Done!! While I had several hurdles to work around (namely 3 computer crashes!), I had a blast checking things out. I had problems publishing my blog pages, so would save it and hope it was there when I wanted to try it again. We think it was the computer I had to use for the months of Feb and March - ancient doesn't even begin to describe it. BUT, after getting it to connect to the internet and it actually working, I wasn't about to complain and be without. Now that I got my new computer up and running, a simple click of the publish button and it worked!!! I thought I was going to have to fax hard copies in!! =)
I'm excited about several of the programs, but honestly feel like there is still so much out there that I have no idea how to use. I'm going to make a pitch to my principal about having an in-service on these resources. So many teachers could be using them and benefiting!! I will certainly pass on the few that I am now aware of.
As I tried each one, I always had the thought "Who will benefit from this" in the back of my mind. I had notes on each one for a teacher or patron. So, I just feel happy to have had the opportunity to look at the ones that I did. If it weren't for the challenge, I don't know that I would have used any of them. They were all my biggest discovery!
I know that I will have the opportunity to suggest some of these resources to teachers, students and patrons. And now I know I need to check out other ones available to me also!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Lesson 9
History and Genealogy Resources—Ancestry Library, Heritage Quest and Sanborn Maps -
After searching my married name, I found one listing. It was me!! When I searched my maiden name, I did not find me, but found people with my name in almost every state.
When I searched my Grandmother, I found her in a 1930 census and her marriage license. All info was correct.
Apparently there are alot of listings with the location as South Dakotan - 3 billion!! And alot of pictures also. I found mostly yearbook pictures and some sports pictures. Loved the feature though. As I clicked on the picture you can zoom in and out and it also lists the links for others in the picture. Cool!! This will help someone looking for how people are linked. I know several classes do different genealogy projects and this will be an amazing help!
With HeritageQuest I searched for my name on my Mother's side - Valnes. They have done extensive research for this name and have all names dated back to 1200, so I was impressed to see names in all the census dates and most were all names on my ancestry list and were listed as being born in Norway. Just searching for a place was a little bit harder - only because I wasn't sure what to search for. I searched my hometown of Waubay and found a piece written on descendants of someone who had lived in Waubay. I did not know the name, but the piece was quite interesting to read. Once again, history buffs or people doing any geneology will find this tool useful!
Sanborn Maps - Unfortunately my town or several town that I'm familiar with were not in there - Waubay, Hazel, Hayti, Lake Norden, Bryant - but I did select Webster. I wasn't able to really figure out if some of the buildings are still there - Main Street seemed to be familiar, but it's been 20 years since I've been there. I had fun looking at the Watertown maps, but I hate to say that they are the absolute easiest to navigate. If I were looking for something, I would probably have more patience, but to just guess and click on a map and try to figure out where you are in the town was kind of hard. Glad to have it as an option though!!
After searching my married name, I found one listing. It was me!! When I searched my maiden name, I did not find me, but found people with my name in almost every state.
When I searched my Grandmother, I found her in a 1930 census and her marriage license. All info was correct.
Apparently there are alot of listings with the location as South Dakotan - 3 billion!! And alot of pictures also. I found mostly yearbook pictures and some sports pictures. Loved the feature though. As I clicked on the picture you can zoom in and out and it also lists the links for others in the picture. Cool!! This will help someone looking for how people are linked. I know several classes do different genealogy projects and this will be an amazing help!
With HeritageQuest I searched for my name on my Mother's side - Valnes. They have done extensive research for this name and have all names dated back to 1200, so I was impressed to see names in all the census dates and most were all names on my ancestry list and were listed as being born in Norway. Just searching for a place was a little bit harder - only because I wasn't sure what to search for. I searched my hometown of Waubay and found a piece written on descendants of someone who had lived in Waubay. I did not know the name, but the piece was quite interesting to read. Once again, history buffs or people doing any geneology will find this tool useful!
