There's a Library in Your Computer!
That’s right. As an Ohio citizen you are the owner of a great personal
library that resides in your computer. INFOhio is the Information Network for
Ohio Schools and is funded by your tax dollars. Through special licensing
agreements with data subscription services, all Ohio students have access to
quality online resources at just a fraction of what a district would pay for
them without the state contracts. So, just what all do you own?
YOU are very information-rich. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight
some of the online resources available through INFOhio, just to call them to
your attention. When it is cold outside, you can stay warm inside and still
get that school assignment or project completed! Visit www.infohio.org
Among the resources available through INFOhio are three Britannica
encyclopedias, with three different reading levels to help any student have
success when searching for information. These Britannica encyclopedias
contain links to web sites that have been evaluated as safe for student use
and that contain quality information. They also include many activities and
fun games to reinforce learning concepts in math, language arts, science and
social studies. You’ll find maps to print out, timelines, photos,
biographies, video-clips and so much more. The beauty of an online
encyclopedia is that it can accommodate so many different learning styles and
it is updated quarterly.
Another handy resource that you have at your fingertips is the Oxford
Reference Online Premium Collection. This is just like having an entire
bookcase of reference books in your den! The collection has more than 130
complete reference titles, fully indexed and cross-searchable, from a wide
range of disciplines. None of these resources are extensive. Think of each as
a single volume dictionary-style reference book on a topic. What are some of
those topics? History, Science, Performing Arts, Military History, Mythology
& Folklore, Religion & Philosophy, Literature, Biology, Law, Medicine,
Economics, Business, Architecture and the list goes on. Again, you will find
quality web sites linked through these books, as well as timelines, photos
and maps.
Ever wish you had access to more newspapers than just those in the Warren
area? You do! Check out NewsBank and you’ll see that you have access to
almost every major newspaper in Ohio and many local papers, also. But the
good news doesn’t end there! You also have access to many national newspapers
including The Chicago Tribune, The Detroit News, The Indianapolis Star and
The Washington Post. Again, this resource has been infused with quality web
sites to enhance student research.
So just how do you get to your library in your computer? You can always get
to the district online resources and the resources offered through INFOhio
through our school website: warrengharding.com and library. Students are
given book marks with the address and passwords on it. Or you can go directly
to www.infohio.org and click on the CORE RESOURCES button to access those
mentioned above and many more that will be highlighted in the weeks to come.
If you want to teach yourself how to effectively use these resources, look
for help menus or tutorials within the products. We are not allowed to give
passwords out over the web, so please request passwords from your building
librarian. For an overview of INFOhio, check out the video at
www.infohio.org/Parent/OutreachKit/Video2005.html
It’s short but gives you the big picture. You’ll find other valuable
information for parents by clicking on the Parents link at the top.
Please feel free to use me, Charlotte DiTommaso, as a resource to learn about
any of our district or state online resources, also. You can contact me at
330 841-2316 x 233 and if you are by your computer with a question about the
resources, I might be able to walk you through the answer. Or you can e-mail
me. charlotte.ditommaso@neomin.org
INFOHIO is the Information Network for Ohio Schools.
Go to www.INFOhio.org to find research resources such as EBSCOHOST, health
information such as Netwellness, homework help such as KnowItNow, parent
information such as ADAM health encyclopedia, and tests practice at the
LearningExpress Library.
See Mrs. DiTommaso in the library for passwords at home.
