1. Jamie Davis, ORC Coordinator 2016/2017
What’s New for 2016/2017?
K-12
Jamie Davis, ORC Coordinator
2016/2017

2. Q: What is the ORC?
A $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. Q: Why These Resources?
Provides authoritative, age appropriate, 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 users become 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. Q: What’s in it for Librarians?
Direct curricular correlations and the ability to search curricular outcomes
Curriculum mapping for:
Elementary Science (will be updated in 2016/2017)
Elementary Social Studies (will be updated in 2016/2017)
Secondary Science and Social Studies 10 (grade 11/12 completed in 2016/2017)
Support for diverse patrons
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 content including website to supplement print collections
Ability to create permalinks that can be posted on a website/moodle/blog or sent in an blast

5. Q: How do I access the ORC?
Go the LearnAlberta.ca
Select English or 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 a district username and password
LA___________ (username) ______________ (password)
Share your district username and password using low tech methods - do not post on an open website
for your remote username/password

6. Questions?

7. Literary Reference Centre Plus Advanced Placement Source
English Language Arts
Literary Reference Centre Plus
Advanced Placement Source

8. Explora
New Interface for EBSCO resources: Advanced Placement Source, Canadian Reference Center, and Advanced Placement Source
Filters content from 3 EBSCO databases into 1 allowing for federated, simultaneous searching
More aesthetically pleasing and functional
Clickable searching aligns with youth search trends
Explora
Explora filters all three of the EBSCO databases into one searchable interface. The three EBSCO databases in the ORC collection are Advanced Placement Source, Canadian Reference Centre, and Literary Reference Centre Plus.
Features
• Teaser articles at the top of the database homepage
• Eight broad topics with subtopics within each
• Click on a subtopic to access related articles
o Along the left-hand side of the screen are limiters
♣ Full text, Sources Published in Canada, Peer Reviewed
♣ Publication date
♣ Source Types
• Article Features
o Two types of article formats – HTML and PDF
o PDF format has no embedded supports for diverse users
♣ Essentially a scan of the article
o HTML formats include embedded supports
♣ Computer generated read aloud (directly above the article)
• Customize accent of reader
• In the cog image customize speed and colour of highlighting
♣ Add to a folder (right-hand side of screen)
• Create an account with an address and save articles to folder as performing search
♣ Print/ /Save (right-hand side of the screen)
♣ Cite (right-hand side of the screen)
• Eight citation formats
♣ Create Note (right-hand side of the screen)
• With an account, type notes in the article and save in folder for access from anywhere
♣ Permalink (right-hand side of the screen)
• Use the permalink to share article easily with others without requiring a having to log in
♣ Share (right-hand side of the screen)
• Facebook, Google+, twitter, , etc.
♣ Google Classroom (right-hand side of the screen)
o “Find Similar Results” (left-hand side of the screen)
♣ Highlight a specific section of the article and click “Find Similar Results” for the database to perform a search of those keywords