Sanborn Maps - Unfortunately my town or several town that I'm familiar with were not in there - Waubay, Hazel, Hayti, Lake Norden, Bryant - but I did select Webster. I wasn't able to really figure out if some of the buildings are still there - Main Street seemed to be familiar, but it's been 20 years since I've been there. I had fun looking at the Watertown maps, but I hate to say that they are the absolute easiest to navigate. If I were looking for something, I would probably have more patience, but to just guess and click on a map and try to figure out where you are in the town was kind of hard. Glad to have it as an option though!!
Lesson 8
ArchiveGrid -
Sitting Bull - or Tatanka Iyotake, was a Native American Shaman and leader of the Sioux. He greatly opposed the encroachment of the white man. He led Sioux and Cheyenne warriors at the battle of Little Bighorn. After the battle, Sitting Bull led his tribe to Canada. He lived there until surrendering to US forces and then toured with Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. Sitting Bull was killed while performing the ritual Ghost Dance.
I then searched for "Mayflower". (I'm really into the spring and hoping it finds it's way here!) I found 429 results with a lot of them coming from Maine Historical Society, Library of Congress and libraries on the east coast - which would make sense! That is where the Mayflower landed.
I'm excited about this resource as I have tons of History Buffs that are always looking for information! When searching on google or another search engine, you have to weed out so many things that are not relevant. In the couple of searches I made, I was able to find articles immediately that pertained to what I was looking for. Exciting!!
CAMIO -
After searching Paul Revere I found 35 works. Not sure any of them were made by Paul Revere (did I understand the directions correctly??) But, there were paitings and many collectible pieces. This resource would be a antiquers dream!!! They would certainly learn what to look for and if things were collectible!
When searching "Sioux" I found 63 works. Paintings, pictures, artifacts were in the listings. Definately things that I think of when I think of the word "Sioux". The clothing items showed amazing beadwork!!
I searched "Picasso" and found 1,016 items. Most of them were paintings or prints, but also books and sculptures. If you didn't see a Picasso print you were looking for, it probably is not available anywhere!
I believe this is a great resource for our Art and History teachers. Also antiquers who come across some old things. Students writing a report could also find valuable information here!
After searching "Inca" I found about 5 really cool objects that were from that time period. I liked being about to see them on one page, moving them around. The option to create a webpage is fantastic - I know several teachers who are looking for project ideas!!
Sitting Bull - or Tatanka Iyotake, was a Native American Shaman and leader of the Sioux. He greatly opposed the encroachment of the white man. He led Sioux and Cheyenne warriors at the battle of Little Bighorn. After the battle, Sitting Bull led his tribe to Canada. He lived there until surrendering to US forces and then toured with Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. Sitting Bull was killed while performing the ritual Ghost Dance.
I then searched for "Mayflower". (I'm really into the spring and hoping it finds it's way here!) I found 429 results with a lot of them coming from Maine Historical Society, Library of Congress and libraries on the east coast - which would make sense! That is where the Mayflower landed.
I'm excited about this resource as I have tons of History Buffs that are always looking for information! When searching on google or another search engine, you have to weed out so many things that are not relevant. In the couple of searches I made, I was able to find articles immediately that pertained to what I was looking for. Exciting!!
CAMIO -
After searching Paul Revere I found 35 works. Not sure any of them were made by Paul Revere (did I understand the directions correctly??) But, there were paitings and many collectible pieces. This resource would be a antiquers dream!!! They would certainly learn what to look for and if things were collectible!
When searching "Sioux" I found 63 works. Paintings, pictures, artifacts were in the listings. Definately things that I think of when I think of the word "Sioux". The clothing items showed amazing beadwork!!
I searched "Picasso" and found 1,016 items. Most of them were paintings or prints, but also books and sculptures. If you didn't see a Picasso print you were looking for, it probably is not available anywhere!
I believe this is a great resource for our Art and History teachers. Also antiquers who come across some old things. Students writing a report could also find valuable information here!
After searching "Inca" I found about 5 really cool objects that were from that time period. I liked being about to see them on one page, moving them around. The option to create a webpage is fantastic - I know several teachers who are looking for project ideas!!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Lesson 7
WorldCat and More FirstSearch Indexes -
I searched for the book "The Princess Diaries Take Two". I found 15 entires - 14 in English. 234 libraires had the top entry. Southeast Arkansas Reg Lib was the top link. It's call # is 813.6. Besides the author and subject, it also tells the Genre (very helpful!!) And when you go to the Add/View button, you can actually write a review of the book. I always am dependent upon E-Z cat for cataloging my books, but several times I can not find them. Now I have another option!!!
