Teaching Students About Authoritative Resources with the ORC 2017 Teachers’ Convention

What is the ORC? A $1.7 million collection of curricular aligned authoritative digital resources licensed on behalf of all Alberta: K-12 students and their parents School staff Pre-service teachers Public library staff* The ORC is funded by a yearly Grant-In-Aid from Alberta Education to the Alberta Library (TAL). *for the purposes of supporting K-12 patrons

Why These Resources? ORC Resources: Provide authoritative, age appropriate, engaging, curricular-aligned content Google and Wikipedia are the tip of the searching and information literacy iceberg Allow students to become familiar and comfortable with the kind of resources and searching practises that are integral to 21st century learning Are time savers once you are familiar with them Include embedded supports for diverse learners like listen, text translation, citation tools, vetted websites, copyright friendly pictures and videos Provide anytime, from anywhere with an internet connection access

What’s in it for Teachers? Direct curriculum correlations, curriculum mapping for Science and Social Studies completed Support for diverse learners Access to journals like Walrus, National Geographic, School Library Journal, Men’s Health, and MacLean’s (RSS feeds can be set up) Consistent and explicit update schedules Access to vetted websites Ability to create permalinks that can be posted on a website/moodle page.blog or sent in an email blast

How do You Access the ORC? Go the LearnAlberta.ca Select English or French Click “Online Reference Centre” in the tab along the top of the screen In school automatic authentication should occur Outside of school access requires a district username and password LA___________ (username) ______________ (password) Share your district username and password using low tech methods - do not post on an open website Email ORC@thealbertalibrary.ab.ca for your remote username/password

Questions?

Ideas for Using QR Codes Not sure how to create a QR code? Learn how here… QR a book trailer and tape the QR code in the top right-hand corner of the book QR the link to an article about an author(s) you are highlighting Create online book clubs and offer the choices on a bulletin board in the learning commons using QR codes Highlight some content for Remembrance Day/Read In Week/Earth Day using a QR code Provide a link to one of the ORC databases “Seed” inquiry topics using QR codes to relevant or difficult to locate content

How to Make a QR Code in 4 Quick Steps http://tinyurl.com/gupdag9 Written by Corey Wainwright @Corey_bos

Quick Tips for Technology Management in the Classroom Create a direct link to the ORC Create enlarged icons of the databases you will use to post on board preload iPads, Smart Boards, or computers to save time Model in whole group - paired work - independent work Number each student - that will be their computer number every time Create recipe cards with each student’s login information - laminate and keep on a ring Assign in-class tech helpers Assist with age appropriate citations - icons, pre-made worksheets, database abbreviations

Resources that Promote and Support Literacy Learning TrueFLIX TeachingBooks.net

TrueFLIX Sister resource to BookFLIX designed for grades 3-6 Nonfiction content divided into 2 broad themes with 3-5 sub themes Each eBook includes an introductory video to help build background knowledge of topic and improve students comprehension Lesson plans provided for every eBook, all eBooks are guided reading level (fountas and pinnell) aligned Human voice read along feature to support emergent/struggling readers Interactive table of contents for each eBook, in addition to a glossary and index Essential inquiry questions and project ideas from every eBook TrueFLIX This is the sister resource to BookFLIX, added into the 2013/2014 school year. Features Includes Nonfiction books only Based on a print series of books that may still be in school library collections Human – Voice read aloud for every book All books leveled by Fountas and Pinnell Guided Reading Level (GRL) eBooks default for the read along to be off Turn it on, listen, stop discuss or take notes and then pick up where left off Great for students with tracking issues Great for explicitly teaching pulling out key content from informational texts Each eBook includes: “Watch It” – introductory video to provide or activate background knowledge “Explore More” – related database articles (unfortunately the reading level of the articles are higher than the recommended grade range for this resource) “Project Idea” – based on Alberta Education’s inquiry model, projects allow students to do something with the information they have read “Activity Centre” – Show What You Know (multiple choice quiz related to the book), Word Match (key vocabulary from book) “Explore the Web” – related, vetted websites that include Canadian websites when possible as this is the Canadian version of the resource Tips for Ease of Use Click on the “Resources & Tools” in the top right-hand corner to see the entire listing of eBooks included in the resource In this section you can search by author, title, illustrators, theme, GRL, etc. The title search needs to be exact title as it is not as sophisticated as amazon, etc. In the “Resources” tab toward the right-hand side of the screen you will find an overview of each part of the resource Click on the “Downloadables” link toward the top right-hand side of the screen to downloadable parent letters that can be customized, bookmarks and posters can be found here Embedded lesson plan for every eBook When you are sick, print it off and highlight what you would like the sub to do for the next day When using TrueFLIX on an iPad – make sure to go to the Learn Alberta ORC page to get to TrueFLIX using a java enabled web browser like puffin or chrome

