TAL Online Reference Center

I have a whole new appreciation for online databases after exploring the Alberta Learn Online Reference Center.  It really is amazing how many databases that students and teachers have access to on this site.  The fact that it is provincial makes so much more sense.  Why have each district trying to decide which databases they can afford? With a provincial site they could pool their money together and subscribe to many databases.  Anne did mention that the districts don’t need to pay for this but I wonder if BC could do the same.  Even if the districts had to contribute some, I’m sure it would still be worthwhile. Being in an independent school I wonder if there was a provincial site like Alberta Learn if we would even have access to the site.

I know many people were posting about the layout of the page of the Online Reference Center.  I agree with those that recommended that all the links be on one page.  It would make the search that much faster to not have to scroll down a few pages.  Another recommendation would be to have the databases grouped by age (K-7, 8-12 and K-12).  This would help make the search even faster.  There could be the option to see only the databases for the age group that you’re searching for or the option to search all the databases.  This would help to keep everything on one page.

I was not surprised to read that there was a lot of free pro d offered and there were still some teachers who were not familiar with the site.  When I was teaching for the VSB I didn’t even know we had access to the databases that they subscribe to.  I never heard the TL talk about such databases and how they could be used.   It’s so important to have the TL at your school showing you on a regular basis how the databases can be used.  It’s by having continuous reminders and info sessions that a teacher can change their ways and take the time to discover new things.  

British Columbia needs to step up with online access to resources.  Alberta seems to have quite a few initiatives online that are keeping the province current.  In my previous course I was introduced to the Calgary Board of Education website and that was also impressive.

Why is BC not keeping up?!