1. Empowering, Engaging and Educating Students in Grades 5-9 with the ORC
Erin Hansen, ORC Presenter
Irvine School
January 29, 2016

2. What is the ORC?
$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*
Funded by a yearly Grant-In-Aid from Alberta Education to the Alberta Library (TAL)
*for the purposes of supporting K-12 patrons

3. Why These 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

4. What’s in it for Teachers?
Direct curriculum correlations, curriculum mapping for Science and Social (under completion)
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 blast

5. Accessing the ORC Go to LearnAlberta.ca Select English and 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 username and password
PRSD Username: LA433 Password: 7335
Share your district username and password (low tech methods)
for your remote username/password

6. QUESTIONS?

7. Connecting Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Happy Kids to the ORC

8. What are the 7 Habits?
Be Proactive
You are in charge. I am a responsible person, I can take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without begin asked, even when no one is looking.
Begin with the End in Mind
Have a plan. I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.
Put First Things First
Work first, then play. I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priories, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.

9. 7 Habits Continued… http://www.theleaderinme.org/the-7-habits-for-kids
4. Think Win-Win
Everyone can win. I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, Iook for third alternatives.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Listen before you talk. I listen to other poerpls’s ideas and feelings. I try to see from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.

10. 7 Habits Continued… http://www.theleaderinme.org/the-7-habits-for-kids
6. Synergize
Together is better. I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.
7. Sharpen the Saw
Balance feels best. I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.

11. Which of the 7 habits does the ORC Support?

12. 1. Be Proactive
“I am a responsible person. I take initiative… I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.”
ORC resources include embedded supports like: read aloud (human voice and computer generated), text translation, download to MP3, customizable text highlighting, and embedded citations.
Supports for diverse learners enables all students, regardless of their ability to:
Access credible, valid and accurate information
Take initiative and responsibility for their learning
Accurately give recognition to their source (citing work)

13. 2. Begin with the End in Mind
“I plan ahead and set goals…I look for ways to to be a good citizen.”
Today being a good citizen means:
Using technology responsibly
Exhibiting Digital Citizenship
Demonstrating information literacy skills to make informed decisions

14. 3. Put First Things First
“I spend my time on things that are most important…I am disciplined and organized.”
ORC resources allow homework to be completed from anywhere with an internet connection 24/7/365.
All ORC resources have been selected for, in large part, their alignment to the Alberta curriculum. This means students can find authoritative information faster subsequently reducing homework completion time

15. 5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
“I try to see things from their [other people’s] viewpoints.”
ORC resources provide a broad range of perspectives from around the world.
Articles are often written by an in-country consultant - someone living in the country.

16. Resources that Support Literacy Learning
TrueFLIX
Explora *NEW*
Literary Reference Centre
TeachingBooks.net

17. 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 hope build background knowledge of topic and improve student comprehension
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 for every eBook

18. Explora New Interface for EBSCO
Will be added to the ORC collection in September 2015
Filters content from 3 databases into 1 allowing for federated simultaneous searching
More aesthetically pleasing and functional
Aligns with youth search trends

19. Literary Reference Centre
Homepage includes full text classics, citation help, research guides, featured work, author and content, etc.
Customizable listen feature available for articles available in HTML format, MP3 downloads also available
Embedded citation tools (ABNT, AMA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, MLA, Vancouver)
SmartText searching to find similar articles along the left-hand side
Create notes within article and save to a personal folder for access from anywhere
Create an RSS feed for a search to continue to track new information
Share/permalink any article using the “permalink” feature along the right-hand side of the screen
Search for professional “Publications” to stay up-to-date