How do I use this ideas: TrueFLIX Assist resistant readers to select books with the introductory video for every eBook Find True Books in your print collection - pull them and highlight them for your readers Direct students to TrueFLIX to supplement nonfiction content for inquiry projects Run an introductory video related to their topic of study to promote nonfiction in general in your library

TeachingBooks.net A wealth of support materials to teach and promote books in your school (book trailers, author interviews and read ins, author audio name pronunciation, QR flyers, embedded citations, book guides and lesson plans) Share/permalink any page using the Email/Text/QR Flyer/Bookmark or PermaLink features Access Alberta specific booklists: Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Readers Choice Award (YRCA) ELA Authorized Novel and Nonfiction Reading List for grades 4-12 Meet-the-Author book readings in English and French Canadian Book Award Winners/Canadian Book and Author Resources Create and/or request a personalized booklist TeachingBooks.net TeachingBooks.net is often mistaken for providing digital books. It provides all of the content you need to teach, promote and support a book in your classroom or library. Features Gold bar along the top of the screen just below the search bar includes: Home Browse Grade level, subject or genre, resource types, resource collection, newly added resources or highlighted resource collections Author & Book Resources Meet-the-Author Movies Meet-the-Author Book Readings Audio Name Pronunciation Book Guides and Lesson Plans Book Trailers Popular Canadian Book Award Winners Curricular uses for TeachingBooks Reader’s Theatre Scripts Readings of Complete Books Custom Reading Lists Help & Training Video Demos Sharing and promotional materials Self-Guided Training* About History and vision Contact Links to include in TeachingBooks Authors/Illustrators to include Follow Us Blog Newsletter Facebook *Self-guided training is a 90-minute self-directed program that guides the user through the creation of an implementation plan for TeachingBooks.net for the specific setting they are working in. The course is divided into phases and does not need to be completed in one 90-minute chunk of time. Once completed a certificate of completion is provided. This is an excellent thing to include in a professional growth plan as there is a clear plan for accomplishing the goal and a measurable outcome. On the Homepage right-hand side below the gold bar A listing of all “Canadian authors & illustrators” included in the resource Defaults to the number of resource, can switch to sort by author name with the little drop down menu at the top right-hand corner of the page Literary Calendar (just below the Canadian authors & illustrators) Includes authors birthdays, important literary days Scroll down the homepage towards the bottom Alberta specific booklists and awards toward the bottom of the homepage Includes Alberta Education Fiction and non fiction reading lists for grades 4-12 Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader’s Choice Awards (YRCA) Rocky Mountain Book Awards Meet-the-Author book readings in French On a TeachingBooks Page Hover over the book cover to get a blue pop up with details about all of the different support materials available for that book “Sharing Tools” along the right-hand side of the screen “Email” or ”Text” any page to a colleague or yourself for ease of access “QR Flyer” generates a printable flyer with an embedded QR code to the TeachingBooks page you are on “Permalink” creates a static, unchanging URL that can be shared on a webpage, in an email and allows the user to open the TeachingBooks page without being logged into the LearnAlberta.ca webpage “Calendar” allows access to the literary calendar “Facebook,” “Twitter,” “Share,” allow for sharing “Citation” provides an APA and MLA citation of every page “Narrow Your Results” along the left-hand side “Related Booklists” along the left-hand side “Explore Other Booklists on TeachingBooks” along the left-hand side