There were many different topics available under South Dakota. While the first two I clicked on came back as no longer available, many other ones were still there and this will be a great resource for students/teachers/patrons doing research on a topic.
I searched for the book "The Princess Diaries Take Two". I found 15 entires - 14 in English. 234 libraires had the top entry. Southeast Arkansas Reg Lib was the top link. It's call # is 813.6. Besides the author and subject, it also tells the Genre (very helpful!!) And when you go to the Add/View button, you can actually write a review of the book. I always am dependent upon E-Z cat for cataloging my books, but several times I can not find them. Now I have another option!!!
There were many different topics available under South Dakota. While the first two I clicked on came back as no longer available, many other ones were still there and this will be a great resource for students/teachers/patrons doing research on a topic.
Lesson 6
Ebooks on EbscoHost -
As I thought about what to search, my eyes wandered to a family picture taken at Mount Rushmore. So, I figured "Why Not?" and searched for Mount Rushmore. There were four ebooks and the one that I chose what about Hiking in the Black Hills. It was easy to open and look at. It was a little older (1996 - I did say older, not ancient!), so the information could be slightly outdated. I did find some relatively newer books though when I searched a few other topics.
I had a hard time trying to find a book that would help students with Constitution Day. Since the holiday was made official in 2004, most of the books were copyrighted before that date. I found some books that would help with information on the Constitution and those books would only be helpful to older students.
I typed in Oklahoma in the advanced search. I came up with 82 books - the majority of them talking about Native Americans.
Overall - excited about this resource!
As I thought about what to search, my eyes wandered to a family picture taken at Mount Rushmore. So, I figured "Why Not?" and searched for Mount Rushmore. There were four ebooks and the one that I chose what about Hiking in the Black Hills. It was easy to open and look at. It was a little older (1996 - I did say older, not ancient!), so the information could be slightly outdated. I did find some relatively newer books though when I searched a few other topics.
I had a hard time trying to find a book that would help students with Constitution Day. Since the holiday was made official in 2004, most of the books were copyrighted before that date. I found some books that would help with information on the Constitution and those books would only be helpful to older students.
I typed in Oklahoma in the advanced search. I came up with 82 books - the majority of them talking about Native Americans.
Overall - excited about this resource!
Lesson 5
Gale Virtual Reference Library -
I can honestly say that I never expected to see some of the book titles that are available. While I'm not niave in knowing that there are many things out there that I know nothing about, I am niave in thinking that "they would never have a book about that"! That could come from being a rural South Dakota girl for all my life!! Anyway..... I chose the book Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages Seemed interesting. After choosing the volume 1946 - 2003, I reasearched the baffling beehive or bouffant. I know that fashion comes in cycles, but I can not for the life of me see a beehive in my future! (Oh I hope!!) I'm not sure how I would use this information. I'm sure students with reports would find this valuable. Another tool to put in the hands of the teachers!!!
In the search box - First I searched vitamin D deficiency. I'm starting to feel like we may have winter year round and I might not ever feel the warm sun on my face. I found that I don't have to worry about Rickets - it mostly and youth disease and since my children go outside in hot and cold weather, they should also be safe. We also have many vitamin D infused foods that increase our intake. I like that it tells how many words are in the article. And it gives related searches to get more information. Also, I like the option on the left hand side that tells us where the articles are from. Sometimes I trust one source more than others. I then searched Custer. I found some helpful informtion. Always open to anything that helps with South Dakota projects!
I agreed with Wendy's post about the listen feature being sort of robotic, but grateful for it. Also that this is a great resource for smaller libraries. I never know what reference materials to have on hand and now that I know about this, I'm not worried anymore!