20. TeachingBooks.net Advanced Search allows you to search:
Includes a wealth of support material to teach and promote books in your school and classroom (book trailers, author interviews and readings, author audio name pronunciation, book guides and lesson plans, etc.)
Share pages using share, , or permalink
Create QR flyer, text feature, literary calendar
Access Alberta specific booklists:
Rocky Mountain Book Awards (Grades 4-7)
Young Readers Choice (Grades 4-6)
Alberta Education recommended listing for grades 4-12
Canadian Book Award Winners/Canadian Book and Author Resources
Personalized book lists upon request or with a personal account
Advanced Search allows you to search:
-French and Spanish resources by selection “Foreign Languages” and then French/ Spanish
-Specific grade ranges
-Book Apps available
Features:
1) Hover over any book cover to see a listing of the resources available for that book
2) Link for requesting a personalized booklist along the right-hand side of a booklist
Alberta Specific Lists at the bottom of the homepage:
-YRCA
-ELA Approved
-Rocky Mountain
Also at the bottom of the homepage find:
-Curriculum uses
-What’s New
-Featured Content
-New Material
Canadian Authors:
-Large listing, always changing
-Authors include Melanie Watt, Sigmund Brouwer, Eric Walters, Cory Doctorow, Marty Chan
-Marie-Louise Gay – Canadian author
-Video recording from her home, available in French or English
-Can use to learn about the writing process to include in your own writing curriculum
-Name pronunciation
-Access her materials two ways
-Bottom of the page links – share this page or this page
Help and Training Available:
-Video demonstrations that can be shared
-Self-guided professional development
Contact:
-Make author/illustrator suggestions
-Suggest links to be included in TeachingBooks

21. Developing Vocabulary
Visual Thesaurus

22. Visual Thesaurus Recommended for grade 3-12
Six languages including English, French, Spanish and German
Correct word pronunciation in human voice for every word
Images related to words with right-click (images are google images and not vetted)
Word of the day/week/month
Personal word lists and spelling bees with an account*
Vocabgrabber with an account
* to get steps for setting up personal account
Creating an account a new feature – will not do today but have included steps
Homepage:
1) Word of the day, week or month sign up top right hand side
2) Featured word lists just below word of the day
3) General article top left hand side
4) Spelling Bee and Vocabgrabber found in the centre of the homepage
Educators tab along the top grey links bar
1) Educator article changes monthly, found in top left hand side of Educators page
2) Search lesson plans (be aware there is US Content)
3) PD videos found on the lower right hand side
1. Great for introducing resource to staff members
2. Great for reminding yourself how to do something
3. Instructions for creating word lists/spelling bees included 4) Spelling Bee and Vaocabgrabber found in the centre of the Educator’s pages
Search pleasant
Settings along the top in grey
Adjust for SMART Board
Identify word relationships to target
Add in other languages
2) Right click on any word to hear it pronounced or to pull up images
3) Words sorted by verbs, adjectives, etc. (along the right hand side of the screen)
1. Can turn on/off verbs, adverbs, etc.
2. Coloured circles for each of the words tells you what kind of word
3. Can focus on a specific definition (found along the right hand side)
4. Click on a word to find words related to that specific word
4) Can browse history (top left side of the screen)
5) Print/Share options along the top of the screen

23. Resources that Support Science
PowerKnowledge Suite
National Geographic Kids Virtual Library
Science In Context

24. 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 grade 1-6 science curriculum

25. PowerKnowledge: Earth & Space Science
Science Units Supported:
Grade 1 Seasonal Changes
Grade 2 Exploring Liquids
Grade 3 Rocks and Minerals
Grade 4 Light and Shadows & Waste and Our World
Grade 5 Weather Watch, Wetland Ecosystems & Social Studies Mapping Skills
Grade 6 Sky Science
This resource is included in the Curriculum Mapping on the ORC Support Site

26. PowerKnowledge: Life Science
Science Units Supported:
Grade 1 Needs of Animals and Plants
Grade 2 Small Flying and Crawling Animals
Grade 3 Animal Life Cycles & Hearing and Sound
Grade 4 Plant Growth and Changes, Waste and Our World
Grade 5 Wetland Ecosystems
Grade 6 Trees and Forests
This resource is included in the Curriculum Mapping on the ORC Support Site

27. PowerKnowledge: Physical Science
Science Units Supported:
Grade 1 Needs of Animals and Plants
Grade 2 Hot and Cold Temperatures & Magnetism
Grade 4 Wheels and Levers
Grade 5 Electricity and Magnetism & Classroom Chemistry
Grade 6 Trees and Forests
This resource is included in the Curriculum Mapping on the ORC Support Site

28. National Geographic Kids
New to the collection for 2015/2016
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)
Includes listen feature