How do I use this ideas: TeachingBooks.net Using the Permalink option, feature a Canadian author each month on your Learning Commons/classroom/school webpage (link print and virtual - create a related bulletin board with a QR code to the webpage) Feature staff pick(s) each month and provide a permalink to the book’s TeachingBook.net page (s) Create: custom reading lists for different grades, top student selections page, or create a librarians/teachers pick page in TeachingBooks.net and permalink the page to your LLC webpage - mimic this in the physical space Support classroom novel studies and/or book clubs with the support materials in TeachingBooks.net Create school-wide Virtual Book Club using content from TeachingBooks.net Promote Rocky Mountain Book Award selection using the support materials in TeachingBooks.net (virtually on your webpage and in library print collection also) Promote Young Readers Choice Award selection using the support materials in TeachingBooks.net (virtually on your webpage and in library print collection also)

Developing Scientific Knowledge with the ORC PowerKnowledge Earth and Space Science PowerKnowledge Life Science PowerKnowledge Physical Science National Geographic Kids Virtual Library ScienceFLIX Science In Context

PowerKnowledge Suite Recommended for grades 1-6 Content divided into 3 databases: Earth & Space, Life Science and Physical Science Includes a customizable read aloud feature Short, segmented articles with introductory videos to build background knowledge Embedded science experiments, projects, and educational games related to the content of the database Aligns with 95% of the grade 3-6 science curriculum and 87% of the grade 1-6 science curriculum PowerKnowledge Suite This publisher has divided science content into three individual databases: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. All of the interfaces operate in exactly the same way and can be accessed within any of the databases. Features Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for Less text and more images support student search techniques Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed Text translation in every article found in the top right-hand corner of the screen Related content provided for every article in the “investigate” section Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms Articles are segmented into sections along the left-hand side of the screen New feature to save article to Google Drive Each of the three databases have a unique set of: Science Fair Projects and Experiments Related to the content of the database, great supplement to the brown EPSB Science booklets Resources for Teachers/Librarians Lesson plans and reproducible Curriculum correlations Promotional materials Video gallery Live Video Feeds – check out elephants in elephant sanctuary, etc. Play Games Related to the content of the database

PowerKnowledge Earth and Space Science Division II Science Units Supported Grade 4 Light and Shadows & Waste and Our World Grade 5 Weather Watch, Wetland Ecosystems & Social Studies Mapping Grade 6 Sky Science PowerKnowledge Suite This publisher has divided science content into three individual databases: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. All of the interfaces operate in exactly the same way and can be accessed within any of the databases. Features Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for Less text and more images support student search techniques Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed Text translation in every article found in the top right-hand corner of the screen Related content provided for every article in the “investigate” section Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms Articles are segmented into sections along the left-hand side of the screen New feature to save article to Google Drive Each of the three databases have a unique set of: Science Fair Projects and Experiments Related to the content of the database, great supplement to the brown EPSB Science booklets Resources for Teachers/Librarians Lesson plans and reproducible Curriculum correlations Promotional materials Video gallery Live Video Feeds – check out elephants in elephant sanctuary, etc. Play Games Related to the content of the database

PowerKnowledge Life Science Division II Science Units Supported Grade 4 Plant Growth and Changes & Waste and Our World Grade 5 Wetland Ecosystems Grade 6 Trees and Forests PowerKnowledge Suite This publisher has divided science content into three individual databases: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. All of the interfaces operate in exactly the same way and can be accessed within any of the databases. Features Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for Less text and more images support student search techniques Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed Text translation in every article found in the top right-hand corner of the screen Related content provided for every article in the “investigate” section Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms Articles are segmented into sections along the left-hand side of the screen New feature to save article to Google Drive Each of the three databases have a unique set of: Science Fair Projects and Experiments Related to the content of the database, great supplement to the brown EPSB Science booklets Resources for Teachers/Librarians Lesson plans and reproducible Curriculum correlations Promotional materials Video gallery Live Video Feeds – check out elephants in elephant sanctuary, etc. Play Games Related to the content of the database

