Module 8 Post
Tool: SC Discus
Link: https://www.scdiscus.org/
I chose to focus on SC Discus because it is an amazing free resource! I have spoken with school librarians who moved here from other states without a resource like this one, and their school libraries pay tens of thousands of dollars per year in subscription fees to databases! If you teach in South Carolina, your students can access dozens of databases entirely for free.
What is SC Discus?
SC Discus is a collection of subscription databases that are made free and available to South Carolinians through state and federal funding. The databases cover all kinds of topics from general academic databases to those focused on specific topics (nursing, health, reference, etc) and even those focused on specific resource types (such as videos).
How does it work?
Once you arrive at the home page, you have a few options: you can go to "A-Z List" (useful if you want to see all of the databases at once, or if you know which one you're looking for), you can go to "By Grade Level," or "By Subject." You can even use the "SmartSearch" feature, which will search multiple databases at once based on your search terms.
All of the databases are freely accessible and do not require any kind of login information. Depending on the publisher of the database you choose, the interface might look different, but each one has a search feature, an advanced search with more options, and structured results pages.
How can SC Discus support student learning?
Using research databases through SC Discus can help students learn to navigate the world of online research without being overwhelmed with results and possibilities. Databases are a great way to introduce students to peer-reviewed research and curated resources, and comparing database results to Google searches can start a great conversation about credibility of sources.
Future Ready Schools encourages teachers and librarians to move toward personalized learning, technology integration, and 21st century skills. Educators can use SC Discus to create an authentic learning experience for students. Students can select a topic they are authentically interested in, and the variety of databases available makes it easy to differentiate and allow students to explore different subjects. Locating accurate, reliable information is a much-needed skill in the 21st century, and SC Discus provides a structured environment in which students can practice that skill.
Some suggestions for incorporating SC Discus into instruction:
Link: https://www.scdiscus.org/
I chose to focus on SC Discus because it is an amazing free resource! I have spoken with school librarians who moved here from other states without a resource like this one, and their school libraries pay tens of thousands of dollars per year in subscription fees to databases! If you teach in South Carolina, your students can access dozens of databases entirely for free.
What is SC Discus?
SC Discus is a collection of subscription databases that are made free and available to South Carolinians through state and federal funding. The databases cover all kinds of topics from general academic databases to those focused on specific topics (nursing, health, reference, etc) and even those focused on specific resource types (such as videos).
How does it work?
Once you arrive at the home page, you have a few options: you can go to "A-Z List" (useful if you want to see all of the databases at once, or if you know which one you're looking for), you can go to "By Grade Level," or "By Subject." You can even use the "SmartSearch" feature, which will search multiple databases at once based on your search terms.
All of the databases are freely accessible and do not require any kind of login information. Depending on the publisher of the database you choose, the interface might look different, but each one has a search feature, an advanced search with more options, and structured results pages.
How can SC Discus support student learning?
Using research databases through SC Discus can help students learn to navigate the world of online research without being overwhelmed with results and possibilities. Databases are a great way to introduce students to peer-reviewed research and curated resources, and comparing database results to Google searches can start a great conversation about credibility of sources.
Future Ready Schools encourages teachers and librarians to move toward personalized learning, technology integration, and 21st century skills. Educators can use SC Discus to create an authentic learning experience for students. Students can select a topic they are authentically interested in, and the variety of databases available makes it easy to differentiate and allow students to explore different subjects. Locating accurate, reliable information is a much-needed skill in the 21st century, and SC Discus provides a structured environment in which students can practice that skill.
Some suggestions for incorporating SC Discus into instruction:
- Compare search results in various databases and discuss the target audience for each database
- Compare search results from SC Discus with search results from Google and discuss credibility of sources
- Examine the pre-made MLA and APA citations available for sources
- Explore individual research topics tailored to student interests
- Teach students about online encyclopedias, such as Britannica Fundamentals
- Access educational videos and resources, such as BrainPop Jr. and Magic School Bus
Additional resources:
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteGreat post on Discus! I especially liked your tip on Smartsearch! For some reason the librarian at my school has listed links to the various sections within Discus, but I didn't see a link to the homepage. This is a MUCH easier way to search than choosing one database at a time. I just added it to my Google Classroom since my students are doing research in preparation for persuasive speeches.
The longer I'm in library school, the more I am learning about (and learning to appreciate) the vast resources in databases. I'm thankful that I live in South Carolina, and these are available. My students, however, need a bit more convincing. Although I try to highlight the various benefits (citations, vetted sources, etc.) they still prefer to Google their little hearts out. However, getting 300,000,000 hits on a broad topic can lead to significant headaches in figuring out what sources are "best." I am definitely working on my database evangelism skills!
Thanks for your post and the extra resources! I bookmarked quite a few for my own use!
~Linda Mackay
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea of students comparing the results of a Discus search to the results of a Google search. So often, kids want to just google something because it a quick answer. Quite honestly, sometimes that's all you need. For example, one might regularly use Google for something like checking the weather. However, students really need to understand the circumstances in which they need a vetted or reliable source. Allowing students to draw their own conclusions rather than simply mandating that they only use Discus could be an effective way for them to think critically about their sources of information.
Also, very well-stated connection to Future Ready Libraries and locating information--I couldn't say it better myself!
We definitely are fortunate to have access to SC Discus!
Shelley Christ Ward