Key themes covered Search engines Locating/ assessing suitable resources Information Skills – knowing where to look Free web-based RDN,NLN, Ferl JISC or CHEST negotiated resources Adapting/ utilising them Promoting use

Back to basics – search engines

Google Widely used But is it used effectively? Simple techniques can refine a search New features being developed e.g Google Scholar

MSN search A new rival to Google? Includes a search option through Encarta resources

Key ‘free’ education resources Resources FEHEACLSpecialist s NLN ferl.becta.org.ukFerl Academy

The RDN Consists of subject specific hubs Maintained by specialist teams 100,000 plus resources – constantly developing JISC funded national service No registration required Support material and advice on best use [

The RDN v search engines challenge - activity Information overload Trustworthiness Accuracy Authority Relevance to education Selectivity Compare search results from Google and other search engines with the RDN

RDN Case Studies -activity Explore a case study for your subject area

Behind the Headlines- activity Search for related websites on a current theme

Virtual Training Suite The RDN Virtual Training Suite aims to help students, lecturers and researchers in UK higher and further education to develop their Internet information literacy and ICT skills [

RDN Virtual Training Suite Free online tutorials to help improve Internet information literacy and IT skills

RDN future developments Increased content relevant to FE Redesigned and developed Case Studies section Search tagging for FE Subject packs and subject resource guides

National Learning Network materials Over 800 hours of flexible, interactive learning spread across a range of curriculum areas. All FE staff eligible to view the materials Check with your Head of Department, LRC or ILT Champion for further information Contact your local JISC Regional Support Centre for help with accessing and using the materials [

Ferl Practical advice and guidance on making Effective use of ILT in Post 16 sector

ACLearn Supporting ACL in development of ILT strategies Learning content Technical guidance

JISC Collections JISC negotiate the provision of e-resources to FE & HE Discounted rates Some resources free Responsive to demands and needs of the sector – keen to develop appropriate resources for Specialist sector

CHEST Also negotiate with publishers to provide resources Software AND Learning Resources Some available free to FE For resources of specific interest to FE sector try the virtual exhibition at

Organising the resources College Intranet Virtual Learning Environment Web access Integrate and brand with college feel – e.g. RDN Include Athens Authentication System

Athens Authentication for the user – provides a single username and password for access to many online resources used in work or study for the library – provides a set of tools for managing potentially large number of users for the service provider – makes service more attractive to users – removes task of providing usernames and passwords to users and administrators

Athens Authentication Other benefits -Free to FE & HE through JISC funding -Monitor usage - Off campus access - Distance/ remote learning - Range of account types available to suit needs -Administrator -Self registration -Personal -Access

Promoting resources to staff & students Barriers Time Awareness Skills level Fear Access Support Why bother?

Promoting resources Solutions? Go for quick & high impact resources Look for support material - case studies -map to qualifications/ lesson plans Liaise with Heads of Dept, ILT Champions Bring the resources to the staff – deliver training Tie in with Information Skills training Use bulletins/ alerts Keep trying!