PowerKnowledge Physical Science Division II Science Units Supported Grade 4 Wheels and Levers Grade 5 Electricity and Magnetism & Classroom Chemistry Grade 6 Trees and Forests PowerKnowledge Suite This publisher has divided science content into three individual databases: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. All of the interfaces operate in exactly the same way and can be accessed within any of the databases. Features Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for Less text and more images support student search techniques Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed Text translation in every article found in the top right-hand corner of the screen Related content provided for every article in the “investigate” section Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms Articles are segmented into sections along the left-hand side of the screen New feature to save article to Google Drive Each of the three databases have a unique set of: Science Fair Projects and Experiments Related to the content of the database, great supplement to the brown EPSB Science booklets Resources for Teachers/Librarians Lesson plans and reproducible Curriculum correlations Promotional materials Video gallery Live Video Feeds – check out elephants in elephant sanctuary, etc. Play Games Related to the content of the database

How do I use this ideas: PowerKnowledge Suite Supplement your print collection for the classroom and library There are only so many books a classroom or library can have on penguins - PowerKnowledge databases can be accessed by a limitless number of students simultaneously While pulling print content fetching units, find related content in the PowerKnowledge databases, create permalinks to articles to send those along in an email as well Use permalinks to create QR codes to various animals/topic articles and have a centres around the classroom Earth - select applicable articles and create QR flyers for around the school These resources are included in the Science curriculum mapping documents

National Geographic Kids Virtual Library Authoritative nonfiction content Award-winning maps and photos 200 National Geographic Kids Books 500 Kid-friendly downloadable images National Geographic Kids Magazines (2009-Present, 3 month embargo) Include listen feature National Geographic Kids Virtual Library This resource was added to the collection in the 2015/2016 school year. Although it is recommended for K-6, students in all grades can access the vivid images and videos included in this resource. Features Content divided into Videos, Pictures, Books and Magazines from the homepage Videos Full transcripts available Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed Top right-hand corner of screen: Bookmark (create a permanent link that can be shared with learning community for easy access to content) Citation Tools (copy and paste for using images or videos in project) Print Pictures Description of picture available Download (use images in projects, etc.) “Related Subjects” included to find other pictures, videos, books, or magazines Books “Search Within” allows users to target specific content within book Magazines Articles in View and Related Subject also included Top bar of the screen starting from the left – return to homepage, browse magazines only or explore topics (Animals, environment, history, peoples & cultures, places, or science & tech Advanced Search (directly under the main search bar on the right-hand side of screen) Limit searchers by publication title, content type, picture type, or publication date Tips for Ease of Use Use the search bar to locate information within books and magazines. The book or magazine opens to the exact page with the reference and also indicates other pages that include related information. Use the “Bookmark” to create a permalink (unchanging static URL) Use a permalink to create a QR to have a video or article in a learning centre Students scan the QR and then complete learning centre task

How do I use this ideas: National Geographic Kids Virtual Library Have National Geographic Kids running on iPads instead of print - better yet have both Have a featured article on the Smart board to explicitly teach pulling key information out, begin exploring a topic, etc. Show a video to set up learning and/or activate previous knowledge Use a permalink and QR to articles about different Canadian animals and have that abound classroom as learning centres, around the school as a “Did you know” series Use copy-right friendly images from this resource in student projects, around the school and/or classroom Easy to use and access content for classroom inquiry/project based learning

