1. Supporting Students in Grades 7-9 with the Online Reference Centre
Bethany Arsenault, ORC Coordinator
2017/2018

2. What is the ORC?
A $1.4 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. Why These Resources?
Provide 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 you are 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. What’s in it for teachers?
Direct curricular correlations, ability to search curricular outcomes
Support for diverse learners
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 websites
Ability to create permalinks that can be posted on a website/moodle page/blog or sent in an blast

5. Accessing 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. Resources Organized by Publisher/Provider

8. Canadian e-Resource Solutions
Britannica School: Middle (Grades 7-9)
Britannica School: High (Grades 10-12)

9. 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
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
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.
Teachers need a special access code to create an account – Contact the ORC Coordinator to get more information about the access codes

10. 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
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
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
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.
Teachers need a special access code to create an account – Contact the ORC Coordinator to get more information about the access codes

11. Curriculum Video on Demand (Grades 7-12)
Visual Education
Curriculum Video on Demand (Grades 7-12)

12. 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
Most Popular
Recently Added
Browse Featured Producers
Browse Subjects
Featured this Month
Menu button in the top left-hand corner of the screen
Home
Subject Index
28 Topics with numerous subtopics within
“Page Link” in the top left-hand corner under the Subject Index title provides a permalink
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
Calendar
Films related to different events and holidays in the calendar month
My Films
Allows users to create an account with an address to save content to
Account also enables video editing and remixing
The Film
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
Provides a listing of videos with similar content
Share
Direct links (permalink)
Embed Code
Share to – Google Classroom
Add to
Add films to personal folders
Citation
MLA
Chicago Manual of Style
APA
Harvard
Custom Segment
Available with an account
Standards
Alberta Curriculum Standards available

13. 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

14. Gale Canada In Context (Grades 7-12)
Global Issues In Context (Grades 7-12)
Literature Resource Center (Grades 7-12)
Science In Context (Grades 7-12)
World History In Context (Grades 7-12)

15. Canada In Context Canada In Context
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
Highlight and take notes within the article, save to a folder without an account
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
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
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
Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added)
Maps (newly added to interface – still very US-Centric)
Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included)
Within the Topic Page
“On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites
Related Topics included just below on this page
“Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page
Within the Article
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)
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
Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools”
“Related Subjects” 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
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.
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

16. Global Issues In Context
Excellent support for the Grade Social Studies Curriculum
Featured videos, news, and stories on homepage
Customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download to MP3
Text Translation to 13 languages
Highlight and take notes within the article, save to a folder without an account
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
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
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
Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added)
Maps (newly added to interface – still very US-Centric)
Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included)
Within the Topic Page
“On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites
Related Topics included just below on this page
“Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page
Within the Article
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)
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
Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools”
“Related Subjects” 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
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.
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

17. Literature Resource Center
Gale resource that supports the grades 7-12 English and Language Arts curriculum
Read aloud feature in the top left-hand corner of every article
Text Translation to 13 languages
Highlight and take notes within the article, save to a folder without an account
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
Google Classroom and Microsoft capable
Literature Resource Center
Literature Resource Center is a Gale resource. It supports the grades 7-12 English and Language Arts curriculum, as well as supporting interdisciplinary approaches, information literacy, and the development of critical thinking skills. Literature Resource Center was newly added to the 2017/2018 ORC Collection. As a Gale resource, it uses the same interface as Gale’s “In Context” databases. If users are familiar with the “In Context” databases, they can easily navigate Literature Resource Center as it shares some of the same features and functionality.
Features
Teaser “Featured Author” and “Feature Work” along the top of the homepage – vivid pictures that provide a little bit of information necessitating the students click to read more
-Featured Author – Full biography
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
---Search for additional works
---Find criticism
---“View All” to find other featured authors
-Featured Work – Overview of work
---Look for literature criticism
---Delineated content type on right-hand side
---Provides search limiters (subjects, person – about, name of work, etc.)
---“View All” to find all featured work
Search bar at the top of the homepage allows a “Basic Search” by keyword, person, or name of work
-Not able to search by basic, intermediate, or advanced levels like the other Gale resources
“Gale Literary Index”
-Takes you to a master index of the major literature products published by Gale, providing quick and easy access to author and title listings from over 130 literature products from Gale
-Use this as a starting point to locate authors and titles
“Encyclopedia of Literature”
-Provides dictionary entry for any word entered in search box
“Person Search”
-Takes you to advanced search screen with “Person Search” selected
-Male/Female, Nationality, Ethnicity, Occupation, Literary Movement, Genre, Place of Birth
“Works Search”
-Takes you to advanced search screen with “Works Search” selected
---Male/Female, Nationality, Ethnicity, Occupation, Literary Movement, Genre, Place of Birth
“Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page
Google Classroom and Microsoft capable
Language translation on homepage (beside Google Classroom)
Within the Article
Read aloud feature in the top left-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
Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools”
“Related Subjects” 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
Tools include downloadable citations, , PDF download of article, print, highlight and notes, download MP3, and share option