I can honestly say that I never expected to see some of the book titles that are available. While I'm not niave in knowing that there are many things out there that I know nothing about, I am niave in thinking that "they would never have a book about that"! That could come from being a rural South Dakota girl for all my life!! Anyway..... I chose the book Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages Seemed interesting. After choosing the volume 1946 - 2003, I reasearched the baffling beehive or bouffant. I know that fashion comes in cycles, but I can not for the life of me see a beehive in my future! (Oh I hope!!) I'm not sure how I would use this information. I'm sure students with reports would find this valuable. Another tool to put in the hands of the teachers!!!
In the search box - First I searched vitamin D deficiency. I'm starting to feel like we may have winter year round and I might not ever feel the warm sun on my face. I found that I don't have to worry about Rickets - it mostly and youth disease and since my children go outside in hot and cold weather, they should also be safe. We also have many vitamin D infused foods that increase our intake. I like that it tells how many words are in the article. And it gives related searches to get more information. Also, I like the option on the left hand side that tells us where the articles are from. Sometimes I trust one source more than others. I then searched Custer. I found some helpful informtion. Always open to anything that helps with South Dakota projects!
I agreed with Wendy's post about the listen feature being sort of robotic, but grateful for it. Also that this is a great resource for smaller libraries. I never know what reference materials to have on hand and now that I know about this, I'm not worried anymore!
Lesson 4
Proquest -
I researched Rheumatoid Arthritis. There were literally tons of articles - some in different languages. I liked the "Sort Results By" so that I could narrow down what I really was looking for within that topic.
1a. I read "Library, Coffee and Chocolate" and it seemed like we found the same info. Or rather used it in the same way. Searching for a topic, seeing where it came from.
I wear several hats..... mother, wife, librarian, newspaper editor - just to name a few. So, I searched editor and found that they have all the copies of Editor and Publisher magazine from 1992 - present. While I might not ever feel the need to read it, I might run into a situation where I would want to know how others handled it. I did a quick search on a few of those, and I did find articles addressing them and how they were handled. I learned something new today!!!
I researched Rheumatoid Arthritis. There were literally tons of articles - some in different languages. I liked the "Sort Results By" so that I could narrow down what I really was looking for within that topic.
1a. I read "Library, Coffee and Chocolate" and it seemed like we found the same info. Or rather used it in the same way. Searching for a topic, seeing where it came from.
I wear several hats..... mother, wife, librarian, newspaper editor - just to name a few. So, I searched editor and found that they have all the copies of Editor and Publisher magazine from 1992 - present. While I might not ever feel the need to read it, I might run into a situation where I would want to know how others handled it. I did a quick search on a few of those, and I did find articles addressing them and how they were handled. I learned something new today!!!
Lesson 3
SIRS Discoverer -
After searching for armadillo, I like that at the top you see right away where the articles come from - magazine or newspaper, and if there are pictures. After reading through a couple, I found quite a bit of information on an armadillo, plus several pictures that would be interesting for a 4th grader. The reading levels were easy enough and I like that I can see right away what level they are at.
In the country fact area, I selected Africa and then Ethiopia. It gives really good information about the country and a timeline of events. Also like the link to search for articles.
The maps are colorful and easy to read. I also like that they can be printed out! A plus for students doing research on countries.
In the other area, I chose the biographies. I searched a few South Dakota people and found some helpful information. I will definately be showing that to our 4th grade teachers!!
In the SIRS Issues Researcher, I chose the hot topic of "Cell Phones in School". It's something I hear about every day - "Why can't I just use my cell phone in school?". And I found some articles on it. They were easy to read and came from magazines, newspapers and reference materials.
Curriculum pathfinders - I chose Fine Arts. I was thinking soley music and art, so topics of dance, opera and theater took my by surprise. And, I found some very interesting articles on music. Again, I will be showing this resource to a teacher!
After searching for armadillo, I like that at the top you see right away where the articles come from - magazine or newspaper, and if there are pictures. After reading through a couple, I found quite a bit of information on an armadillo, plus several pictures that would be interesting for a 4th grader. The reading levels were easy enough and I like that I can see right away what level they are at.
In the country fact area, I selected Africa and then Ethiopia. It gives really good information about the country and a timeline of events. Also like the link to search for articles.