9. Literary Reference Center Plus
Recommended for grades 7-12
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)
Create notes within article, save to a personal folder or add to a Google Classroom account for access from anywhere
Share/permalink any article using the “permalink” feature along the right-hand side of the screen
SmartText searching to find similar articles along the left-hand side
Search for professional “Publications” and subscribe to an RSS feed to stay up-to-date
Literary Reference Centre Plus
Literary Reference Centre Plus is an EBSCO resource. It can be accessed through Explora or through an independent direct link. The advantage to accessing it through the individual link is that you can then access embedded publication.
Features
• Top left-hand side of the homepage
o New Search
o Publications
♣ Access thousands of professional journals
♣ Sign up for an RSS feed
• Create an account using an
• Click on the RSS icon (orange box with internet waves) to enter
• Receive with a permalink whenever a new journals is published
o Browse Authors
o Browse Most Studied Authors
o More
♣ Browse Works
♣ Browse Most Studies
♣ Glossary
♣ Encyclopedia
♣ Dictionary
♣ Cited References
♣ Videos/Images
♣ Indexes
• Top right-hand side of the homepage
o Sign In
♣ This is where users can set up an account and then where users log in once they have an account
o Folder
♣ Save articles to folder, create subfolders in main folder
o Preferences
♣ Set language preferences, how the results are displayed, page layout, etc.
o Help
♣ View tutorials for specific topics
o Exit
• Traditional search bar available top, left-hand side of the screen
o Along the left-hand side of the screen
♣ Browse
• Most Studied Authors
• Most Studied Works
• All Authors
• All Works
• Full-Text Classics
• Multimedia
• Young Adult Literature: Biographies, Plot Summaries, Film Adaptations, Genres & Themes
• *NEW* Children’s Literature: Biographies, Plot Summaries, Film Adaptations
• *NEW* Drama: Biographies & Plot Summaries
♣ Reference Shelf
• Encyclopedia of Literature
• Dictionary
• Citation Help
• Research Guide
• Literary Glossary
• Curriculum Standards (Alberta not included)
♣ Content Spotlight
o In the centre of the screen
♣ Featured Poetry
♣ Featured Work
♣ Featured Author
• Traditional search using the search bar
o Along the left-hand side of the screen are limiters
♣ Full text, Sources Published in Canada, Peer Reviewed
♣ Publication date
♣ Source Types
• Article Features
o Two types of article formats – HTML and PDF
o PDF format has no embedded supports for diverse users
♣ Essentially a scan of the article
o HTML formats include embedded supports
♣ Computer generated read aloud (directly above the article)
• Customize accent of reader
• In the cog image customize speed and colour of highlighting
♣ Add to a folder (right-hand side of screen)
• Create an account with an address and save articles to folder as performing search
♣ Print/ /Save (right-hand side of the screen)
♣ Cite (right-hand side of the screen)
• Eight citation formats
♣ Create Note (right-hand side of the screen)
• With an account, type notes in the article and save in folder for access from anywhere
♣ Permalink (right-hand side of the screen)
• Use the permalink to share article easily with others without requiring a having to log in
♣ Share (right-hand side of the screen)
• Facebook, Google+, twitter, , etc.
♣ Google Classroom (right-hand side of the screen)
o “Find Similar Results” (left-hand side of the screen)
♣ Highlight a specific section of the article and click “Find Similar Results” for the database to perform a search of those keywords

10. Advanced Placement Source
Ideal support for IB/AP/30-1students, recommended for grades 10-12
Change the language of interface at the top right hand side of the screen, however some academic journals are available in original French and Spanish
Text translation for 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)
Create notes within article, save to a personal folder or add to a Google Classroom account for access from anywhere
Share/permalink any article using the “permalink” feature along the right-hand side of the screen
SmartText searching to find similar articles along the left-hand side
Advanced Placement Source
Advanced Placement Source is an multidisciplinary EBSCO resource designed for students enrolled in and IB, AP or -30 program. It can be accessed through Explora or through an independent direct link. The advantage to accessing it through the individual link is that you can then access embedded publication.
Features
• Top left-hand side of the homepage
o New Search
o Subjects
o Publications
♣ Access thousands of professional journals
♣ Sign up for an RSS feed
• Create an account using an
• Click on the RSS icon (orange box with internet waves) to enter
• Receive with a permalink whenever a new journals is published
o New Oxford American Dictionary
o More
♣ Images
♣ Indexes
• Top right-hand side of the homepage
o Sign In
♣ This is where users can set up an account and then where users log in once they have an account
o Folder
♣ Save articles to folder, create subfolders in main folder
o Preferences
♣ Set language preferences, how the results are displayed, page layout, etc.
o Languages
♣ Change the language of the interface itself
o Help
♣ View tutorials for specific topics
o Exit
• Traditional search using the search bar
o Along the left-hand side of the screen are limiters
♣ Full text, Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Journals, and Image Quick View
♣ Publication date
♣ Source Types
• Article Features
o Two types of article formats – HTML and PDF
o Because this resource is designed for academically advanced students the majority of articles are in PDF format
o PDF formatted articles do not have text translation or read-aloud
♣ Often the content consists of a scan of the article
♣ Now included in the interface you will find:
• Add to a folder (right-hand side of screen)
o Create an account with an address and save articles to folder as performing search
• Print/ /Save (right-hand side of the screen)
• Cite (right-hand side of the screen)
o Eight citation formats
• Create Note (right-hand side of the screen)
o With an account, type notes in the article and save in folder for access from anywhere
• Permalink (right-hand side of the screen)
o Use the permalink to share article easily with others without requiring a having to log in
• Share (right-hand side of the screen)
o Facebook, Google+, twitter, , etc.
• Google Classroom (right-hand side of the screen)
♣ “Find Similar Results” (left-hand side of the screen)
• Highlight a specific section of the article and click “Find Similar Results” for the database to perform a search of those keywords
o HTML formats include embedded supports
♣ Computer generated read aloud (directly above the article)
• Customize accent of reader
• In the cog image customize speed and colour of highlighting
♣ Add to a folder (right-hand side of screen)
• Create an account with an address and save articles to folder as performing search
♣ Print/ /Save (right-hand side of the screen)
♣ Cite (right-hand side of the screen)
• Eight citation formats
♣ Create Note (right-hand side of the screen)
• With an account, type notes in the article and save in folder for access from anywhere
♣ Permalink (right-hand side of the screen)
• Use the permalink to share article easily with others without requiring a having to log in
♣ Share (right-hand side of the screen)
• Facebook, Google+, twitter, , etc.
♣ Google Classroom (right-hand side of the screen)
o “Find Similar Results” (left-hand side of the screen)
♣ Highlight a specific section of the article and click “Find Similar Results” for the database to perform a search of those keywords

