Use and Evaluation of Online Resources
Created By:
Cathy McNeary
Title/Role:
Librarian 7-12
Organization/School Name:
Roncalli High School
Location:
South Dakota
Grade Level:
11, 12 Type of Lesson:
Stand-alone lesson Type of Schedule:
Flexible Collaboration Continuum:
Moderate Content Area:
Language Arts Content Topic:
Evaluation and critique of multiple resources Scenario:
In preparation for an major research project, the librarian and teacher meet to discuss what students will need to know to access and use multiple online resources. As a first step, the librarian plans a lesson introducing students to three specific subscription online databases. (examples: Proquest, SIRS Researcher, Gale Reference) The librarian spends one class period presenting an overview of each database with an emphasis on becoming familiar with features and navigation of the sites. Each student is then given a specific practice topic and asked to conduct research. Overview:
During this lesson the students explore specific research sites with the intent of acquiring the ability to critique a research site for its worthiness as a valid research tool for their purposes, concentrating on accuracy, validity, appropriateness for needs, importance, and social and cultural context. They will also master navigation of each site while adding to their search skills.
Final Product:
The final product for the lesson will be a one page paper evaluating one of the three sites and will include one example of how to use the site outside of the classroom.
Library Lesson:
Students will gather resources on an assigned topic using three databases introduced by the librarian and synthesize information found while also evaluating and comparing individual sites. Estimated Lesson Time:
90 minutes Have you taught this lesson before:
Yes Strategies for differentiation:
The librarian will instruct students on the read aloud features of the databases and those that translate into various languages.