Monday, March 31, 2014
Lesson 9 History and Genealogy Resources
Looks like can't access this at home. I will try it again tomorrow at work.
Lesson 8 World Cat, CAMIO and more......
I searched for the book Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine. I had just read it and it was the first book to come to my mind. There are 402 libraries that have this book and the first library on the list is Dakota Wesleyan University, McGovern Library.
The Class descriptor for the book is LC: PZ7.E7388 or Dewey: FIC
When I clicked on the author's name no other books by her were listed; however a book in which she was interviewed was included. Clicking on the first subject listed Asperger's Syndrome, 175 new entries were listed. This included books, Internet and sound. This is a great resource if a student Recently a teacher asked me for historical fiction books for the time period of 1840-1880. I think I could use this site as a resource to find books that fit her parameters.
The Class descriptor for the book is LC: PZ7.E7388 or Dewey: FIC
When I clicked on the author's name no other books by her were listed; however a book in which she was interviewed was included. Clicking on the first subject listed Asperger's Syndrome, 175 new entries were listed. This included books, Internet and sound. This is a great resource if a student Recently a teacher asked me for historical fiction books for the time period of 1840-1880. I think I could use this site as a resource to find books that fit her parameters.
Lesson 7 E Books on EbscoHost
1. I searched "standardized tests" as I thought that would be interesting to see what information was available. There were 45 articles found in the search. I am not sure if it was something wrong with my computer or what but I couldn't get any of the articles or books to download. I tried downloading different programs that I thought I might need; but it still didn't work for me.
2. I really didn't find much on the Constitution Day. It was hard to look at books when I really couldn't get in and look at the book. I should try this again at school on another computer.
3. When doing an advanced search I was able to hone down to only four entries. The four books were about Native Americans. Again when I tried to open a page from the book, I didn't get anything. There was a little box in the upper left corner with an X in it. It would like it was downloading and then nothing happened.
I have made an account and signed in and it still did not help. I am feeling frustrated with this site.
2. I really didn't find much on the Constitution Day. It was hard to look at books when I really couldn't get in and look at the book. I should try this again at school on another computer.
3. When doing an advanced search I was able to hone down to only four entries. The four books were about Native Americans. Again when I tried to open a page from the book, I didn't get anything. There was a little box in the upper left corner with an X in it. It would like it was downloading and then nothing happened.
I have made an account and signed in and it still did not help. I am feeling frustrated with this site.
Lesson 6 Gale Virtual Reference Library
1. The book that I "pulled the shelf" was Bowling, Beatniks and Bell Bottoms: Pop Culture of 20th and 21st Century America. Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Anyway, I picked the volume for the 1960's and then chose Fashion. With older students I think it would be fun to make comparisons of fashions of today to those of previous decades. I have library skills for K-4th grade. When we have special days during Homecoming, it might be fun to show students what was popular fashion for the 70's, 80's or whatever decade that is being portrayed. This site was very easy to navigate and again I was unaware of all of the information available. I am going to try to remember to use this site when I am next asked why this or that.....little kids often have very inquisitive minds :)
PS I also just noticed that I can email bookmark URLs to help find articles at a later date.
2. I searched for gluten free diet and ended up reading and listening to an article about Celiac Disease. I could read the article or listen to the article. I could even download it to a MP3 player or ereader and listen to it later, which I thought was kind of cool. If I needed, I could print the article or email it to my account. While reading the article, if I came across a word that I didn't know or understand the meaning of, I could look it up in the dictionary that is provided. Gale Virtual Reference Library is another treasure that I really didn't know much about. For my older students, third and fourth graders, I could use this site to find information about a favorite author, such as Dr. Seuss.
Now I am off to check what other people are finding out......
PS I also just noticed that I can email bookmark URLs to help find articles at a later date.
2. I searched for gluten free diet and ended up reading and listening to an article about Celiac Disease. I could read the article or listen to the article. I could even download it to a MP3 player or ereader and listen to it later, which I thought was kind of cool. If I needed, I could print the article or email it to my account. While reading the article, if I came across a word that I didn't know or understand the meaning of, I could look it up in the dictionary that is provided. Gale Virtual Reference Library is another treasure that I really didn't know much about. For my older students, third and fourth graders, I could use this site to find information about a favorite author, such as Dr. Seuss.
