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Regional Virtual Core Library 2011-2012

Beginning in September 2010 OCM BOCES School Library System started to investigate a Regional Virtual Core Library for grades 7-12. In subscribing to the resources as a consortium, each school will see significant savings while providing outstanding content to students and faculty. To date 20 districts and 3 non-public schools have committed to the VCL.The decision to offer the Regional Virtual Core Library was shared with the Communications Coordinators and BOCES Curriculum Council in the Spring of 2011.

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Included in the Virtual Core Library are the following general cross-curricular resources:

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 the Science Center are partnering with Gale 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 partnerships. The portal will be available during the 2011-2012 school year to those participating in the (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 participants. This will produce an engaging, portal for teaching and learning which can provide the possibility of replacing a traditional textbook.

The portal will provide content fortwo science units - Meteorology and Climate.
Training Date - November 1, 2011- AM, PM and afternoon sessions will be available
 

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

Earth Science Digital Curriculum Portal Training Information