Yesterday, and today, worked with 8th graders from Mercury. I introduced them to some of our databases like eLibrary, Grolier Online and WorldBook Online. Today, we tried one called netTrekker, which had alot of useful information. The student’s task, as assigned by their teacher, was to search for information on whales for their data sheets, for an upcoming whale watch trip and a whale poem they will write. Many students instinctively wanted to drift towards Google, with only limited or no attempt to try the databases, but their teacher and I urged them to stay with the databases. Google has become too much of a crutch for today’s young people, and I hope to help them to see that there are many more reliable sources of information.
Their teacher required them to have an online source (a database), as well as an encyclopedia and non-fiction book source. I felt these were excellent requirements, as it helped students to use these sources and help them to see that not everything they need is on Google. I helped students learn to use the index, table of contents and guidewords to help them find information, as well as showed them how to cite their information for their 3×5 index cards.
The class will return to the library for several more sessions to complete their task.
Tags: databases, eLibrary, Google, Grolier Online, netTrekker; WorldBook Online