11. PebbleGO Animals ScienceFLIX
Science Content
PebbleGO Animals
ScienceFLIX

12. PebbleGO Animals Recommended for students in K-3
Easy navigation, levelled text, visual searching all designed for beginning researchers
Human voice read aloud with text highlighting, photos, videos, audio clips to enhance learning and engage learners
Articles segmented into brief sections with tab navigation at the top of the screen
One or two videos that align with the article to help activate/develop background knowledge of the topic
ebbleGO Science/Social Studies/Animals
These three databases are accessed through one PebbleGO link. Social Studies and Science were added to the collection in the 2015/2016 school year and Animals has been added to the 2016/2017 resources collection.
Features
Recommended for students in K-3, although at grade three most students are beyond these resources
Human voice read aloud of every article
Articles segmented into sections accessed through tabs along the top
Related media available for every article (helps to build or activate background knowledge)
Options to print the complete article or just the article images
Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
Less text and more images support student search techniques
Related content provided for every article
Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
Tips for Ease of Use
This resource allows the ORC Coordinator to hide specific articles if they are not aligned to the curriculum or are too US-centric. If there is an article that is not appropriate for Alberta learners please let the ORC Coordinator.

13. LLC Ideas: PebbleGO Animals
This is a database that can be easily navigated by kinders and grade 1 students with very little assistance
Always a struggle to find nonfiction content appropriate for this age range - this can supplement the print collection
Direct students and teachers there when print materials are requested for units of study
Topics covered in Animals: Amphibians, Animal Behaviour, Animal Classification, Animal Habitats, Birds, Dinosaurs, Fish, Insects and Spiders, Invertebrates, Mammals, Pets and Farm Animals, and Reptiles
Topics covered in Science: Forces and Motion, Light, Matter, Simple Machines, Sound, Plants, Animals, Humans, Practices for Science and Engineering Investigations, Earth Science, Space Science, Seasons, and Weather
Provide the updated curriculum map once completed

14. ScienceFLIX ScienceFLIX
Sister resource to TrueFLIX designed for grades 4-9
Nonfiction content divided into topic areas: Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Space science, Health and Human Body, & Tech, Math and Engineering
Introductory videos help build background knowledge of a topic and improve comprehension
Every article has three adjustable reading levels to support differentiated learners
Embedded read aloud feature to support emergent/struggling readers
Hands-on experiments and project ideas
More than editorially vetted and maintained websites on related subjects
Science News with study guides
ScienceFLIX
Sister resource to TrueFLIX, ScienceFLIX was just added to the 2016/2017 resource collection. It is recommended for students in grades 4-9.
Features
• Four tabs to select from along the top of the homepage:
o Browse all topics
o Experiments
o Careers in Science
o Science News
Browse All Topics
• Divided into 6 broad topics with 5 to 11 subtopics in each
• Topic page starts with a “Watch It!” video to provide and activate background knowledge prior to reading
• Computer generated read aloud feature
• Three reading levels available for every article – click on the top right-hand side of the screen to select 1, 2, or 3
• Embedded dictionary allows users to look a word up and hear the definition read aloud
• or print options also available
• To activate the read aloud, clock on desired sentence, stop when needed and then begin again
o Unfortunately it does not pick up automatically where it left off
• Each Topic includes:
o “Watch It” – introductory video to provide or activate background knowledge
o “Read It” – the main article in the topic
o “Dive Deeper” –related articles
o “Explore More” – additional related articles with broader approach to the topic
o “Related Web Sites” – vetted websites related to the topic
o “Science Lab” – related projects for sharing information (Speech, table, or report) and a related game to check knowledge
o “What do You Think?” – three questions that guide discussion of new knowledge and sharing
o “Show What You Know” – Quiz with immediate response and explanation of why when incorrect
o “Careers” – careers related to the topic
Experiments
• Includes video about experiments in general
• “Experiments to Try” – allows users to access all of the experiments embedded in the resource outside of the topic pages
• “In the Lab” - information about laboratory safety, techniques and lab reports (adjustable reading levels available)
Careers in Science
• Includes video about different careers in Science, some of the qualities of scientists, how to know if you have an interest in science, etc.
• “Careers to Explore” – allows users to access all of the careers embedded in the resource outside of the topic pages
• “Web Sites” – vetted websites related to careers in science
Science News
• Featured news story that is changed up
• Access archived news stories on the bottom left-hand side of the screen
• Science Q & A on various topics along the right-hand side of the screen
Tips for Ease of Use
• Click on the “Teacher Resources” in the top right-hand corner to access:
o Lesson Plans
♣ Detailed lesson plans for every aspect of every topic page
♣ Great to use to differentiating instruction
♣ Print off and highlight for a substitute teacher
♣ Correlations included for Alberta curriculum
♣ PDF, or Print options available
o Quizzes
♣ Printable quiz for every topic page
o Projects
♣ A listing of all of the projects included in all of the topic pages, accessed outside of the topic page
o Videos
♣ Access all videos embedded in the resource outside of individual topic pages
o Other Media
♣ Access image gallery
o Downloadable
♣ Access parent letters that can be customized, bookmarks and posters can be found here

