digital resources from the ca state library

by Cait Ferguson

A recent memo from the California Department of Education announced three new online databases available through the California State Library. According to the memo, "this service provides a massive digital library of books, scientific research, newspaper articles, photos, videos, and more--all aligned with the curriculum that California has created for its schools." These databases are currently on preview and will open formally in August for the 2018-19 school year. If you would like to read the full memo, including access codes to preview the databases, please click the button for more. 

Click to read memo

For more information on the three databases, including links and highlights, click through the tabs below. ​

Proquest

According to their website, ProQuest is "committed to empowering researchers and librarians around the world.  Its innovative information content and technologies increase the productivity of students, scholars, professionals and the libraries that serve them. Through partnerships with content holders, ProQuest preserves rich, vast and varied information."

To access a trial account, visit this link. 

encyclopedia britannica

The classic reference source is now available to preview.

Find Britannica School (in English) here. 
Find Britannica Escolar (in Spanish) here.  

Username: csl2018
​Password: preview

teachingbooks.net

According to their website, teachingbooks.net has a "mission...to equitably give all readers insights and opportunities that deepen their understanding and joy of the books they are reading."

You can start using the resources by entering your work email address here.  

How can you incorporate these resources into your classroom? Here are a few ideas!

digital literacy

These resources can act as a great introduction to some of the core aspects of digital literacy. 

Use the databases to practice with:

• navigating a digital platform
• findingdigital resources
• evaluating digital resources
• using digital resources to create a product
• and more!

research projects

Research projects are a natural extension of a well stocked informational database. Students can pull up sources from many different authors to collect academic insights for their research. 

If you are looking for research project ideas, visit "717 Good Research Paper Topics" here. 

debates

Debates, whether live in class or argued through a written paper, are a great way for students to conduct research and write a persuasive argument. Research databases can provide multiple different sides of an issue for a student to consider. 

If you are looking for debate ideas, click here. 

Want to share your ideas for using these resources in your classroom? Comment below!