Discussion 7: Databases

I was unable to find out any information on the costs of licensing for online databases in my district.  My district Maple Ridge SD42 subscribes to quite a few online resources and databases.  At the elementary level we have Learn Now BC which is available to all BC residents and provides interactive games and activities in various subject levels.  Tumble Books, Kids Search, and Serchasaurus are also available and geared towards the elementary level. I have seen many primary teachers using these databases during their prescribed computer times when I had my Teacher Librarian/Computer prep position this year.

The other databases that SD42 subscribes to and are beneficial for elementary and secondary students as well as teachers include EBSCO, Consumer Health Complete, EBSCOhost Research Databases, Student Research Center, Canadian Points of View, and World Book.  The fact that we have all of these wonderful databases at our fingertips doesn’t mean that they are actually being used.

I have spent a significant time as a toc in all of the libraries in my district and held an elementary Teacher Librarian contract for two months this year.  In all of that time spent in a library it was a rare site when I saw a teacher or TL showing students how to use the databases provided for them to use when doing research on various subjects.  Next year I will be teaching a grade 3/4 class and plan on introducing my students to these databases early in the year and taking advantage of the resources provided for me.