Get them out of Google
Discover It
…and into more reliable research tools. The focus here will be on research tools for grades 9-12.
Video Segments
Opposing Viewpoints in Context (5:17) For more detail on this database, go to http://www.gale.cengage.com/InContext/portal.htm
EBSCO’s MAS Ultra School Edition (5:36)
Wilson’s OmniFile Full Text select (5:59)
You should also refer to the Global Issues in Context (5:17) and Student Resources in Context (5:19) segments on the Gale page as well as the History Discover it, Try it, Learn it segments.
For access to resources for grades 9-12, go to http://gowyld.net/dbases.cfm and click on Students.
Try It
- SIRS Issues Researcher
- Select a Leading Issue and look at the Research Tools, especially My Analysis and Note Organizer.
- Conduct a visual search. Is this something that you would promote to your students doing research?
- Compare a search in Opposing Viewpoints in Context and in another in Context database for student research. For example: search the Great Depression in Opposing Viewpoints and Student Resources in Context or Global Issues in Context (see the segments on the Gale page for more information on these databases). What sort or material is available in each?
- CQ Researcher
- Using the example from the segment on CQ, look at the chronology for Fast Food Shake-up, in the 1991 report. Looking at the other parts of the report, how might you use these to help a patron or student conduct further research?
Please share your comments and ideas below.
December 9, 2010 at 9:56 am |
These are terrific and so needed. I love that they are brief but thorough. Lots of info. in a very few minutes. Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing more in the future. I think we should make these available to patrons.
December 10, 2010 at 11:41 am |
SO MUCH information. One stop shopping for homework. Good teaching resources.
December 10, 2010 at 2:53 pm |
I learned something new about each of the databases except for CQ Researcher. I had no idea that SIRS had all of that additional information for the students. The video clips are short, but clearly cover all of the important aspects of searching and using the databases. I also did not know what to do with the information in the saved lists once you do that. Thanks!
December 10, 2010 at 7:27 pm |
I was most impressed with the SIRS researcher – WOW. It has so much to offer students doing research. I really appreciated the tools. I have asked my principal for some time to train our teachers and paraprofessionals with these databases. I feel that in addition to resources for students they have so much to offer teachers as resources for teaching. I knew some of the basics about each of these databases but never seem to have the time to explore. This is a quick and very effecient way to learn about these databases. I’ll be back for more.
December 13, 2010 at 9:30 am |
I didn’t know that you could check the eJournal Portal from EBSCO – that really opens up the full text availability of articles.
With news magazines folding or being published exclusively online, these resources are wonderful ways to receive balanced news topics.
December 15, 2010 at 10:31 am |
There is so much information here! I have to agree with Lynn – SIRS Researcher is a lot more complex than I realized. I love the helpers for organizing notes and creating an argument and thesis. The maps are great, too, if I can just remember where to find them when I need them!
December 15, 2010 at 10:43 am |
I could only get to this page through the right-side link, the link on the main page in the middle of the page gives a 404 page not found error…
December 16, 2010 at 5:39 pm |
In SIRS Issues R. I really liked the Note Organizer. Would find this very useful and something that students could put to good use.
OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS IN CONTEXT gave numerous sources with large numbers in each, but the same search in GLOBAL ISSUES IN CONTEXT gae over twice as many sources, and they covered a broader range, including letters to the editor and blogs and podcasts, so would give a broader coverage that would perhaps appeal to the student more than a scholarly approach.
In CQ Researcher, especially liked the background and bibliog. as well as the outlook and current options. So much out there as so easily accessed. I was born way to early!
Good to see these brief clips will be up for a time-hope to go back and review-so much to learn and try to remember. Thanks, Chris!
December 21, 2010 at 3:20 pm |
I was really impressed by SIRS Issues R. I didn’t know that there was so much information for students and the tools for organization are excellent. I will make sure to show this to our english and history teachers.
January 4, 2011 at 1:21 pm |
CQ seems more accurate and trusting than the Google info.
It would be nice to get this info for the 9-12 and the sites for the K-8 directly in the teachers’ hands. But I will be spreading the word about the databases through my children (3rd, 5th, and 11th graders)
January 13, 2011 at 11:44 am |
I have always liked SIRS a lot…now I LOVE it! I particularly like the research tool, My Analysis, and the ability to print the analysis sheets. All of these databases have more to them than meets the eye. That’s why your info is so helpful, Chris!
January 24, 2011 at 7:47 pm |
Excellent classes. I agree with Jason that these should be available to patrons. It is interesting to see what each of the databases decided was the their topic of today. I have used Opposing viewpoints and CQ Reseacher with college students. Having E-Journal access through Ebsco’s MAS is helpful. Thanks again for all the work.