ScienceFLIX Sister resource to TrueFLIX designed for grades 4-9 Nonfiction content divided into topic areas: Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Space science, Health and Human Body, & Tech, Math and Engineering Introductory videos help build background knowledge of a topic and improve comprehension Every article has three adjustable reading levels to support differentiated learners Embedded read aloud feature to support emergent/struggling readers Hands-on experiments and project ideas More than 12 000 editorially vetted and maintained websites on related subjects Science News with study guides ScienceFLIX Sister resource to TrueFLIX, ScienceFLIX was just added to the 2016/2017 resource collection. It is recommended for students in grades 4-9. Features Four tabs to select from along the top of the homepage: Browse all topics Experiments Careers in Science Science News Browse All Topics Divided into 6 broad topics with 5 to 11 subtopics in each Topic page starts with a “Watch It!” video to provide and activate background knowledge prior to reading Computer generated read aloud feature Three reading levels available for every article – click on the top right-hand side of the screen to select 1, 2, or 3 Embedded dictionary allows users to look a word up and hear the definition read aloud Email or print options also available To activate the read aloud, clock on desired sentence, stop when needed and then begin again Unfortunately it does not pick up automatically where it left off Each Topic includes: “Watch It” – introductory video to provide or activate background knowledge “Read It” – the main article in the topic “Dive Deeper” –related articles “Explore More” – additional related articles with broader approach to the topic “Related Web Sites” – vetted websites related to the topic “Science Lab” – related projects for sharing information (Speech, table, or report) and a related game to check knowledge “What do You Think?” – three questions that guide discussion of new knowledge and sharing “Show What You Know” – Quiz with immediate response and explanation of why when incorrect “Careers” – careers related to the topic Includes video about experiments in general “Experiments to Try” – allows users to access all of the experiments embedded in the resource outside of the topic pages “In the Lab” - information about laboratory safety, techniques and lab reports (adjustable reading levels available) Includes video about different careers in Science, some of the qualities of scientists, how to know if you have an interest in science, etc. “Careers to Explore” – allows users to access all of the careers embedded in the resource outside of the topic pages “Web Sites” – vetted websites related to careers in science Featured news story that is changed up Access archived news stories on the bottom left-hand side of the screen Science Q & A on various topics along the right-hand side of the screen Tips for Ease of Use Click on the “Teacher Resources” in the top right-hand corner to access: Lesson Plans Detailed lesson plans for every aspect of every topic page Great to use to differentiating instruction Print off and highlight for a substitute teacher Correlations included for Alberta curriculum PDF, Email or Print options available Quizzes Printable quiz for every topic page Projects A listing of all of the projects included in all of the topic pages, accessed outside of the topic page Videos Access all videos embedded in the resource outside of individual topic pages Other Media Access image gallery Downloadable Access parent letters that can be customized, bookmarks and posters can be found here

Science In Context Featured videos, news and stories on homepage Customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download to MP3 Text translation to 13 languages Highlight and take notes within the article, save to a folder without an account Embedded citation tools (MLA 7th Edition or APA 6th Edition) Links to “Related Subjects” to support shallow searchers Share/permalink any page using the “Bookmark” tab on the right-hand side of the search bar Advanced search allow for Boolean and content election (Advanced/Intermediate/Basic) Search specific learner outcomes in “Curriculum Standards” for the Alberta Science curriculum - embedded links to the articles included Science In Context Once students have graduated out of the PowerKnowledge Suite they move to the In Context series. Students in late grade 5 or grade 6 are often able to navigate this resource. The ORC currently licenses four “in Context” databases. Once users are familiar with one they can all be navigated as they all share the same features and functionality. Features Teaser articles along the top of the homepage – vivid pictures that provide a little bit of information necessitating the students click to read more “Featured Video” in the top right-hand corner of the homepage Changed every month unless there is something major that happens in the field of study Featured News provides access to three related publications related to the field of study Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for Along the top left-hand side of the screen Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added) Maps (newly added to interface – still very US-Centric) Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included) Within the Topic Page “On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites Related Topics included just below on this page “Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page Within the Article Just below the article title, beside the source you will find a symbol that indicates the reading level of the article (green circle is basic, yellow square is intermediate, and red triangle is advanced) Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools” “Related Subjects” provided for every article Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms Tools include downloadable citations Google Classroom, and Microsoft sign in available Tips for Ease of Use In the “Advanced Search” users can search using keywords, etc and then scroll down to indicate if the content is basic, intermediate or advanced. Perform a search for basic information about a specific topic, bookmark it to share with students Then perform the same search with an intermediate content level, bookmark it and share so that students can select the appropriate reading level for their ability