15. Multidisciplinary Resources: A Jumping Off Point to Research
Curriculum Video On Demand
Britannica School: Elementary
Britannica School: Middle
Britannica School: High

16. Curriculum Video On Demand
Thousands of exclusive educational videos segmented into easy-to-use clips ideal for mashups
ability to share, save, and organize videos and custom playlists
Google translate on every page
Closed captioning and interactive transcripts on thousands of titles
HTML embedded codes that allow direct access to videos from within Google Classroom, Moodle, or other CMS
Content added regularly, approximately 1,000 new titles per year
Curriculum Video On Demand
New to the 2016/2017 ORC resource collection, Curriculum Video on Demand is the first streaming resource provided to ORC users.
Features
• Home page is very click-friendly displaying
o Most Popular
o Recently Added
o Browse Featured Producers
o Browse Subjects
o Featured this Month o
• Menu button in the top left-hand corner of the screen
o Home
o Subject Index
♣ 28 Topics with numerous subtopics within
♣ “Page Link” in the top left-hand corner under the Subject Index title provides a permalink
o Producer Index
♣ Full listing of all of the producers included in the resource listed alphabetically
♣ “Page Link” in the top left-hand corner under the Producer Index title provides a permalink to the page
o Calendar
♣ Films related to different events and holidays in the calendar month
o My Films
♣ Allows users to create an account with an address to save content to
♣ Account also enables video editing and remixing
• The Film
o Right-hand side of the screen provides
♣ Video segments (videos are divided into smaller segments to allow for remixes or targeted information)
♣ Select “Play Full Title” or “Continuous Play”
♣ Show Transcripts
• Transcripts can be printed off
• Can disable auto scrolling in the transcripts by clicking on the lock symbol beside the print icon
♣ Under the Video
• Related
o Provides a listing of videos with similar content
• Share
o Direct links (permalink) o
o Embed Code
o Share to – Google Classroom
• Add to
o Add films to personal folders
• Citation
o MLA
o Chicago Manual of Style
o APA
o Harvard
• Custom Segment
o Available with an account
• Standards
o Alberta Curriculum Standards available

17. Curriculum Video On Demand: Content Included in ORC
10,000 programs. 130,000 segments, 6,500 hours
Business and Economics
Family and Guidance
Health and Nutrition
Literature and Language Arts
Science and Mathematics
Social Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
Archival Films and Newsreels
Also Available: Master Career and Technical Education Collection
Career Exploration
Career Fields
Job Search Skills
Job Success Skills
Automotive Technology
Building and Technical Trades
Engineering Technology
Technical Communication

18. Curriculum Video On Demand
To learn more about Classroom Video Chrome Web Store App go to:
owledgebase/Article/View/2118/0/classroom-video-chrome- web-store-app
To learn more about how to share a video Google Classroom go to:
owledgebase/Article/View/1898/0/share-to-google-classroom
To learn more about about how to link your Google account go to:
owledgebase/Article/View/2044/0/google-sign-in-button---how- to-link-your-google-account

