I love databases. I think that the transition from large reference books to the technical skill of navigating databases has been a long time coming. Working in a high school library, my students desperately need experience using databases and honing their search schools. In order to become successful citizens prepare for college or career, students must have these skills. I also feel that as librarians it is our job to share this vital information with the staff that we work with. Not only do the students need to be comfortable using databases and search strategies, but teachers also need to grasp these techniques to search and evaluate information efficiently.
I have spent a good amount of time using SIRS Issue Researcher with my students. In order to have some variety, I decided to delve deeper into Opposing Viewpoints in Context. A majority of the research that students complete at CHS is either based on the influence of an individual and contemporary issues. Between SIRS Issues Researcher and Congressional Quarterly the students usually can find enough information, but there are a few subjects that were difficult to find such as welfare and animal abuse. I was happy to find that Opposing Viewpoints had a wide range of subjects to browse. I really like the news feed style search results based on a variety of resources and media types. The highlight and notes feature is fantastic for research and can show progress as students are working. There is a helpful save feature that makes it easy to find and cite the sources you use. In addition the dictionary function is nice to have when reading academic articles that might have advanced language. I will definitely promote this to the English classes that visit the library as well as the Participation in Government class during their library project.
I also can't wait to share 100+ Google Tricks for Teachers! So many helpful tips!
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