Information Searching
Information searching tools provide diverse resources for students and teachers from reliable, curated, educational sources for individual, group or whole class learning. Information searching tools include library resources, information databases, and Open Educational Resources.
Examples of tools in this category include
What does this look like in my class?
Why and when are you using information searching tools?
To locate specific information for independent, individual student research
To locate and share credible information on specific topics
To view and select from the school's library catalog
To check sources of information for accuracy
To encourage individual research on topics of interest
What are students doing?
Independently searching for credible information
Reading, viewing and listening to found information
Note-taking, curating, evaluating, and selecting information for use
Sharing found information with other students
Using found information from resources for learning, creating, and [producing]
Locating and reserving their school's library material
What are educators doing?
Supporting student learning and engagement by:
Connecting students with needed/sought information or resources
Locating and curating resources for teachers
Instructing students in the use of the online library catalog including the school's databases
What digital resources do educators need to use information searching tools?
Digital device and Wifi
Login capacity for databases and access to library catalog
To troubleshoot bandwidth issues, limit the number of open tabs to what is needed for the lesson.
Which tools could I use?
While most students and educators have access to information sources on the web, additional resources exist which provide enhanced benefits for use in the classroom. With remote and hybrid learning, digital resources can be easily complement existing textbooks, curriculum, and learning resources using learning management systems and curation tools.
Open Educational Resources
Washington State's OER Commons
OER (Open Educational Resources) are curated teaching, learning and research materials in any medium – digital or otherwise – that are available for use under open licenses which permits no-cost access, use, adaptation and redistribution with no or limited restrictions. Searchable by content area, standards, grade-level and other criteria, the OER Commons provides a rich library of learning materials to complement existing textbooks and learning resources.
Library Resources
School, district, and library programs have quality collections of ebooks, audiobooks, and information resources. Like the OER Commons, library materials are free and ideal for use with remote and hybrid learning tools.
MackinVia - Allows educators to curate a range of instructional resources. Free accounts are available.
Washington Public Library Search - managed by the Washington State Library, this search engine will quickly identify libraries and their websites for your community.
Destiny Library Search - this tool will search for publicly-available school library catalogs which use the Follett Destiny library system.
Washington State school libraries also subscribe to many outstanding information databases which are available through your school or district library website.
What else do I need to know?
As a result of the pandemic, many media resources have removed paywalls to allow educators and students to access information and articles.
Introduction to Open Educational Resources - this short blog post explores why OER resources offer educators
Free K-12 Resources During Coronavirus Pandemic - this regularly updated list from District Administration provides a diverse list of information, learning materials, and resources being made available during the pandemic.