18. Science In Context Science In Context
Featured videos, news, and stories on homepage
Customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download to MP3
Text Translation to 13 languages
Highlight and take notes within the article, save to a folder without an account
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
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
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
Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added)
Maps (newly added to interface – still very US-Centric)
Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included)
Within the Topic Page
“On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites
Related Topics included just below on this page
“Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page
Within the Article
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)
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
Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools”
“Related Subjects” 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
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.
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

19. World History In Context
Featured videos, news, and stories on homepage
Customizable read-aloud feature, articles available to download to MP3
Text Translation to 13 languages
Highlight and take notes within the article, save to a folder without an account
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
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
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
Browse Topics (search every topic page included in the database, indicates when topic has been updated or newly added)
Maps (newly added to interface – still very US-Centric)
Curriculum Standards (Alberta curriculum standards included)
Within the Topic Page
“On This Page” on the top right-hand corner of the screen allows users to target the kind of information, including vetted websites
Related Topics included just below on this page
“Bookmark” along the top right-hand side of the screen creates a permalink for the page
Within the Article
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)
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
Text translation in every article found on the right-hand side of the screen in the “Tools”
“Related Subjects” 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
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.
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

20. How do I use this ideas: “In Context” series
Use the “bookmark” feature to create permalinks of any of the pages in the database”
“Seed” inquiry projects/project-based learning experiences
Highlight content related to the curriculum, supplement print collections, support student interests, provide season/holiday content, provide information about other cultures/countries/customs
Access to current editions of Toronto Star, Globe & Mail, MacLean’s (Canada In Context), World and I, Newsweek International, and The Historian (World History In Context) Access science related videos on the homepage that are changed regularly

21. Hidden Gems ScienceFLIX (Grades 4-9)
The Canadian Encyclopedia (Grades 5-12)
TeachingBooks.net (K-12)
Teen Health and Wellness (Grades 7-12)

22. 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:
Browse all topics
Experiments
Careers in Science
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
Unfortunately it does not pick up automatically where it left off
Each Topic includes:
“Watch It” – introductory video to provide or activate background knowledge
“Read It” – the main article in the topic
“Dive Deeper” –related articles
“Explore More” – additional related articles with broader approach to the topic
“Related Web Sites” – vetted websites related to the topic
“Science Lab” – related projects for sharing information (Speech, table, or report) and a related game to check knowledge
“What do You Think?” – three questions that guide discussion of new knowledge and sharing
“Show What You Know” – Quiz with immediate response and explanation of why when incorrect
“Careers” – careers related to the topic
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)
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
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:
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
Quizzes
Printable quiz for every topic page
Projects
A listing of all of the projects included in all of the topic pages, accessed outside of the topic page
Videos
Access all videos embedded in the resource outside of individual topic pages
Other Media
Access image gallery
Downloadable
Access parent letters that can be customized, bookmarks and posters can be found here

