Reading Lists - Fiction

Title: Incorporating Online Databases into Classroom Research

 Objectives:

1. Explore a variety of available online databases
2. Discover depth of resources contained in various online databases, specific to individual content area
3. Identify curricular applications for the databases
4. Outline a plan for incorporating specific databases into student research assignments
5. Implement at least online database into existing or new student research projects

 Recommended Reading: From Now On: The Educational Technology Journal produced by Jamie McKenzie.  Jamie is a nationally known and respected proponent of critical thinking and educational technology.  This is the URL for his web zine http://www.fno.org

• You are encouraged to share and discuss any findings with colleagues and particularly Val Edwards, facilitator of this online tutorial.
• HINT: Select the subject index link from the homepage, follow to the “curriculum” link.  There are many excellent articles addressing issues in educational technology.

 Activity 1: Explore the online databases available to our school.

  http://www.archive.thenation.com - The Nation Digital Archive

 http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/badgerlink - Badgerlink (periodical database)

http://portal.bigchalk.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/PikeApp.woa/wa/myproducts - Pro Quest Collection Link

 *NOTE: Some of these databases require a user name and password to log-on.  The necessary information can be received by e-mailing your request to Val Edwards.

 Identify at least one item or subject area on each site that you would be able to integrate into an existing research assignment in your curriculum.

 You can assess your success with this activity by gauging the usefulness of the information you located.  Please e-mail Val Edwards to provide feedback on this activity.  If you feel you were unsuccessful indicate what affected your completion of the activity.

 Activity 2: Identify online material for integration into classroom activities.

 Select the database explored in Activity 1 that contains the material that is most relevant to your curricular area.

 Spend time exploring its content to discover information specific to 4-6 units or specific lessons/activities in your existing curriculum.

Identify 2-3 areas or items that would allow you to expand your curriculum and introduce new lessons/activities.

 Share this information with your colleagues at a department, grade-level, or faculty meeting.

 E-mail Val Edwards indictating the database you selected for in-depth exploration.  Include information regarding the presentation to colleagues (what you shared, what questions you were asked, etc.).

 Activity 3: Gather ideas for incorporating the database resources into your curriculum.

Explore the lesson plans and ideas on the websites listed below:

 http://www.IDEAS.Wisconsin.edu

 http://scout.wisc.edu

 http://www2.dpi.state.wi.us/sig/practices/high_2.asp

 http://www.ed.gov/free

 Develop or expand at least two lessons or activities, incorporating the use of the resources from the online databases.

E-mail Val Edwards with your new or revised lesson plans.

*NOTE: This would be the appropriate time to consult directly with Val if you would like to schedule time for your students in the IMC, need ideas for incorporating the resources from the online databases into your curriculum, or would like to have Val provide formal instruction to your students on accessing the necessary database(s) and their content.

 Activity 4: Copyright Policy

 Browse copyright related materials at the sites listed below.

http://www.copyright.iupui.edu/checklist.htm

http://www.copyright.iupui.edu/quickguide.htm

http://www.ala.org/oitp/copyright

http://www.loc.gov/copyright/circs/circ1.html

 Identify policy that pertains to your use of resources found on the web or in a subscription database.

 Briefly, outline a plan for ensuring your compliance with copyright guidelines.  Share your plan with Val Edwards.  Your ideas may be used to assist other teachers as they work to comply with the District Copyright Policy.

 Activity 5: Course Reflection and Evaluation

 E-mail Val Edwards a summary of your experience with this curriculum development online tutorial. 

1. Please outline any difficulties that you faced in completing the activities for this tutorial. 
2. Any suggestions for improvements would be greatly appreciated.
3. Do you feel that your participation in this tutorial has improved your classroom assignments?
4. Do you feel that you have a better understanding of methods for implementing educational technology?
5. Are there other areas of curriculum development and educational technology that you would like to have tutorials available for?

www.MononaGrove.org