How do I use this: Science In Context Use the “bookmark” feature to create permalinks of any of the pages in the database “Seed” inquiry projects/project-based learning projects with related articles Highlight content/science careers, etc using QR codes Access to current editions of Science News, The Science Teacher, Popular Science Access science related videos on the homepage that are changed regularly

Culturegrams The Canadian Encyclopedia Canada In Context Social Studies Culturegrams The Canadian Encyclopedia Canada In Context

Culturegrams Kids Edition - excellent support for gr. 3 & 5 S.S. Provinces Edition - supports gr. 2 & 4 5 S.S. World Edition - supports gr. 10-12 S.S. Updated every 6 months and written/reviewed by in-country consultants Features included: customizable read-aloud, photo gallery, slideshows, videos, famous people, and cultural recipes Tools included: build-your-own graphs and tables, pre-generated graphs and tables, distance calculate, and currency converter Culturegrams This resource is essentially the “go to” resource for the grade 3 social studies curriculum. This resource also supports the grade 2 social studies curriculum. Although it does not have specific information on Meteghan or Saskatoon it does include information about the provinces. This resource is also a great starting point for the grades 4 and 5 social studies curricula. Features Provinces edition supports for the grades 2 and 4 socials studies curricula Kids Edition supports the grades 3 and 5 social studies curricula Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed Provinces Edition - Along the top menu from the left-hand side access Flag gallery Recipes (two for every province) Graphs and tables (pre-generated and customizable with multiple data sets included) Kids Edition – Along the top menu from the left-hand side Photos (various parts of the countries) Slideshow Interviews (varies ages of interviewees – including children, adults and elderly) Famous People (a listing of famous people and why they are famous) Recipes (two from each country) Flags Graphs and Tables (pre-generated Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places and history Content divided into smaller sections along the left-hand side for ease of access Kids Edition – content also found along the right-hand side of article including Distance calculator World time Teaching activities Curriculum standards (Alberta not available) Recently added Google Drive and Google Classroom compatible

How do I use this ideas: Culturegrams There are only so many books on Tunisia/India/Ukraine/Peru and Canada This database can greatly assist grade three and five students who are looking for content related to various countries Finding content for the grade 2, 4 social studies curriculum is challenging While this database does not provide information on the exact cities and towns studied in the grade 2 curriculum, it does provide excellent content on each of the provinces Of particular interest for grade 4 students is the timeline for Albert