19. Britannica School: Elementary
Recommended for students in grades K-6
Britannica Learning Zone designed for grades PreK-2
offers play-based activities for learning colours, geography, numbers, shapes, how to tell time, and vocabulary
Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places, and history
2 reading levels allow users to change level while maintaining age appropriate interface
Embedded read aloud feature and font adjustment
Text translation for 50 languages
Seamless access on tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop
Educator tools including lesson plan builder
Britannica School: Elementary
This multidisciplinary database is new to the 2016/2017 collection. It replaced World Book Kids, World Book Student and World Book Advanced. Britannica ImageQuest is embedded in this resource so that when users perform searches related images also appear. This is a great starting point for research as it provides small chunks of information on a broad range of topics.
Features
• Three levels within one interface (elementary, middle and high)
• Elementary version recommended for K-6 students
• Britannica Learning Zone – designed for PreK -2
o Offers play-based activities for learning colours, geography, numbers, shapes, how to tell time, and vocabulary
• Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places and history
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
o Less text and more images support student search techniques
• Related content provided for every article
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• In Elementary interface there are two reading levels that can be changed while in the same interface
• More sophisticated computer generated read aloud feature with embedded font adjustment
• Text translation to 50 languages
• Access on tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop
Tips for Ease of Use
• In the top right-hand corner in the “Educators” section includes teaching tools, allows educators to explore articles and access Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum included)
• Teachers can create a personal account to save content and create their own lessons plans.
o Teachers need a special access code to create an account – Contact the ORC Coordinator to get more information about the access codes

20. Britannica School: Middle
Recommended for students in grades 6-8
Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places, and history
3 reading levels allow users to change level while maintaining age appropriate interface
Embedded read aloud feature and font adjustment
Text translation for 50 languages
Seamless access on tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop
Educator tools including lesson plan builder
Britannica School: Middle and High
This multidisciplinary database is new to the 2016/2017 collection. It replaced World Book Kids, World Book Student and World Book Advanced. Britannica ImageQuest is embedded in this resource so that when users perform searches related images also appear. This is a great starting point for research as it provides small chunks of information on a broad range of topics.
Features
• Three levels within one interface (elementary, middle and high)
• Middle version recommended for students in grades 6-8
• High version recommended for students in grades 9-12
• Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places and history
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
o Less text and more images support student search techniques
• Related content provided for every article
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• In Middle and High interfaces there are two to three reading levels that can be changed while in the same interface
• More sophisticated computer generated read aloud feature with embedded font adjustment
• Text translation to 50 languages
• Access on tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop
Tips for Ease of Use
• In the top right-hand corner in the “Educators” section includes teaching tools, allows educators to explore articles and access Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum included)
• Teachers can create a personal account to save content and create their own lessons plans.
o Teachers need a special access code to create an account – Contact the ORC Coordinator to get more information about the access codes

21. Britannica School: High
Content to prepare students for college-level research
Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places, and history
3 reading levels allow users to change level while maintaining age appropriate interface
Include study guides, pre-research planner, and how-to documents
Embedded read aloud feature and font adjustment
Text translation for 50 languages
Seamless access on tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop
Educator tools including lesson plan builder

22. Google Classroom Integration
Canada In Context
Global Issues In Context
Science In Context
World History In Context
PowerKnowledge Suite
Culture grams

23. Canada In Context Canada In Context
Recommended for grades 7-12
Featured videos, news, and stories on homepage
Customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download to MP3
Text Translation to 13 languages
Save to Google Classroom, Google, or Microsoft
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, ELA and Science curricula - embedded links to the article included
Canada In Context
Canada In Context is used to support the grades 6/7 and 9-12 Social Studies Curriculum. In addition, there is content related to the science curriculum as well.
The 2016/2017 ORC Collection currently licenses four “In Context” databases. Once users are familiar with operating one they can easily navigate any of the four as they share the same features and functionality.
Features
• Teaser articles along the top of the homepage – vivid pictures that provide a little bit of information necessitating the students click to read more
• “Featured Video” in the top right-hand corner of the homepage
o Changed every month unless there is something major that happens in the field of study
• Featured News provides access to three related publications related to the field of study
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
• Along the top left-hand side of the screen
o Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added)
o Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included)
• Within the Topic Page
o “On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites
o Related Topics included just below on this page
o “Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page
• Within the Article
o Just below the article title, beside the source you will find a symbol that indicates the reading level of the article (green circle is basic, yellow square is intermediate, and red triangle is advanced)
o Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article
♣ To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
o Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools”
• “Related Subjects” provided for every article
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• Tools include downloadable citations
• Google Classroom, and Microsoft sign in available
Tips for Ease of Use
• In the “Advanced Search” users can search using keywords, etc and then scroll down to indicate if the content is basic, intermediate or advanced.
o Perform a search for basic information about a specific topic, bookmark it to share with students
o Then perform the same search with an intermediate content level, bookmark it and share so that students can select the appropriate reading level for their ability

