What is Alexandria and Nettrekker?

The world wide web continues to offer us more resources & information, but which are the good ones?  Here are two for you to try: Alexandria & Nettrekker.  Over Spring Break, most of the library computers across School District 83 got an upgrade of their library software to Alexandria 6.0.  With this upgrade, students, staff, and parents can check Parkviews' library resources from the comfort of their home computers or from any computer with internet access.  Go to the library blog (from the Parkview Home Page page or directly to the  Parkview Library Blog ), scroll down to "Web Links, Reference" and click on Alexandria & Nettrekker.  The Parkview library search window will load & begin your search for books (& other resources our library has) on the top line.

For educational type web sites, scroll down the Alexandria page until you see the Nettrekker icon (bottom left); click on that & try some search terms; tsunami, lacrosse, soccer, black widow spiders, etc. and check out the web sites.  See Ms. Murrells if you need any help and please offer your feedback on this cool resource. 

Nettrekker has recently signed on with Canada's Nelson company to add more Canadian content to this American database, so let me know if you have success in researching Canadian type topics: British Columbia, David Suzuki, Canada Goose, Shania Twain, Thomas Edison, hockey, baskteball, Laura Secord, Norman Bethune, Canadian athletes, and so, so, so, so much more!

Happy researching, Ms Murrells.

Author Spotlight, Jan., 2011

Great authors come from current day, "yesterday," and from all over the world.  See the "Author Spotlight" on the right column to read about four primary level authors I shared with students in January: Jan Brett, Bill Peet, Barbara Reid, and H.A. Rey.  Share your favourites with me and we'll see if we have them in the Parkview library and also find out more about these strong authors.  Hmmmmm, just what makes a great author?

Three New World Book Online Databases

In addition to the existing EBSCO and World Book online databases, three new World Book virtual resources are up and running: World Book Discover (grd 6-12, for students reading below grade level), Dramatic Learning (k-12)and Early World of Learning (preschool-2).  Find these quality resources at “District Library Links” http://drc.sd83.bc.ca/  and also located on the right tool bar “Web Links, "Reference.”  While these info. sources load automatically at school, once “offsite” you will need user names and passwords: see student quick reference stickers in their agendas, Ms. Murrells, or Parkview staff for this information.  Ms. M is currently teaching students and staff about these virtual resources, and will gladly show family members too.  Phone or drop by (Tue/Thu/Alternate Weds) if you need some assistance.  I could also do group sessions, so contact your PAC to make the request or Ms M, 250-836-2871

Blog update and Removed Web Links.

As of Feb. 23rd, 2011, I removed the Ancient Civilization links & put up some Canadian "Black History Month" web sites.  I will remove resources/themes as classes finish projects & then put up new themes as new ones start.  Let me know if you need prior resources, and, of course, let me know of current topics that you are working on.  Enjoyable, and fascinating learning journey to you, Ms. M

Feb 18th Pro-D Motivates Me!

Thank you to Starleigh Grass, secondary teacher in Lilooet, B.C., for offering her workshop entitled "Blogoshpere: The New Staffroom."  I still have lots to learn, and finding the time to update this blog is even harder, but I believe it could become a powerful tool for students, staff, and parents.  Off I go to try and update this page a little more.  Ms. M

Ancient Civilizations or Civilisations

See links to the right re this intermediate project.  If you're having trouble finding information on your topic, let Ms. Murrells know.  Happy researching ... and remember give credit to the people you learned from; in otherwords, cite your sources - do a "Works Cited"!

Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) Tours

All primary classes have now visited the ORL to meet Mrs. Eileen Veideman, community librarian, and her assistant Belinda Leonhardt.  Mrs. V toured us around the library and we learned about the similarities and differences between the ORL and our Parkview Library.

Many of you registered for an ORL library card - fantastic!  You now can borrow resources from 29 other libraries from Penticton to Salmon Arm either in person or through their web site (see "Web Links").  Also ask about their BC card which allows you to borrow items from other BC libraries when you are traveling.  Remember, unlike our Parkview library, you can receive fines for overdue items; loans are for 21 days.  The primary students who signed out books, Nov 2nd have a Nov 23rd due date.

The ORL web site has an amazing amount of things to offer: viewing and ordering from the entire Okanagan collection, quality online databases, homework help, Kids' & Teen corners, & so much more.  Check it out their web site and general programs as soon as possible.