The Canadian Encyclopedia Free website provided by the government of Canada Change from English to French at the top of the right-hand corner of every page New updated interface - much more aesthetic and functional View personal accounts from veterans, view videos, Articles include publication date, editor and edit date Excellent support for the grades 4-7 and 9-12 Social Studies curriculum The Canadian Encyclopedia The Canadian Encyclopedia is an open website available to anyone without log in credentials. Because this resource is not licensed it does not have some of the “bells and whistles” of some of the licensed content like read aloud or text translation. However, Google read does work on this resource. Features Recently updates interface with more “click friendly” layout Four topics with multiple subtopics within each When searching in a specific subtopic there is a menu along the left-hand side of the screen that allows further limiters Switch between English and French at the top right-hand corner of every screen This is original French as this is a Canadian funded website Top menu from the left-hand side Historica Canada Links to another website with Programs (Access Aboriginal Arts and Stories, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Citizenship Challenge, Encounters with Canada, The Memory Project, and Passages Canada) Videos (Heritage Minutes, Minutes Parodies, Memory Project Archives, and Radio Minutes) Polls Media (Media Coverage, Press Releases, and Permissions) Shop Education (searchable access to lesson plans) Aboriginal Arts and Stories Largest and most recognized art and creative writing competition in Canada for Aboriginal youth Citizenship Challenge Test national knowledge by studying and writing a mock citizenship exam in French or English Excellent for the grade 9 social studies curriculum Encounters with Canada Programming for Canadian youth held yearly at the Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre in Ottawa, Ontario Heritage Minutes Access all archived Heritage Minutes, playlists and a discussion section Passages Canada Stories of Canadian immigrants Excellent for grade 9 social studies curriculum The Memory Project Access veteran stories, first-hand accounts from World War I, World War II, The Korean War and Peacekeeping Excellent resource for Remembrance Day and grades 10-12 socials studies curriculum Home About Interactive Resources Collections Access a variety of collections created for various topics: Places (37), Literature and Theater (13), Cinema and Visual Arts (3), Music and Folklore (28), Cultural and Education Institutions (3), Historical Figures (17), and History and Politics (38) Each collection includes quizzes on arts and culture, history and political, historical figures and places associated with the topic Exhibits Access a variety of digital exhibits that provide Canadian content relevant to the social studies curriculum Timelines Access a variety of timelines created with all Canadian content (Alberta, Act of Union, Asia Canada, Black History, etc.) Your Canada Street Art in Canada Black History in Canada Canada’s Haunted Places In the Footsteps of Great Canadians Stories of the Great War Great Canadian Stories Canada on Film 101 Thins Poetry in Canada My Home Town For Teachers Access results for quizzes and study guides Articles Features Top right-hand corner identifies who wrote the article, who edited the article, when it was published, and when it was last edited This information increases the credibility of this content even though it is free Knowing when an article was published and last updated makes the information more credible Beneath the article author information is a table of contents for lengthier articles Each section of the article has a unique URL that links directly to that part of the article This is helpful in targeting specific information and directing students there quickly Suggested readings, related articles and links included for each article Click on the “ to access article citations Tips for Ease of Use Because this is an open website there is no log in necessary. The URL at the top of the screen can be used as a permalink to direct students to content quickly.

How do I use this ideas: The Canadian Encyclopedia Provide a link to a digital exhibit from the collection (found along the top of the webpage) Link to a first hand account by a Canadian veteran for Remembrance Day QR code the stories and put them around the school for the month of November If you school is named after a famous Canadian, link to information about that Canadian Link to articles relevant to the curriculum for various units of study

Canada In Context Canadian content not only for Social Studies but also for Science (i.e. Alberta Oil Sands) Featured videos, news and stories on homepage Customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download to MP3 Text translation to 13 languages Highlight and take notes within the article, save to a folder without an account Embedded citation tools (MLA 7th Edition or APA 6th Edition) Links to “Related Subjects” to support shallow searchers Share/permalink any page using the “Bookmark” tab on the right-hand side of the search bar Advanced search allow for Boolean and content election (Advanced/Intermediate/Basic) Search specific learner outcomes in “Curriculum Standards” for the Alberta Social Studies, ELA, and Science curriculum - embedded links to the articles included Canada In Context Canada In Context is used to support the grades 6/7 and 9-12 Social Studies Curriculum. In addition, there is content related to the science curriculum as well. The 2016/2017 ORC Collection currently licenses four “In Context” databases. Once users are familiar with operating one they can easily navigate any of the four as they share the same features and functionality. Features Teaser articles along the top of the homepage – vivid pictures that provide a little bit of information necessitating the students click to read more “Featured Video” in the top right-hand corner of the homepage Changed every month unless there is something major that happens in the field of study Featured News provides access to three related publications related to the field of study Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for Along the top left-hand side of the screen Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added) Maps (newly added to interface – still very US-Centric) Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included) Within the Topic Page “On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites Related Topics included just below on this page “Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page Within the Article Just below the article title, beside the source you will find a symbol that indicates the reading level of the article (green circle is basic, yellow square is intermediate, and red triangle is advanced) Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools” “Related Subjects” provided for every article Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms Tools include downloadable citations Google Classroom, and Microsoft sign in available Tips for Ease of Use In the “Advanced Search” users can search using keywords, etc and then scroll down to indicate if the content is basic, intermediate or advanced. Perform a search for basic information about a specific topic, bookmark it to share with students Then perform the same search with an intermediate content level, bookmark it and share so that students can select the appropriate reading level for their ability