Now I am off to check what other people are finding out......
Lesson 5 ProQuest
1. I did a basic search on Pope Francis. I was surprised at how many entries came up. On the left side there were several suggestions as to how to narrow the search. I chose to limit it by publication and the list of entries reduced by about 20,000. Proquest is a great resource for students doing research. I also used it quite a bit when I got my Masters degree a few years ago. I was having trouble finding current articles on a topic that needed to be researched and I finally found some using Proquest.
2. I searched for the "Reading Teacher" journal. It is provided from 1988 to the current date of 2014. I saw that I could set up an alert to keep on top of when the journal was available. I searched for the term "prior knowledge" within the publication of "Reading Teacher" and 458 entries were found. If I find articles I wish to save, I can. I can also email or print a copy if I needed to. Because I don't do it often enough, I was pleased to see that citing options were available to help people like me.
2. I searched for the "Reading Teacher" journal. It is provided from 1988 to the current date of 2014. I saw that I could set up an alert to keep on top of when the journal was available. I searched for the term "prior knowledge" within the publication of "Reading Teacher" and 458 entries were found. If I find articles I wish to save, I can. I can also email or print a copy if I needed to. Because I don't do it often enough, I was pleased to see that citing options were available to help people like me.
Lesson 4 SIRS Researcher and Discover
SIRS Discoverer
1. I searched the animal hedgehog by typing it in the search box above the subject tree icons. The search resulted in 97 articles including 17 newspaper articles, 53 magazine articles, 23 reference articles, 16 graphics and no web sites. The articles varied in reading difficulty from easy to challenging. There were many articles that included graphics which were designated by the use of the camera icon. Even though many of the articles were not current as in this year; as I read some of the articles, I still felt articles had pertinent information.
2. I searched the country Samoa using the link for Country Facts. I like how the information is set up in that there are basic facts listed in one column and major events in history in the second column. There is also a flag and map of where it is located. In addition, there are many links for a student to follow and gather even more information on a country.
I can see using the Maps of the World section in many ways. Fourth graders study the regions and individual states of the US. Students could print off outline maps to be able to fill in cities, rivers, mountains, etc as well as drawing in products found in the state. Historical maps can be used to study certain historical events such as Civil War.
I was pleased to see the addition of the nonfiction books. However, when I clicked on the books, they would not load on my computer so I don't know if the issue is my computer or a problem with the program. I will try it again at school.
I really like using the Sirs Discoverer with my third and fourth graders. After they have spent a couple library sessions exploring the site, I have a Sirs Discoverer Challenge. I divide the class into four teams. One team member at a time goes to the computer with the Sirs Discoverer home page ready to go. I then ask a question such as "Find an outline map of South Dakota." or "Find a picture of Barack Obama." The team that finds the answer first gets a two points. If other teams find the answer as well, I give their team one point. They discover there are many ways to get to the same answer and they have fun. The best part is they are learning how to use the site and have fun doing it.
SIRS Researcher
1. I selected the topic of autism to explore using the SIRS researcher site. The topic overview for this topic was mental health. Several other research tools were available as well including timelines, global impact, and statistics. There was also a note organizer to help students organize what they have learned so they later can present it to their classmates. Articles are listed on the right side as newspapers, magazines, reference and graphics. I noticed that the articles were current. The first article was dated 2014.
2. Curriculum Pathfinders: I clicked on social studies and noted there were several options available, including current events, timelines and world maps. I also like the research ideas located in the middle of the web page.
1. I searched the animal hedgehog by typing it in the search box above the subject tree icons. The search resulted in 97 articles including 17 newspaper articles, 53 magazine articles, 23 reference articles, 16 graphics and no web sites. The articles varied in reading difficulty from easy to challenging. There were many articles that included graphics which were designated by the use of the camera icon. Even though many of the articles were not current as in this year; as I read some of the articles, I still felt articles had pertinent information.