29. Science In Context Recommended for student in grade 6 and up
Featured videos, new, and stories on homepage
customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download MP3
Text translation to 13 languages
Highlight and notes within the aricle, save to a folder without an account
Embedded citations (MLA 7th Edition, and APA 6th Edition)
Links to “Related Subjects” to support shallow searchers
Share/permalink any page using the “Bookmark” tab right side of the search bar at the top
Advanced search allows for Boolean, and content selection (Advance/ Intermediate/Basic)
Search specific learner outcomes for grade 6 Alberta curriculum in the “Curriculum Standards” link

30. Social Studies Resources
The Canadian Encyclopedia
Canada In Context
World History In Context
Explora/The Canadian Reference Centre
The

31. The Canadian Encyclopedia
Free website provided by Government of Canada
Change from English to French at the top right-hand corner of every page
New updated interface - much more aesthetic and functional
View personal accounts from veterans, view videos, articles, publication date, editor, and edit date
Embedded citations (MLA 7th Edition, APA 6th Edition, Chicago 16th Edition)
Wealth of Canadian Content for grade 4/5/6 Social Studies curricula
Left-Hand Side of Homepage When you click on the Historica Canada icon in the top left-hand corner of the homepage a menu of options will drop down. Here you will find: -“Historica Canada" search programs, videos (Heritage Minutes, Parodies, Radio Minutes, and Memory Project Archives), polls, media and education resources on this page.
-“Aboriginal Arts and Stories" is the largest art and creative writing competition in Canada for Aboriginal Youth. Explore past winners artwork and writing, or create your our submission. This competition is currently open.
-“Citizenship Challenge" Although this competition is expired it remains a wonderful idea for a class project.
-“Encounters with Canada" Canada's largest youth forum.
-“Got a Minute" Access heritage minutes about a variety of Canadian historical events. The most recent one is about Sir John A. Macdonald and Confederation. 
-“My Park Pass" Designed for grade 8 students, classes create and submit videos that highlight the national park system in their area. Once submitted, visitors to the website can vote on their favorite video. Voting has commenced and will remain open until March 24, The winning class receives a trip to British Columbia.
-“Passages Canada" is a storytelling initiative that compiles the personal accounts of cultural identity and heritage from volunteers around Canada. Stories are organized into themes like Adjusting to Life in Canada, Human Rights & Social Justice, Multiculturalism & Diversity, etc.  -“The Memory Project" shares stories of service and sacrifice. Access images of artifacts and personal stories from Korea, WWI, and WWII, in addition to peacekeeping missions. In the middle of this page, you can click on the Image Gallery which includes a searchable image gallery. Along the top of the Image Gallery homepage you will see a link for Inside the Classroom. Access a variety of lesson plans including, but not limited to Putting a Face on Remembrance, Passchendaele, Women and the War, Dieppe, and more.   
-“Toronto in Time" offers tales of the city told in words and image. This may not necessarily be all that applicable for us in Alberta, but it is available nonetheless. -“War of 1812" provides a wealth of content for teaching the War of This page includes an interactive Timeline, Classroom Resources (themed activities, guide downloads, guide supplements, external resources), and Heritage Minutes related to the War of 1812.
Right-Hand Side of Homepage
Click on the Learning Centre to access study guides and a searchable timeline. You can also change the language from English to French and French to English by clicking on EN/FR on the very right-hand side of the screen at the top.
Centre of Homepage
The centre of the homepage allows for a traditional search, but also provides content organized into 4 themes
-Events - Holidays, Political, Weather Phenomena, Historical, etc.
-People - Explorers, French Canadians, Politicians, Women, Scientist & Technologists, etc. -Places - Cities, Provinces & Territories, Parks & National Historic Sites, Geography, etc. 
-Things - Agriculture, Innovations & Technology, Environment, Politics, Sports, etc.
Just under the search bar you will find quick access to the Exhibit (a digital themed exhibit like Black Freedom Fighters, Human Rights, The Korean War, etc), Your Canada (an interactive map that allows you to read and share your Canadian story), as well as a  searchable Today in Canadian History timeline.
Bottom of Homepage
At the very bottom of The Canadian Encyclopedia homepage you will find three columns with links to Popular (WWII, Confederation and Fur Trade), Recommended (Urban Music, Quebec Values Charter and Natural Regions) and Latest (Norval Morrisseau, Queen Mother and Martin Picard) content. 
Within the Article
When you open an article you will immediately notice how clean the text is. Even though there is not an embedded listen feature, for those students who are not able to read it or who prefer to have it read aloud the clean text should make it very readable for a program like Naturalreader. You will also notice that words within articles are red. These words link to additional information - a great way to stretch and deepen learning! In addition, you will notice a box at the top right-hand side of the article that provides information on who wrote and revised the article, when it was published and last edited. Just below that information users will find a searchable table of contents, suggested reading, related articles and links. And if that was not enough, there is also citation information available for every article. Located between the share and save icons at the very bottom of the table of contents is the open quotation mark which provides citations in 4 different styles. 