How do I use this ideas: “In Context” series Use the “bookmark” feature to create permalinks of any of the pages in the database” “Seed” inquiry projects/project-based learning experiences Highlight content related to the curriculum, supplement print collections, support student interests, provide season/holiday content, provide information about other cultures/countries/customs Access to current editions of Toronto Star, Globe & Mail, MacLean’s (Canada In Context), World and I, Newsweek International, and The Historian (World History In Context) Access science related videos on the homepage that are changed regularly

Britannica School Online Britannica School: Elementary Britannica School: Middle

Britannica School: Elementary Recommended for students in grades K-6 Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places, and history 2 reading levels allow users to change level while maintaining age appropriate interface Embedded read aloud feature and font adjustment Text translation for 50 languages Seamless access on tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop Educator tools including lesson plan builder Britannica School: Elementary This multidisciplinary database is new to the 2016/2017 collection. It replaced World Book Kids, World Book Student and World Book Advanced. Britannica ImageQuest is embedded in this resource so that when users perform searches related images also appear. This is a great starting point for research as it provides small chunks of information on a broad range of topics. Features Three levels within one interface (elementary, middle and high) Elementary version recommended for K-6 students Britannica Learning Zone – designed for PreK -2 Offers play-based activities for learning colours, geography, numbers, shapes, how to tell time, and vocabulary Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places and history Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for Less text and more images support student search techniques Related content provided for every article Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms In Elementary interface there are two reading levels that can be changed while in the same interface More sophisticated computer generated read aloud feature with embedded font adjustment Text translation to 50 languages Access on tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop Tips for Ease of Use In the top right-hand corner in the “Educators” section includes teaching tools, allows educators to explore articles and access Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum included) Teachers can create a personal account to save content and create their own lessons plans. Teachers need a special access code to create an account – Contact the ORC Coordinator to get more information about the access codes

Britannica School: Middle Recommended for students in grades 6-8 Adjustable reading levels allow users to change level while maintaining age appropriate interface 3 reading levels in middle and high interfaces Embedded read aloud feature and font adjustment Text translation for 50 languages Seamless access on tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop Educator tools including lesson plan builder Britannica School: Middle and High This multidisciplinary database is new to the 2016/2017 collection. It replaced World Book Kids, World Book Student and World Book Advanced. Britannica ImageQuest is embedded in this resource so that when users perform searches related images also appear. This is a great starting point for research as it provides small chunks of information on a broad range of topics. Features Three levels within one interface (elementary, middle and high) Middle version recommended for students in grades 6-8 High version recommended for students in grades 9-12 Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places and history Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for Less text and more images support student search techniques Related content provided for every article Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms In Middle and High interfaces there are two to three reading levels that can be changed while in the same interface More sophisticated computer generated read aloud feature with embedded font adjustment Text translation to 50 languages Access on tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop Tips for Ease of Use In the top right-hand corner in the “Educators” section includes teaching tools, allows educators to explore articles and access Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum included) Teachers can create a personal account to save content and create their own lessons plans. Teachers need a special access code to create an account – Contact the ORC Coordinator to get more information about the access codes

Support for School Staff Using the ORC ORC Support Site ORC Listserv Links Contact

ORC Support Site www.onlinereferencecentre.ca Resource training materials - podcasts, videos, archived, webinars, and guides Information about upcoming free ORC PD opportunities Information about province-wide resource trials and surveys Online booking system for ORC sessions Calendar of ORC Events Links to the ORC Twitter and Facebook accounts

ORC Mailing List Weekly email updates organized by elementary and junior/senior high New resources and features Province-wide trials Surveys Free PD opportunities No emails during school breaks Email jdavis@thealbertalibrary.ab.ca or visit the ORC Support Site to join today

Links to Check Out ORC Support Site www.onlinereferencecentre.ca ORC Mailing List http://www.onlinereferencecentre.ca/subscribe-to-the-orc-mailing-list.html ORC Twitter @ORC_AB ORC Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OnlineReferenceCentre/

Contact For more information or to schedule a school presentation contact: Jamie Davis, ORC Coordinator Call 780-414-0805 Ext. 229 OR Email jdavis@thealbertalibrary.ab.ca