2. I searched the country Samoa using the link for Country Facts. I like how the information is set up in that there are basic facts listed in one column and major events in history in the second column. There is also a flag and map of where it is located. In addition, there are many links for a student to follow and gather even more information on a country.
I can see using the Maps of the World section in many ways. Fourth graders study the regions and individual states of the US. Students could print off outline maps to be able to fill in cities, rivers, mountains, etc as well as drawing in products found in the state. Historical maps can be used to study certain historical events such as Civil War.
I was pleased to see the addition of the nonfiction books. However, when I clicked on the books, they would not load on my computer so I don't know if the issue is my computer or a problem with the program. I will try it again at school.
I really like using the Sirs Discoverer with my third and fourth graders. After they have spent a couple library sessions exploring the site, I have a Sirs Discoverer Challenge. I divide the class into four teams. One team member at a time goes to the computer with the Sirs Discoverer home page ready to go. I then ask a question such as "Find an outline map of South Dakota." or "Find a picture of Barack Obama." The team that finds the answer first gets a two points. If other teams find the answer as well, I give their team one point. They discover there are many ways to get to the same answer and they have fun. The best part is they are learning how to use the site and have fun doing it.
SIRS Researcher
1. I selected the topic of autism to explore using the SIRS researcher site. The topic overview for this topic was mental health. Several other research tools were available as well including timelines, global impact, and statistics. There was also a note organizer to help students organize what they have learned so they later can present it to their classmates. Articles are listed on the right side as newspapers, magazines, reference and graphics. I noticed that the articles were current. The first article was dated 2014.
2. Curriculum Pathfinders: I clicked on social studies and noted there were several options available, including current events, timelines and world maps. I also like the research ideas located in the middle of the web page.
Lesson 3 Learning Express Library
1. Very easy to access and set up an account.
2. I chose to complete "4th Grade Data Analysis". It was easy to navigate through the test. There were good explanations. When I clicked on "View Answers", I was able to read through the questions and compare my answers to the correct answers. Explanation as to why an answer was correct and the other three answers were wrong were given. It was very easy to understand.
3. For the next part "Job Searching and Workplace Skills", I chose to explore the vocabulary and spelling sections. I found this part interesting as there were many words I didn't know but as I went through the section, I had a better understanding of several new words. I can see myself using this just for fun to increase my vocabulary.
4. At this time I can't complete question 4 as the site is not taking my user name and password. I have contacted the site and hope to get it all squared away soon.
2. I chose to complete "4th Grade Data Analysis". It was easy to navigate through the test. There were good explanations. When I clicked on "View Answers", I was able to read through the questions and compare my answers to the correct answers. Explanation as to why an answer was correct and the other three answers were wrong were given. It was very easy to understand.
3. For the next part "Job Searching and Workplace Skills", I chose to explore the vocabulary and spelling sections. I found this part interesting as there were many words I didn't know but as I went through the section, I had a better understanding of several new words. I can see myself using this just for fun to increase my vocabulary.
4. At this time I can't complete question 4 as the site is not taking my user name and password. I have contacted the site and hope to get it all squared away soon.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Lesson 2 Mango Languages
1. Continuing with the same language/country as in previous questions; I chose the language of Poland, Polish. Before clicking on Launch, I learned that 40 million people speak Polish. Many Americans claim they have a "little" Polish heritage and the influence of the Polish culture can be seen throughout the United States.
2. Ok this really was kind of fun. I liked that you could choose from ten different chapters depending on what you needed. For example, I went through the first lesson for "Greetings, Gratitude and Goodbyes". It was very repetitive and gave verbal praise throughout the lesson. There were cultural notes and grammar notes that helped understand the proper use of words and gave the user more background. If you clicked on a word, you could see the pronunciation of the word and hear it at the same time. You could hear it over and over again if you wish. After I finished the first lesson, I wanted to go back to the main menu but I was unable to find a place to do that. I had to click on the back button which took me back to the first page after you clicked a country (where you would click Launch). So that would be one thing I didn't like. I remember as a child my grandparents speaking Polish in the kitchen when they thought we (the grandkids) weren't listening. I remember one word which I thought meant pig. I typed in pig and translated it and it came up to a word that was similar to what I thought I remembered! That was cool. I couldn't hear it though, which was a bummer.