The maps are colorful and easy to read. I also like that they can be printed out! A plus for students doing research on countries.
In the other area, I chose the biographies. I searched a few South Dakota people and found some helpful information. I will definately be showing that to our 4th grade teachers!!
In the SIRS Issues Researcher, I chose the hot topic of "Cell Phones in School". It's something I hear about every day - "Why can't I just use my cell phone in school?". And I found some articles on it. They were easy to read and came from magazines, newspapers and reference materials.
Curriculum pathfinders - I chose Fine Arts. I was thinking soley music and art, so topics of dance, opera and theater took my by surprise. And, I found some very interesting articles on music. Again, I will be showing this resource to a teacher!
Lesson 2
Learning Express Library.
Have I ever used this resource? No
Do I feel that I will ever use this resource? I will be recommending it to many students, teachers and patrons.
After setting up an account, I chose to look at the high school tests. Then I chose Writing and Grammar Skill Improvement (an area I think most of our students are failing in!) Then, I took part of the writing practice test. It was hard to just take part - I wanted to finish it all, but time was not on my side. So, I answered the first five questions (correctly I might add!) and then scored my test and viewed the answers. It was a multiple choice test, so that part was easy. Forward thinking - I fear that when Common Core takes over and the Smarter Balance Tests are the norm, tests like these will seem outdated (possibly?). I like that it takes you right back to the test and shows what you answered and what the correct answer is. There is no wondering about what you answered for sure. I also like that there are instructions to read before taking the test. They were clear and straight forward.
After looking at the Job Search and Workplace skills and exploring different courses, I think this is such a great resource to not only high school students looking for employment, but anyone on the job hunt. It would certainly help out in many areas of the job hunt - and also after. I spent lots of time here looking and browsing!
Finally, I searched "Library" in the search box and chose the ebook "Search Smart and Get Ahead". There were several interesting chapters that I want to read!
Have I ever used this resource? No
Do I feel that I will ever use this resource? I will be recommending it to many students, teachers and patrons.
After setting up an account, I chose to look at the high school tests. Then I chose Writing and Grammar Skill Improvement (an area I think most of our students are failing in!) Then, I took part of the writing practice test. It was hard to just take part - I wanted to finish it all, but time was not on my side. So, I answered the first five questions (correctly I might add!) and then scored my test and viewed the answers. It was a multiple choice test, so that part was easy. Forward thinking - I fear that when Common Core takes over and the Smarter Balance Tests are the norm, tests like these will seem outdated (possibly?). I like that it takes you right back to the test and shows what you answered and what the correct answer is. There is no wondering about what you answered for sure. I also like that there are instructions to read before taking the test. They were clear and straight forward.
After looking at the Job Search and Workplace skills and exploring different courses, I think this is such a great resource to not only high school students looking for employment, but anyone on the job hunt. It would certainly help out in many areas of the job hunt - and also after. I spent lots of time here looking and browsing!
Finally, I searched "Library" in the search box and chose the ebook "Search Smart and Get Ahead". There were several interesting chapters that I want to read!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Lesson 1
For the first lesson, I chose a Koala. To make a long story short, as a child I truly believed that I would have a pet koala some day. After someone informed me that I'd have to live in Australia for that to happen, my dreams were dashed (but that is a story for another time). Anyway....
Koalas live in trees in Australia. That is what the World Book Kids told me.
In the World Book Student, there was considerably more information on the koala. And the videos are a nice bonus. Kids love to see things!
In the World Book Advanced, I chose the county of Italy. After getting to visit, I'm planning a return visit (who knows if that will ever happen, but it doesn't hurt to dream!). I'm amazed at all the links that are available. It will certainly cut down on the "digging and searching" for things related to the topic. The maps and sound bites will be helpful for students doing projects.
The World Book Discover can help people that might not have the best English skills, by being a visual resource. Almost all entries have images!
I'm excited to finally use these resources and now be able to pass it along to the teachers!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Ready to blog...
Gearing up for my first South Dakota State Library Electronic Resource Challenge. I'm ready to learn....... =)
Stephanie
Stephanie
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