24. Science In Context Science In Context
Recommended for grades 7-12, Canadian Content not only for Social Studies but also Science (i.e. Alberta Oil Sands)
Featured videos, news, and stories on homepage
Customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download to MP3
Text Translation to 13 languages
Save to Google Classroom, Google, or Microsoft
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 Science curriculum - embedded links to the article included
Science In Context
Once students have graduated out of the PowerKnowledge Suite they move to the In Context series. Students in late grade 5 or grade 6 are often able to navigate this resource.
The ORC currently licenses four “in Context” databases. Once users are familiar with one they can all be navigated as they all share the same features and functionality.
Features
• Teaser articles along the top of the homepage – vivid pictures that provide a little bit of information necessitating the students click to read more
• “Featured Video” in the top right-hand corner of the homepage
o Changed every month unless there is something major that happens in the field of study
• Featured News provides access to three related publications related to the field of study
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
• Along the top left-hand side of the screen
o Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added)
o Maps (newly added to interface – still very US-Centric)
o Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included)
• Within the Topic Page
o “On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites
o Related Topics included just below on this page
o “Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page
• Within the Article
o Just below the article title, beside the source you will find a symbol that indicates the reading level of the article (green circle is basic, yellow square is intermediate, and red triangle is advanced)
o Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article
♣ To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
o Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools”
• “Related Subjects” provided for every article
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• Tools include downloadable citations
• Google Classroom, and Microsoft sign in available
Tips for Ease of Use
• In the “Advanced Search” users can search using keywords, etc and then scroll down to indicate if the content is basic, intermediate or advanced.
o Perform a search for basic information about a specific topic, bookmark it to share with students
Then perform the same search with an intermediate content level, bookmark it and share so that students can select the appropriate reading level for their ability

25. Global Issues In Context
Excellent support for the Grade Social Studies Curriculum, recommended for grades 7-12
Canadian Content not only for Social Studies but also Science (i.e. Alberta Oil Sands)
Featured videos, news, and stories on homepage
Customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download to MP3
Text Translation to 13 languages
Save to Google Classroom, Google, or Microsoft
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 and Science curricula - embedded links to the article included
Global Issues In Context
Global Issues In Context is used predominantly to support the grades Social Studies curriculum.
The 2016/2017 ORC Collection currently licenses four “In Context” databases. Once users are familiar with operating one they can easily navigate any of the four as they share the same features and functionality.
Features
• Teaser articles along the top of the homepage – vivid pictures that provide a little bit of information necessitating the students click to read more
• “Featured Video” in the top right-hand corner of the homepage
o Changed every month unless there is something major that happens in the field of study
• Featured News provides access to three related publications related to the field of study
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
• Along the top left-hand side of the screen
o Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added)
o Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included)
• Within the Topic Page
o “On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites
o Related Topics included just below on this page
o “Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page
• Within the Article
o Just below the article title, beside the source you will find a symbol that indicates the reading level of the article (green circle is basic, yellow square is intermediate, and red triangle is advanced)
o Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article
♣ To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
o Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools”
• “Related Subjects” provided for every article
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• Tools include downloadable citations
• Google Classroom, and Microsoft sign in available
Tips for Ease of Use
• In the “Advanced Search” users can search using keywords, etc and then scroll down to indicate if the content is basic, intermediate or advanced.
o Perform a search for basic information about a specific topic, bookmark it to share with students
o Then perform the same search with an intermediate content level, bookmark it and share so that students can select the appropriate reading level for their ability

26. World History In Context
Excellent support for the grade 8 social studies curriculum, recommended for grades 7-12
Canadian Content not only for Social Studies but also Science (i.e. Alberta Oil Sands)
Featured videos, news, and stories on homepage
Customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download to MP3
Text Translation to 13 languages
Save to Google Classroom, Google, or Microsoft
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
World History In Context
World History In Context supports the grade 8 social studies curriculum in addition to the grades social studies curricula.
The 2016/2017 ORC Collection currently licenses four “In Context” databases. Once users are familiar with operating one they can easily navigate any of the four as they share the same features and functionality.
Features
• Teaser articles along the top of the homepage – vivid pictures that provide a little bit of information necessitating the students click to read more
• “Featured Video” in the top right-hand corner of the homepage
o Changed every month unless there is something major that happens in the field of study
• Featured News provides access to three related publications related to the field of study
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
• Along the top left-hand side of the screen
o Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added)
o Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included)
• Within the Topic Page
o “On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites
o Related Topics included just below on this page
o “Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page
• Within the Article
o Just below the article title, beside the source you will find a symbol that indicates the reading level of the article (green circle is basic, yellow square is intermediate, and red triangle is advanced)
o Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article
♣ To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
o Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools”
• “Related Subjects” provided for every article
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• Tools include downloadable citations
• Google Classroom, and Microsoft sign in available
Tips for Ease of Use
• In the “Advanced Search” users can search using keywords, etc and then scroll down to indicate if the content is basic, intermediate or advanced.
o Perform a search for basic information about a specific topic, bookmark it to share with students
o Then perform the same search with an intermediate content level, bookmark it and share so that students can select the appropriate reading level for their ability

