Choosito Search Choosito Search is a free online tool that allows anyone to search for online resources according to topic, subject area, and reading level. Students can conduct their own searches at a comfortable reading level for them, or teachers can find texts at varied levels for their students.
Actively Learn Great resource for reading, research, vocabulary, and tracking student development. Texts include current events, textbook readings, novels, primary sources, and more. Search by subject, standard, grade, genre, etc....or import your own document or web link to assign! Students can annotate, respond to pre-made questions or ones you insert, collaborate, provide feedback, and more. You can customize assignments by adding in notes, questions, and links to other media. Read as a class and keep students at the same point in a text or let them read independently. Research options include all of the above and a Google Docs add-on to allow students to begin the writing process from their highlights and notes.
Big Six The Big Six is a model for how people solve an information problem. It is the model our district uses to teach research skills, so many of our students have had instruction on the process in elementary and middle school. You can read a one-pager on the Big Six here.
Global Digital Citizen Foundation From their website, "The GDCF works with educators in many countries helping them develop modern learning environments in their schools and classrooms, ones that guide students towards taking ownership for their learning. Our focus is on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills vital to their growth and independence."
Students As Authentic Researchers: A New Prescription for the High School Research Assignment This journal article from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) presents research on the problems of traditional research assignments as well as a tested method of improving them (hint: think action research and putting students in the role of researcher rather than reporter!).
Tools for Real-time Assessment of Information Literacy Skills (TRAILS) TRAILS is a free online assessment of students' Info Lit skills. It provides reports broken down by standard (CCSS-aligned) and question. TRAILS is a great for diagnostic testing of students' current skill level, and can be re-administered at the end of the year to show growth! Contact Kara Watson in the Media Center to get your classes set up.