32. Canada In Context
Canadian content not only for Social Studies, but also Science and ELA
Featured videos, new, and stories on homepage
customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download MP3
Text translation to 13 languages
Highlight and notes within the aricle, save to a folder without an account
Embedded citations (MLA 7th Edition, and APA 6th Edition)
Links to “Related Subjects” to support shallow searchers
Share/permalink any page using the “Bookmark” tab right side of the search bar at the top
Advanced search allows for Boolean, and content selection (Advance/ Intermediate/Basic)

33. World History 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 right side of the search bar at the top
Advanced search allows for Boolean, and content selection (Advanced/Intermediate/Basic)
Search specific learner outcomes in “Curriculum Standards” for the Alberta Social Studies curriculum - embedded links to the article included

34. Explora New Interface for EBSCO
Will be added to the ORC collection in September 2015
Filters content from 3 databases into 1 allowing for federated simultaneous searching
More aesthetically pleasing and functional
Aligns with youth search trends

35. Canadian Reference Centre
Change the language of interface at the top right hand side of the screen to allow for searching and reading in other languages
Text translation to 32 different languages
Customizable listen feature available for articles available in HTML format, MP3 downloads also available
Embedded citation tools (ABNT, AMA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, MLA, Vancouver)
SmartText searching to find similar articles along the left-hand side
Create notes within article and save to a personal folder for access from anywhere
Create an RSS feed for a search to continue to track new information
Share/permalink any article using the “permalink” feature along the right-hand side of the screen
Search for professional “Publications” including Canadian Libraries, School Library Journal, Walrus and subscribe to RSS feeds
Canadian Reference Centre
Homepage:
Along top blue bar of the screen on the left hand side search for publications
great for teachers since there is a large collection of journals included with back issues
Can sign up for RSS feeds for different publications
Along the top blue bar on the right hand side change the interface language
Just below the search box there are a variety of options for searching
Advanced search allows you to select date ranges, etc.
Visual Search provides the information in relevancy boxes for a more visual search result
4) Just above the search box you can “choose the database” to allow searching in just APS as well as CRC and CPV
Searching:
Once a search is executed, you can see along the left hand side of the screen all of the different kinds of sources available, including peer reviewed
Within the Articles:
Periodical and Reference articles will have:
Customizable read aloud feature – allows you to select accent, and when you click on the cog you can select rate of speed and word/sentence highlighting options
Text translation available for 32 languages
Right hand side provides tools like cite (many formats options), export, save, etc.
Along the right hand side it provides permalinks – this is important for sharing the article on eTeacher page or teacher website
With An Account:
Add an article to your folder
Take notes within an article and save the notes
Canadian Reference Centre Student Research Centre
Search by topic along the left hand side of the screen - wide array of topics including math which is unusual
Limit your search right on the homepage
Top searches for all CRC Student Research Centre users just below the topic listing
Along the top of the search box you can change the kind of search you perform
Very top right hand side of the screen change the interface language
Does not have built in listen and text translation features

36. Resources that Support Phys-Ed, Health, Foods

37. Teen Health and Wellness
Straightforward discussion of all teen health and wellness topics with links to the Alberta science, foods, health and CALM curricula
Customizable listen feature and text translation
Sectioned articles with links to related articles for shallow searchers
Embedded citations (MLA, APA, Chicago)
Many interactive features that allow students to interact and contribute:
Student polls on current topics
Share personal stories and read stories from other teens
Create and submit videos on various health and wellness topics
Submit questions to Dr. jan and receive answers back
Alberta/Canada specific hotlines
Current In the news tops change frequently