27. 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
Ability to create permalinks, and/or save to Google Drive
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 the grade 1-6 science curriculum
PowerKnowledge Suite
This publisher has divided science content into three individual databases: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. All of the interfaces operate in exactly the same way and can be accessed within any of the databases.
Features
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
o Less text and more images support student search techniques
• Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article
o To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
• Text translation in every article found in the top right-hand corner of the screen
• Related content provided for every article in the “investigate” section
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• Articles are segmented into sections along the left-hand side of the screen
• New feature to save article to Google Drive
• Each of the three databases have a unique set of:
o Science Fair Projects and Experiments
♣ Related to the content of the database, great supplement to the brown EPSB Science booklets
o Resources for Teachers/Librarians
♣ Lesson plans and reproducible
♣ Curriculum correlations
♣ Promotional materials
♣ Video gallery
♣ Live Video Feeds – check out elephants in elephant sanctuary, etc.
o Play Games
♣ Related to the content of the database

28. PowerKnowledge: Earth and 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
Grade 6 Sky Science
PowerKnowledge Suite
This publisher has divided science content into three individual databases: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. All of the interfaces operate in exactly the same way and can be accessed within any of the databases.
Features
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
o Less text and more images support student search techniques
• Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article
o To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
• Text translation in every article found in the top right-hand corner of the screen
• Related content provided for every article in the “investigate” section
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• Articles are segmented into sections along the left-hand side of the screen
• New feature to save article to Google Drive
• Each of the three databases have a unique set of:
o Science Fair Projects and Experiments
♣ Related to the content of the database, great supplement to the brown EPSB Science booklets
o Resources for Teachers/Librarians
♣ Lesson plans and reproducible
♣ Curriculum correlations
♣ Promotional materials
♣ Video gallery
♣ Live Video Feeds – check out elephants in elephant sanctuary, etc.
o Play Games
♣ Related to the content of the database

29. PowerKnowledge: Life Science
Science Units Supported:
Grade 1 Needs of Animals and Plants
Grade 2 Small Crawling and Flying 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
PowerKnowledge Suite
This publisher has divided science content into three individual databases: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. All of the interfaces operate in exactly the same way and can be accessed within any of the databases.
Features
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
o Less text and more images support student search techniques
• Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article
o To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
• Text translation in every article found in the top right-hand corner of the screen
• Related content provided for every article in the “investigate” section
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• Articles are segmented into sections along the left-hand side of the screen
• New feature to save article to Google Drive
• Each of the three databases have a unique set of:
o Science Fair Projects and Experiments
♣ Related to the content of the database, great supplement to the brown EPSB Science booklets
o Resources for Teachers/Librarians
♣ Lesson plans and reproducible
♣ Curriculum correlations
♣ Promotional materials
♣ Video gallery
♣ Live Video Feeds – check out elephants in elephant sanctuary, etc.
o Play Games
♣ Related to the content of the database

30. PowerKnowledge: Physical Science
Science Units Supported:
Grade 1 Needs of Animals and Plants
Grade 2 Hot and Cold Temperature & Magnetism
Grade 4 Wheels and Levers
Grade 5 Electricity and Magnetism & Classroom Chemistry
Grade 6 Trees and Forests
PowerKnowledge Suite
This publisher has divided science content into three individual databases: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. All of the interfaces operate in exactly the same way and can be accessed within any of the databases.
Features
• Click-Friendly interface to help student locate information
o Research shows that students are click driven in their searching – they like to click around, see visual cues to find what they are looking for
o Less text and more images support student search techniques
• Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article
o To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
• Text translation in every article found in the top right-hand corner of the screen
• Related content provided for every article in the “investigate” section
o Research shows that students are very “shallow” searchers – they locate one article and think they are done
o Providing related content within the article helps students move forward to find other information and also teaches additional search terms
• Articles are segmented into sections along the left-hand side of the screen
• New feature to save article to Google Drive
• Each of the three databases have a unique set of:
o Science Fair Projects and Experiments
♣ Related to the content of the database, great supplement to the brown EPSB Science booklets
o Resources for Teachers/Librarians
♣ Lesson plans and reproducible
♣ Curriculum correlations
♣ Promotional materials
♣ Video gallery
♣ Live Video Feeds – check out elephants in elephant sanctuary, etc.
o Play Games
♣ Related to the content of the database