23. The Canadian Encyclopedia
Free website provided by Government of Canada
Change from English to French at the top right-hand corner of every page
New updated interface - much more aesthetic and functional
Multiple pathways to finding content
View personal accounts from veterans, view videos, articles, image and digital exhibits
Articles include information about the author, publication date, editor, and edit date
Embedded citations (MLA 7th Edition, APA 6th Edition, Chicago 16th Edition, Turabian)
Wealth of Canadian content to support Social Studies grades 9-12
Historica link at top left-hand side includes Citizen Challenge, immigration stories, etc for grade9
The Canadian Encyclopedia
The Canadian Encyclopedia is an open website available to anyone without log in credentials. Because this resource is not licensed it does not have some of the “bells and whistles” of some of the licensed content like read aloud or text translation. However, Google read does work on this resource.
Features
Recently updates interface with more “click friendly” layout
Four topics with multiple subtopics within each
When searching in a specific subtopic there is a menu along the left-hand side of the screen that allows further limiters
Switch between English and French at the top right-hand corner of every screen
This is original French as this is a Canadian funded website
Top menu from the left-hand side
Historica Canada
Links to another website with
Programs (Access Aboriginal Arts and Stories, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Citizenship Challenge, Encounters with Canada, The Memory Project, and Passages Canada)
Videos (Heritage Minutes, Minutes Parodies, Memory Project Archives, and Radio Minutes)
Polls
Media (Media Coverage, Press Releases, and Permissions)
Shop
Education (searchable access to lesson plans)
Aboriginal Arts and Stories
Largest and most recognized art and creative writing competition in Canada for Aboriginal youth
Citizenship Challenge
Test national knowledge by studying and writing a mock citizenship exam in French or English
Excellent for the grade 9 social studies curriculum
Encounters with Canada
Programming for Canadian youth held yearly at the Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre in Ottawa, Ontario
Heritage Minutes
Access all archived Heritage Minutes, playlists and a discussion section
Passages Canada
Stories of Canadian immigrants
Excellent for grade 9 social studies curriculum
The Memory Project
Access veteran stories, first-hand accounts from World War I, World War II, The Korean War and Peacekeeping
Excellent resource for Remembrance Day and grades socials studies curriculum
Home
About
Interactive Resources
Collections
Access a variety of collections created for various topics:
Places (37), Literature and Theater (13), Cinema and Visual Arts (3), Music and Folklore (28), Cultural and Education Institutions (3), Historical Figures (17), and History and Politics (38)
Each collection includes quizzes on arts and culture, history and political, historical figures and places associated with the topic
Exhibits
Access a variety of digital exhibits that provide Canadian content relevant to the social studies curriculum
Timelines
Access a variety of timelines created with all Canadian content (Alberta, Act of Union, Asia Canada, Black History, etc.)
Your Canada
Street Art in Canada
Black History in Canada
Canada’s Haunted Places
In the Footsteps of Great Canadians
Stories of the Great War
Great Canadian Stories
Canada on Film
101 Thins
Poetry in Canada
My Home Town
For Teachers
Access results for quizzes and study guides
Articles Features
Top right-hand corner identifies who wrote the article, who edited the article, when it was published, and when it was last edited
This information increases the credibility of this content even though it is free
Knowing when an article was published and last updated makes the information more credible
Beneath the article author information is a table of contents for lengthier articles
Each section of the article has a unique URL that links directly to that part of the article
This is helpful in targeting specific information and directing students there quickly
Suggested readings, related articles and links included for each article
Click on the “ to access article citations
Tips for Ease of Use
Because this is an open website there is no log in necessary. The URL at the top of the screen can be used as a permalink to direct students to content quickly

24. How do I use this ideas: The Canadian Encyclopedia
Provide a link to a digital exhibit from the collection (found along the top of the webpage)
Link to a first hand account by a Canadian veteran for Remembrance Day
QR code the stories and put them around the school for the month of November
If you school is named after a famous Canadian, link to information about that Canadian
Link to articles relevant to the curriculum for various units of study

