Virtual Core Library - 2011-2012 

Beginning in September 2010 OCM BOCES School Library System started to investigate a Virtual Core Library for the region. SLS began with Gale as 25% of the region's purchases are of Gale resources.  In purchasing the products as a consortium, each school would see significant savings while providing outstanding resources to their students and faculty. The decision to offer the Virtual Core LIbrary to the region was shared with the Communication Coordinators in March 2011.

Included in the Virtual Core Library are:

Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context supports virtually any curricular need. Its informed, differing views help students develop critical-thinking skills and draw their own conclusions. It brings balance and perspective to every controversy using targeted arguments from recognized subject-matter experts and top journalistic sources.

Gale Student Resources in Context provides outstanding support for papers, projects and presentations that reinforce development of 21^st Century skills like critical thinking and problem solving; communication; collaboration; and creativity and innovation.

EARTH SCIENCE DIGITAL CURRICULUM PORTAL PILOT

The Concept of a Gale Digital Curriculum Portal was developed in May 2011 and offered to the region that spring.  OCM BOCES SLS and Gale are partnering in piloting a regional portal model which is the first of its type in the nation. Earth Science was selected as the course at the suggestion of the BOCES Curriculum Council. 

The Earth Science Digital Curriculum Portal pilot will provide the opportunity for curriculum leaders, librarians and content area teachers to form exciting collaborative partnersips.  The portal will be available during the 2011-2012 school year to those participating in the VIrtual Core Library. (VCL)

Because the VCL resources support numerous content areas, Gale will customize this portal by providing access to Science in Context in order to provide robust, deep and more varied science content at no additional charge to partipants.  This will produce an engaging, portal for teaching and learning which can provid the possibility of replacing a traditional textbook. The portal will have two units - Meterology and Climate.

Resources

Description of  Virtual Core Library Resources

Custom Digital Curriculum Solutions

Gale Value Statement

Student Resources in Context Factsheet

Opposing Viewpoints in Context Factsheet

Demonstration Portal Password = gale

Trial  Science in Context - Opposing Viewpoints in Context and Student Resources in Context  Available through July 31, 2011

Recorded Webinar