When mentoring our pre-service and in-service teachers we need to describe and model both research-based and clinically tested best practices, and demonstrate how these best practices can be applied in the real (i.e. physical) and virtual (i.e. online) classroom for both teaching and teacher training. The combination of face to face instruction in a physical setting and online learning is called blended learning. In this section of the blog we will describe how the internet can serve as a supplemental resource for instruction and the mentoring of pre-service and in-service Jewish educators. In this post we will discuss how teachers and students in a Judaic Studies blended learning classroom can use Worthington Libraries as a resource for problem based learning including Problem Based Jewish Learning.
Assumption: The teacher or mentor teacher has a interactive white board (i.e. SMART Board, Promethean, etc.), a Tablet PC (also called a Slate or Blade), a computer presenter or computer with internet access attached to an LCD projector in the classroom. It would be ideal if students or mentees had access to their own laptop computers or Ipads. Given parental and school approval, and the development of specific guidelines, smartphones can be used to enhance instruction as well.
Note: Although Worthington Libraries can be applied in the Judaic Studies blended learning classroom, it can be also be used for training pre-service and in-service Jewish educators for professional or staff development. It is our hope that Jewish educators around the globe will form an online community of practice, a CoP, a group of people who share an interest, a craft, and/or a profession, to enhance the delivery of instruction and training of Jewish educators. For example, here is a CoP you might want to join.
Note: Worthington Libraries can be used in both a physical and virtual Judaic Studies classroom.
What is Worthington Libraries?
Worthington Libraries is an online set of web research tools and for problem based learning including Problem-Based Jewish Learning.
What is the web address of Worthington Libraries?
What kind of research tools can Worthington Libraries provide the student who is engaged in problem based learning?
Below you will find a list of research tools for students who are engaged in problem based learning. These resources and these descriptions are provided by Worthington Libraries:
American Decades
Library card required for access American Decades is a cross-disciplinary source for junior and high school students, teachers, public librarians and general researchers who need a single, consistent reference to document and analyze Read more...
American Revolution Reference Library
Library card required for access Covers the events and people of the Revolutionary War period in easy-to-understand language. Read more...
Biography in Context
Library card required for access Formerly known as Biography Resource Center, this database combines information from Gale's biographical reference books to provide over 415,000 biographies on nearly 325,000 contemporary and historic Read more...
Britannica Online for Kids
Library card required for access Britannica Online for Kids provides the trusted name and information users come to expect from Encyclopedia Britannica, but in a kid-friendly format. In addition to simplified navigation and eye-catching graphics, the Kids edition of the encyclopedia also links to age-appropriate magazine articles, additional reference sources, and a handy set of tutorials for writing research papers and giving oral presentations. A Spanish edition, Britannica's Enciclopedia Juvenil, is also available.
CultureGrams World Edition
Library card required for access CultureGrams electronic library provides cultural and historical information for more than 182 countries of the world. Read more...
eLibrary
Library card required for access This full-text database of magazines, newspapers, photos, and more is designed specifically for K-12 schools. Read more...
KnowItNow 24x7
Start your live online reference session now! Librarians are available to help answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Read more...LearningExpress Library
Library card required for access Learning Express Library (Learn A Test) provides practice tests, review materials and scoring for many academic and occupational standardized tests, including ACT, SAT, Civil Service Exam, ASVAB, GED, Read more...
Literature Resource Center
Library card required for access Designed to meet the research needs of undergraduate and high school students, the Literature Resource Center from Gale provides access to biographies, bibliographies, and critical analysis of authors Read more...
Mango Languages
Library card required for access Self-directed language instruction in 35 languages is available through Mango Languages. Instruction focuses on everyday conversational skills. Users have the option of selecting the "start learning immediately" option or setting up an individual profile (handy for keeping track of lessons and time spent). Read more...
MAS Ultra - School Edition
Library card required for access Provides full text for over 515 general interest and current events magazines from EBSCOhost. Read more...
Middle Search Plus
Library card required for access Middle Search Plus from EBSCOhost provides full text for nearly 120 magazines covering general topics appropriate for middle and jr. high school students. Read more...
NoveList
Library card required for access If you're looking for a good book to read, try this recommendation database. Read more...
NoveList K-8
Library card required for access Discover popular books for young readers here! Browse hundreds of theme-oriented book lists for readers at all grade levels. Read more...
Opposing Viewpoints
Library card required for access Opposing Viewpoints from Gale draws on the social issues series published by Greenhaven Press, along with other reference resources, to provide extensive information on social issues. Read more...
Readthebooks.com
Library card required for access Here's a neat site for elementary and middle-school students to find a book for school or fun. Read more...
Science Online
Library card required for access Science Online collects articles from the extensive collection of print sources from Facts on File and puts them into one easy to search database. Read more...
Student Research Center
Library card required for access Student Research Center from EBSCOhost makes it easy for students to search by keyword or by topic to find the most useful search results. Read more...
TOPICsearch
Library card required for access This current events database from EBSCOhost allows researchers to explore social, political & economic issues, scientific discoveries and other popular topics discussed in today's classrooms.
World Book Online
Library card required for access The online version of World Book Encyclopedia offers more than 25,000 articles suited for grades 4-12 and adults. Read more...
On the next post we will share general research resources for secondary students produced by the Bellingham Public Schools, Bellingham, Washington.
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