31. Teen Health and Wellness
Recommended for students in grades 7-12
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
Ability to create permalinks, and/or save to Google Drive
Embedded citations (MLA, APA, Chicago)
Many interactive features that allow students to interact and contribute:
Alberta/Canada specific hotlines, 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
Current In the news tops change frequently as do student polls
Teen Health and Wellness
Teen Health and Wellness is a database that provides accurate, frank information on topics related to health and wellness issues. This should be used with students in grades 7 and up and should be reviewed before using with Catholic or more traditional schools.
Features
• Top Right-hand side of the homepage
o Hotlines
♣ Canada or Alberta specific help hotlines
o Mobile Apps
♣ Download from App Store, Google Play, or Amazon
o Glossary
♣ Searchable, organized alphabetical glossary
o Site Help
o Logout
• Left-hand side of the homepage
o Topics organized alphabetically
• Centre of the homepage
o Tell Your Story
♣ Users submit personal stories of life challenges
♣ Stories are vetted and edited before being published online
♣ Access archived stories organized by topic
♣ Users can submit their own stories
o Get Informed
♣ Videos highlighting relevant content created by users
♣ Videos are vetted and edited before begin published online
♣ Access archived videos
o Dr. Jan’s Corner
♣ Submit questions to Dr. Jan and receive responses
♣ Access archived questions and responses
o In the News
♣ Relevant topics related to health and wellness
♣ Changes monthly unless major event happens in which case it is updates within 24 to 48 hours
o Cast Your Vote
♣ Vote on a relevant topic
♣ Topics changed monthly
♣ Access archived polls and results
o Did you know
♣ Information tidbits
o Article Features
♣ Left-hand side of the article has segmented sections to access information quickly
• Resources (US-Centric)
• For Further Reading
o Related books on topic
• Glossary
o Key words from the article
♣ Related articles
• Pushes students beyond shallow searching
♣ Hotlines
♣ Computer generated listen feature
• To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
♣ Google Translate
♣ New feature allows users to save to Google Drive

32. Culturegrams Kids Edition - excellent support for gr. 3 & 5 S.S.
Provinces Edition - supports gr. 2 & 4 5 S.S.
World Edition - supports gr S.S.
Newly added Google Classroom and Google Drive integration
Updated every 6 months and written/reviewed by in-country consultants
Features included: customizable read-aloud, photo gallery, slideshows, videos, famous people, and cultural recipes
Tools included: build-your-own graphs and tables, pre-generated graphs and tables, distance calculate, and currency converter
Culturegrams
This resource is essentially the “go to” resource for the grade 3 social studies curriculum. This resource also supports the grade 2 social studies curriculum. Although it does not have specific information on Meteghan or Saskatoon it does include information about the provinces. This resource is also a great starting point for the grades 4 and 5 social studies curricula.
Features
• Provinces edition supports for the grades 2 and 4 socials studies curricula
• Kids Edition supports the grades 3 and 5 social studies curricula
• Read aloud feature in the top right-hand corner of every article
o To customize the speed and colour of highlighting click on the cog image that appears when the slide out menu appears after play is pressed
• Provinces Edition - Along the top menu from the left-hand side access
o Flag gallery
o Recipes (two for every province)
o Graphs and tables (pre-generated and customizable with multiple data sets included)
• Kids Edition – Along the top menu from the left-hand side
o Photos (various parts of the countries)
o Slideshow
o Interviews (varies ages of interviewees – including children, adults and elderly)
o Famous People (a listing of famous people and why they are famous)
o Recipes (two from each country)
o Flags
o Graphs and Tables (pre-generated Canada In Focus section devoted to articles about significant Canadian people, places and history
• Content divided into smaller sections along the left-hand side for ease of access
• Kids Edition – content also found along the right-hand side of article including
o Distance calculator
o World time
o Teaching activities
o Curriculum standards (Alberta not available)
• Recently added Google Drive and Google Classroom compatible

33. Culturegrams
To access a short training video for using Google Drive go to:

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

35. 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 Event
Links to ORC Twitter and Facebook accounts

36. ORC Listserv
Weekly updates powered by MailChimp and organized by grade level:
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

37. https://twitter.com/ORC_AB
Links to Check Out
ORC Support Site
ORC Listserv
ORC Facebook
ORC Twitter

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