2. Ok this really was kind of fun. I liked that you could choose from ten different chapters depending on what you needed. For example, I went through the first lesson for "Greetings, Gratitude and Goodbyes". It was very repetitive and gave verbal praise throughout the lesson. There were cultural notes and grammar notes that helped understand the proper use of words and gave the user more background. If you clicked on a word, you could see the pronunciation of the word and hear it at the same time. You could hear it over and over again if you wish. After I finished the first lesson, I wanted to go back to the main menu but I was unable to find a place to do that. I had to click on the back button which took me back to the first page after you clicked a country (where you would click Launch). So that would be one thing I didn't like. I remember as a child my grandparents speaking Polish in the kitchen when they thought we (the grandkids) weren't listening. I remember one word which I thought meant pig. I typed in pig and translated it and it came up to a word that was similar to what I thought I remembered! That was cool. I couldn't hear it though, which was a bummer.
Lesson 2 Chilton Library Basic Discovery Exercise
1. I looked up the maintenance schedule for our 2002 Pontiac GrandAm. 30.000 miles was the first time on the maintenance schedule for accessory drive belts, fuel systems, and ignition cables to be inspected and serviced. It is also the first scheduled replacement of air filter and spark plugs. We have owned this vehicle since 2002 and now there are over 100,000 miles on it. Where we bought the vehicle is the same place where we took it to be serviced. I like to think they were honest and did what was needed to keep the car running smoothly. I think knowing about this feature would be beneficial in giving a person more information about their vehicle so when they need to visit with their mechanic they can be better informed.
2. The most recent Technical Service Bulletin was issued in July of 2003. The notice was about the steering wheel position sensor. I guess it kind of makes me feel good that their are not a lot of recent bulletins....it is a well made vehicle!
3. The repair tab allows a user to continue to find more information about making repairs for their vehicle. On the left side is a collapsible table of contents of sorts. When I clicked on brakes, six more choices were available to click on. If there is a + sign in front of the word, I can click on it to go deeper into the topic. There was a lot of information on brakes as well as diagrams. I also noticed a place that showed the path of how I arrived at the spot where I stopped. I think this is good because sometimes we get lost in all of the clicks we make while exploring a site. Information could also be printed if needed.
All in all, I learned a lot about this site. My husband tends to take care of the vehicles; but if I knew of a single woman who needed to take their car to the mechanic for maintenance; I would recommend that she look through the maintenance schedule just to give her a feeling of confidence! :)
2. The most recent Technical Service Bulletin was issued in July of 2003. The notice was about the steering wheel position sensor. I guess it kind of makes me feel good that their are not a lot of recent bulletins....it is a well made vehicle!
3. The repair tab allows a user to continue to find more information about making repairs for their vehicle. On the left side is a collapsible table of contents of sorts. When I clicked on brakes, six more choices were available to click on. If there is a + sign in front of the word, I can click on it to go deeper into the topic. There was a lot of information on brakes as well as diagrams. I also noticed a place that showed the path of how I arrived at the spot where I stopped. I think this is good because sometimes we get lost in all of the clicks we make while exploring a site. Information could also be printed if needed.
All in all, I learned a lot about this site. My husband tends to take care of the vehicles; but if I knew of a single woman who needed to take their car to the mechanic for maintenance; I would recommend that she look through the maintenance schedule just to give her a feeling of confidence! :)
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Lesson 1C World Book Foreign Language Edition
1. I looked at both the French and Spanish site. As we have a few Spanish speaking kids in school, using the Spanish site would be more useful in our school. But I can see if students wanted to explore are their own, either site would be fun for them to explore.
It could be used in our PAWS program (after school program) as an alternative to playing games on the computer. Students could make their own Spanish or French Dictionary, using images from the site and adding the correct terminology. I also like that even though it is a Spanish site, the site can easily be changed from Spanish to English and back again. Also there is the read aloud feature :)
2. I listened to an article about the Grand Canyon. As I can't speak Spanish, I found it frustrating. Not sure how I could use it with K-4, but if someone has any ideas; I certainly would try.