38. Recently Redesigned Resource
World Book Student
World Book Advanced

39. World Book Student Recommended for students in grades 4-9
Multidisciplinary database that includes atlas, dictionary (with voice pronunciation), images, weblinks, and world news
“My Research” allows users to track and save their research online
Features include: customizable read aloud, text translation to 79 languages, timeline builder, embedded citations (MLA, APA, Harvard), citation builder, primary source documents, pathfinders, resource guides, teaching documents
Content accessible through a variety of access points
Ability to create permalinks
New Look for 2015/2016
Top Homepage Features:
-Traditional search bar at the top to allow for keyword searches, etc.
To the right of the search bar
-“Find it by…”
-Subject (Arts, Business, industry and technology, Geography, History, Mythology, Philosophy and religion, Recreation and sports, Science and mathematics, Society)
-A-Z
-Advanced Search
-Images (organized Alphabetically)
-Videos (Organized Alphabetically)
-“Take me to…”
-Atlas
-Biography Center
-Citation Builder
-Compare Places
-Dictionary
-How to do Research
-Timelines (pre-generated and create your own)
-Trivia Quizes (Topics: Animals and nature, History, Holidays, Trivia Grab Bag, People, War and Conflict, Space) - somewhat US-centric
-What’s New (New images, new maps, new and revised article, new dictionary entries)
Main Homepage Layout:
-Research Tools
-Featured Content and Videos (Changed regularly) -Behind the Headlines
Article Features:
-Tabs at the top of the article
-Article
-Image, Videos and Audio
-Related Information (Websites, and general information)
-Supportive Features found in the “Cog” on the right-hand size of the article screen
-Citations (MLA, APA, Harvard)
-Text translation (79 Languages)
-Text-to-speech with speed adjustment
-on-screen font size adjustment

40. World Book Advanced
New look for 2015/2016, recommended for grades 8-12
Multidisciplinary database that includes atlas, dictionary (with voice pronunciation), images, web links, and world news
“My Research” allows users to track and save their research online
Features include: customizable read-aloud, text translation to 79 languages, timeline builder, embedded citations (MLA, APA, Harvard), citation builder, primary source documents, pathfinders, resources guides, teaching documents
Online book archive includes thousands of fiction and nonfiction digital books in nine languages
New Look for 2015/2016
Top Homepage Features:
-Traditional search bar at the top to allow for keyword searches
To the right of the search bar
-Advanced Search
-Boolean, Lexile Level, etc.
-“Take me to…”
-Atlas
-Behind the headlines
-Citation Builder
-Compare Places
-Dictionary
-Government Websites (Canadian and Alberta specific included)
-My Reasearch
-Online Book Archive
-Pathfinders
-Primary Sources
-Resoruces Guides (web links organized by topic)
-Teaching with Documents (somewhat US Centric although it included lessons for WWI and WWII) ***Worksheets can be text translated
-Today In History
-What’s New
-World Newspapers
Main Homepage Layout:
-Research Tools
-In the Headlines -Featured Videos
-Primary Sources organized alphabetically by title
Article Features:
-Tabs at the top of the article
-Article
-Image, Videos and Audio
-Related Information (Websites, and general information)
-Supportive Features found in the “Cog” on the right-hand size of the article screen
-Citations (MLA, APA, Harvard)
-Text translation (79 Languages)
-Text-to-speech with speed adjustment
-on-screen font size adjustment

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

42. 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 ORC Twitter and Facebook accounts

43. ORC Listserv Weekly email updates organized by E/J/S:
New resources and features
Province-wide trials
Surveys
Free PD opportunities
No s during school breaks
Membership benefits for every 50th person to join
or visit the ORC Support Site to join today

44. Links to Check Out ORC Support Site www.onlinereferencecentre.ca
ORC Listserv
ORC Facebook
ORC Twitter
@ORC_AB

45. Contact
For more information or to schedule a school presentation contact:
Jamie Davis, ORC Coordinator
Call ext: 229 OR