Getting on Track with InfoTrac Research Resource Presentation By Alice Lawrence

Who, What, When, Where? Who: High school juniors at Grace Academy; most are comfortable with computer searching (usually Google) but have limited (if any) experience with TEL databases What: Collaboration with 11 th grade Critical Thinking project, which requires research into JFK assassination; students will already know about assignment and its requirements

Who, What, When, Where? When: Two 40-minute class periods, scheduled in collaboration with teacher. First period will be for practice; second for starting student research projects. First period will be for practice; second for starting student research projects. Where: class will meet in computer lab to facilitate computer access; one computer will be set up for teacher demonstration on large monitor; each student will have access to a computer for hands-on practice after demonstration

Strategy Overview Pre-class survey Justification of database research Screenshots of database with explanations Media types group worksheet Hands-on practice guide Exit survey (final survey to follow in 2-3 weeks)

Materials Computers (as discussed previously) Powerpoint presentation Handouts: surveys, media types worksheet, hands-on practice guide Helpers will include the classroom teacher and media specialist

Why do we need InfoTrac? Database searching is more focused than internet searching (less time) Databases like InfoTrac contain higher quality resources than the internet at large (better results) Less time + Better results = Best choice

How to find InfoTrac Go to the school library webpage ( Click on the link for Research Under the section for Databases, click the link for Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) Use the password: elvis

Keyword vs. Subject search Keyword searching is often broader; it may include term in different contexts Example: JFK as president, but also refers to ship, school, museum, airport, space center, performing arts center Subject searching is narrower, allows the searcher to specify the context of the term Or, subject search can be used to change search focus (more broad or more narrow)

Tips for Using InfoTrac Tabs for Media Types Full-text, PDF How to Cite Previous Searches

Media Types Magazines Academic Journals ReferenceNewsMultimedia

More Tips for Using InfoTrac Dictionary Marked Items/Print, InfoMark Breadcrumb Trail Help

Hands-on Practice Log on to InfoTrac OneFile Conduct search on assigned topic Find and mark at least one relevant article from each of these categories: magazine, academic journal, reference, and news Print citations for the four marked items from your search

Follow-up Activities TEL database links are available on the library webpage (see Research) Research links for this project are posted on the library webpage (see Classes) Further research assistance in the library may be requested by the teacher or any student

Curriculum Standards Among the many reading and writing standards this project addresses, students will be able to: Apply effective research skills. Gather information from the Internet, periodicals, books, CD ROMS, and non-print sources. Cite quotations, paraphrases, and summaries correctly in the research product. Produce and present formal research projects (e.g., research papers, PowerPoint presentations, oral presentations). Use evidence from text to support interpretations, to understand relationships, and to validate judgments. Use electronic media (e.g., websites, databases, discussion boards, s) and other audio-visual media to conduct research and to create and present research-based products. Investigate the effects of the turbulent 1960's upon American society. (U.S. History)

Information Literacy Standards Access information efficiently and effectively –Recognize need for info (1.1) –Formulate questions based on needs (1.3) –Identify variety of potential sources of information (1.4) –Use successful strategies for locating information (1.5) Evaluate information critically and competently –Determine accuracy, relevance, and comprehensiveness (2.1) –Distinguish among fact, point of view, and opinion (2.2)

Questions?

Pre-demonstration Survey How do you usually search for information for school? (look in a book, ask a friend, ask a teacher, look on the internet, etc) If you search in a book, what kind of book do you usually start with? If you search on a computer, where do you usually start? Have you ever used Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL), either at school or the public library? If so, what did you think about it?

Exit Survey Was today’s demonstration and practice your first experience with TEL and InfoTrac? Did you find it easy or difficult to use? After today, are you more likely to use InfoTrac to find information for school projects? Why or why not?

Final Survey (2-3 weeks later) In the past few weeks, have you used InfoTrac to find information for school? If so, were you successful in finding useful information? If not, why not? Would you like further coaching in using InfoTrac or other databases to find information for this or other projects?