It could be used in our PAWS program (after school program) as an alternative to playing games on the computer. Students could make their own Spanish or French Dictionary, using images from the site and adding the correct terminology. I also like that even though it is a Spanish site, the site can easily be changed from Spanish to English and back again. Also there is the read aloud feature :)
2. I listened to an article about the Grand Canyon. As I can't speak Spanish, I found it frustrating. Not sure how I could use it with K-4, but if someone has any ideas; I certainly would try.
Lesson 1B World Book Public Library Edition
1. Because I love bird watching, I chose the cardinal to complete my investigations. I liked the broad subjects that I could choose from on the left side of the screen. Each time I clicked further, I was able to "dig deeper" and narrow my search. After finding the entry for the cardinal, I noticed the easy to read factual information. If students have trouble reading, they are able to click on the icon to listen to the passage read to them. Also, if students run across a word they don't know or understand the meaning, they can double click on it to get a definition and pronunciation. I learned that their song sounds like a flute; I didn't know that! Also articles can be saved or printed for later use. I know that I will check out some of the games, activities etc that are included on the home page.
2. Using the World Book Online Info Finder, I discovered many more entries for cardinal, including encyclopedia, dictionary, maps, etc. I had typed in cardinal so I got some results that didn't pertain to cardinal, the bird. It would be a good place to teach kids how to make their search more specific and determine which entries would be pertinent to their research. I also found a sound byte so I could listen to the cardinal! I think both sites gave citing information as well. I think I would use World Book Online Kids first and as they advance and become more sophisticated in their searches then I would introduce them to the Info Finder.
3. World Book Online Reference Center is geared for high school students as well as adults. Because of my Polish heritage, I chose Poland as the country to use while exploring this site. On the left, several resources are listed. The middle and right sections include the first three resources listed on the left. It gives a easy to navigate page that covers encyclopedia articles, historical maps and papers, sounds of the country (which I enjoyed), videos and so much more. I think if high school students were researching their heritage, this would be a great place to start. Most features were included such as audio read aloud, citation, dictionary, etc.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Lesson 1A
1. I chose the land mammal hedgehog to complete my exploration of world book. In World Book Kids, I found a nice picture of the hedgehog.
The article was factual and concise; not overwhelming for young readers. The text could be read aloud for youngsters that have trouble reading. I also noticed that there was citation information needed and that the content was aligned with SD standards.
2. In World Book Student, I searched hedgehog. The information that came up pretty much the same as in WB Kids. The differences I saw was that in the student edition, web sites and magazine articles were also included for further research.
3. I searched the country Poland. After my initial search, I noticed on the left was a contents page of sorts of what information was available. I could tell that I mostly work with K-4 graders as this wasn't as easy for me to navigate. However when I clicked on the first encyclopedia article for Poland, I again noticed the contents listed on the left side. This would help students scan articles and hone in on specific information.
4. In World Book Discover there are options to change article so that it can be in read in Spanish or French.
The article was factual and concise; not overwhelming for young readers. The text could be read aloud for youngsters that have trouble reading. I also noticed that there was citation information needed and that the content was aligned with SD standards.
2. In World Book Student, I searched hedgehog. The information that came up pretty much the same as in WB Kids. The differences I saw was that in the student edition, web sites and magazine articles were also included for further research.
3. I searched the country Poland. After my initial search, I noticed on the left was a contents page of sorts of what information was available. I could tell that I mostly work with K-4 graders as this wasn't as easy for me to navigate. However when I clicked on the first encyclopedia article for Poland, I again noticed the contents listed on the left side. This would help students scan articles and hone in on specific information.
4. In World Book Discover there are options to change article so that it can be in read in Spanish or French.
Okay, we are on week two and I am already behind. I hoped that I would be able to keep up with this week by week. I am not giving up by any means; but I have to say I don't like the idea of "being behind" (Yes I know this is go at your own pace) That being said, I am off to discover World Book ...this is something I already know a little be about. :)
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