Since the 1960s, Scholastic’s “The Cornerstones of Freedom” series has been a mainstay when it comes to reliable history books for fourth- to sixth-grade students. In this online incarnation, the series continues to prove its adaptivity and its relevancy in a radically different learning environment, transforming content from the print books into enhanced ebooks. Each title is supported by an eclectic treasury of related materials that make full use of the online arena, and is backed up by a [...]
Freedom to Learn: Social Studies Assistance for Students and Teachers | Digital Resources November 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Shakespeare on the iPad
By on October 11, 2012 1 Comment
It’s a boon year for students of Shakespeare and thespians: from Sourcebooks, Inc. and Touch Press come interactive resources that will change the way readers experience the Bard’s works. Sourcebooks has just released three titles in its “Shakesperience” series that promise to “transport readers from the page to the stage”: “Othello,” “‘Romeo and Juliet,” and “Hamlet.” Each iBook provides the text of the play along with insight from actors on their roles, audio and visuals of celebrated performances, and much more. Extensive commentary and notes, and video recordings of famed actors performing each of Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets, are among the highlights of the stunning “Sonnets by William Shakespeare” from Touch Press.
World book’s print standard gets new life: Solid Scholarship Meets Navigational Ease | Digital Resources
By on October 1, 2012 1 Comment
When it comes to research, World Book has long held a special place in the hearts of librarians and teachers alike. In the rapidly evolving world of online resources and shrinking budgets, though, acquisitions can no longer be based on past reputation. Students need current, easily accessible information, while librarians must purchase products that meet ever-changing curriculum standards without breaking the bank, needs that World Book Advanced meets with flair.
World book Advanced
www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/home
Grade Level: 9 [...]
Tech Tidbits from the Guybrarian: Are You Flipping?
By on September 29, 2012 1 Comment
So, what’s the buzz on supporting online instruction?
Like many of you, several of our teachers started the new school year wanting to broaden the way they instruct their students. Here are a couple of examples of teachers who have successfully flipped their classrooms or used online techniques to give their students feedback.
Series Nonfiction Gets a Makeover: Rosen PowerKnowledge Science Suite | Digital Resources
By on September 3, 2012
In the market for a comprehensive, curriculum-friendly online resource? Shop no more. Rosen PowerKids’s impressive five decades’ worth of science knowledge is now updated and available in a logically arranged digital format. PowerKnowledge provides content in three lively databases—Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science—that are tailored toward the curricular needs and the interests of young readers. All entries are “correlated to state and national science curriculum standards, and Canadian provincial learning outcomes,” which makes the material sound dry, but via this vehicle, it is made entertaining using multimedia, games, and more.
Hot Topics for Teens and Tweens: Financial Literacy and CyberSmarts
By on August 30, 2012
Rosen Digital has just announced the launch of two new digital resources for middle school and high school students: Financial Literacy, an online database for economics and personal finance; and Teen CyberSmarts, an interactive ebook program that teaches kids about digital citizenship and cyber safety. Both programs have been specifically designed to support Common Core learning standards. And SLJTeen readers have a chance to evaluate both of these for free through October 5, 2012.
Best of Apps & Enhanced Books: July 2012
By on July 1, 2012
Iceberg in Moonlight, South Orkney Islands (Lynch)©Wayne Lynch with permission of Matchbook Digital LLC.
Reviews in this column first appeared in SLJ ’s blog Touch and Go. After each review, you’ll find the date it appeared online. Online, there are links to related resources, a trailer (if one exists), and a “purchase” button. Please note that later versions of some of these titles may now be available. Visit Touch and Go at slj.com for additional reviews, commentary, and interviews [...]
Tech Tidbits from the Guybrarian and His Gal: Shallow Research
By on January 1, 2012
In a recent Pew Internet study called How Teens Do Research the Digital World, AP and National Writing Project teachers said that one of educators’ top priorities should be to teach students how to “judge the quality of online information.” The study reports that 95 percent of our students do online research, but their research skills are only good or fair. Also, for many students, doing research means Googling. Many students see research as a fast-paced process in which they [...]
