit (Dr. Blackmer)  Placement in public library

Inserting dynamic links into educational materials 1. Perform Alsos search or browse 2. Copy dynamic link 3. Paste it into your website or class handouts

What is important to you? What factors negatively and positively influence your perception of the resource ? What are the most important qualities to consider? Can digital libraries assist you in making these determinations?

Develop a plan for using online resources Define a problem from your curriculum  What topics might best be enhanced by technology?  What topics are difficult for students to understand, or hard to teach?  What topics might you like to find a new approach for? Determine your instructional goal  Intended level of learning/understanding (learning facts, analyzing a problem, synthesizing ideas…)

Search the library of your choice to find resources to support the problem.  Be aware of your learning goals and the types of resources might target them Use Dev. a Plan template as a guide and means to record your work Develop a plan, continued