25. TeachingBooks.net
A wealth of support materials to teach and promote books in your school (book trailers, author interviews and read ins, author audio name pronunciation, QR flyers, embedded citations, book guides and lesson plans)
Share/permalink any page using the /Text/QR Flyer/Bookmark or PermaLink features
Access Alberta specific booklists:
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Readers Choice Award (YRCA)
ELA Authorized Novel and Nonfiction Reading List for grades 4-12
Meet-the-Author book readings in English and French
Canadian Book Award Winners/Canadian Book and Author Resources
Create and/or request a personalized booklist
TeachingBooks.net
TeachingBooks.net is often mistaken for providing digital books. It provides all of the content you need to teach, promote and support a book in your classroom or library.
Features
Gold bar along the top of the screen just below the search bar includes:
Home
Browse
Grade level, subject or genre, resource types, resource collection, newly added resources or highlighted resource collections
Author & Book Resources
Meet-the-Author Movies
Meet-the-Author Book Readings
Audio Name Pronunciation
Book Guides and Lesson Plans
Book Trailers
Popular
Canadian Book Award Winners
Curricular uses for TeachingBooks
Reader’s Theatre Scripts
Readings of Complete Books
Custom Reading Lists
Help & Training
Video Demos
Sharing and promotional materials
Self-Guided Training*
About
History and vision
Contact
Links to include in TeachingBooks
Authors/Illustrators to include
Follow Us
Blog
Newsletter
Facebook
*Self-guided training is a 90-minute self-directed program that guides the user through the creation of an implementation plan for TeachingBooks.net for the specific setting they are working in. The course is divided into phases and does not need to be completed in one 90-minute chunk of time.
Once completed a certificate of completion is provided. This is an excellent thing to include in a professional growth plan as there is a clear plan for accomplishing the goal and a measurable outcome.
On the Homepage right-hand side below the gold bar
A listing of all “Canadian authors & illustrators” included in the resource
Defaults to the number of resource, can switch to sort by author name with the little drop down menu at the top right-hand corner of the page
Literary Calendar (just below the Canadian authors & illustrators)
Includes authors birthdays, important literary days
Scroll down the homepage towards the bottom
Alberta specific booklists and awards toward the bottom of the homepage
Includes Alberta Education Fiction and non fiction reading lists for grades 4-12
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader’s Choice Awards (YRCA)
Rocky Mountain Book Awards
Meet-the-Author book readings in French
On a TeachingBooks Page
Hover over the book cover to get a blue pop up with details about all of the different support materials available for that book
“Sharing Tools” along the right-hand side of the screen
“ ” or ”Text” any page to a colleague or yourself for ease of access
“QR Flyer” generates a printable flyer with an embedded QR code to the TeachingBooks page you are on
“Permalink” creates a static, unchanging URL that can be shared on a webpage, in an and allows the user to open the TeachingBooks page without being logged into the LearnAlberta.ca webpage
“Calendar” allows access to the literary calendar “Facebook,” “Twitter,” “Share,” allow for sharing
“Citation” provides an APA and MLA citation of every page
“Narrow Your Results” along the left-hand side
“Related Booklists” along the left-hand side
“Explore Other Booklists on TeachingBooks” along the left-hand side

26. How do I use this ideas: TeachingBooks.net
Using the Permalink option, feature a Canadian author each month on your Learning Commons/classroom/school webpage (link print and virtual - create a related bulletin board with a QR code to the webpage)
Feature staff pick(s) each month and provide a permalink to the book’s TeachingBook.net page (s)
Create: custom reading lists for different grades, top student selections page, or create a librarians/teachers pick page in TeachingBooks.net and permalink the page to your LLC webpage - mimic this in the physical space
Support classroom novel studies and/or book clubs with the support materials in TeachingBooks.net
Create school-wide Virtual Book Club using content from TeachingBooks.net
Promote Rocky Mountain Book Award selection using the support materials in TeachingBooks.net (virtually on your webpage and in library print collection also)
Promote Young Readers Choice Award selection using the support materials in TeachingBooks.net (virtually on your webpage and in library print collection also)

27. Teen Health and Wellness
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
Embedded citations (MLA, APA, Chicago)
Many interactive features that allow students to interact and contribute:
Student polls on current topics
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
Alberta/Canada specific hotlines
Current In the news tops change frequently
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
Hotlines
Canada or Alberta specific help hotlines
Mobile Apps
Download from App Store, Google Play, or Amazon
Glossary
Searchable, organized alphabetical glossary
Site Help
Logout
Left-hand side of the homepage
Topics organized alphabetically
Centre of the homepage
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
Get Informed
Videos highlighting relevant content created by users
Videos are vetted and edited before begin published online
Access archived videos
Dr. Jan’s Corner
Submit questions to Dr. Jan and receive responses
Access archived questions and responses
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
Cast Your Vote
Vote on a relevant topic
Topics changed monthly
Access archived polls and results
Did you know
Information tidbits
Article Features
Left-hand side of the article has segmented sections to access information quickly
Resources (US-Centric)
For Further Reading
Related books on topic
Key words from the article
Related articles
Pushes students beyond shallow searching
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

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

29. 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, YouTube, and Facebook accounts

30. 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
or visit the ORC Support Site to join today

31. Links to Check Out ORC Support Site www.onlinereferencecentre.ca
ORC Listserv
ORC Facebook
ORC Twitter
ORC YouTube

32. Contact
For more information or to schedule a school presentation contact
Bethany Arsenault, ORC Coordinator
Call Ext. 236 OR