ERAC Update - January 2012
DEADLINES
- CBC News in Review - Short Term Offer expires January 31, 2012 - for more information, click here.
- Science Power - Short Term Offer expires January 31, 2012 - for more information, click here.
NEW FOR YOU
ERAC Commons is officially launched! (eraccommons.ca)
Over the past several months, ERAC has been preparing a social networking site called the ERAC Commons (eraccommons.ca). It's an open source site and we've been piloting the commons with several user groups.
read more >>
Apt to Use Apps?
Would you like to find some highly recommended apps for teachers by BC teachers? Well lucky for you, we've created a searchable collection just for that purpose!
read more >>
MADE THE GRADE
Many new evaluations have been added to ERAC's Online Resource Collection over the last few months and we continue to add more. So don't wait, just log in and start your search!
Evaluators Highly Valued
Teacher evaluators have worked hard over the summer, into early Fall, helping to grow our novel catalogue. Forty-two titles have recently been added, covering grades 2 - 12. Some titles of interest include: "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" (grades 4-6), "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay" (grades 8-10) and "Stiches: A Memoir" (grades 8-12). To see the full product information and more in the collection, just log in.
DOLLARS AND SENSE
2012 is a Great Time for a New Idea – ERAC is Going to Host an IT Conference!
Several IT leaders from K-12 have been attending the HEIT IT4BC conference over the past few years and have encouraged ERAC to host such an event for our own IT leaders and staff. In order to share the wonderful vendors and speakers that HEIT has contacted, we will be hosting our first IT4K12 this year on June 11, 12 and 13 in Richmond.
ERAC IN THE CLASSROOM
Sophisticated databases give students "a leg up"
"Simply telling students 'It's on the web' is like telling them it's in a book. We have to teach them how to read and how to use materials that are developmentally appropriate. I know the
curriculum and I can show them how to use the (ERAC) resources." To read more about what Sharon Doyle, the teacher-librarian at South Delta Secondary School has to share,
click here.
IN THE WORKS
NEW Resources Easier to Find
With literally thousands of resources within the ERAC collection, it can be challenging to find the newest resource you want to review. We listened and took a functional approach in finding a solution. You will now find information about new releases on our homepage. As well, you can use a new filter "Recently Added Resources Only" which we added to our basic and advanced search pages. We trust this will enhance your experience so check our homepage regularly.
Roadmap to the Digital Classroom
The ERAC Digital Media Solutions Test Drive Pilot Project is now winding down. Final evaluations are being compiled, teacher reviews are being tabulated, and the formal ERAC evaluation process is nearing completion. Vendor meetings have been scheduled early in the New Year. Tune in to future ERAC Updates to hear about the comprehensive results.
DID YOU KNOW?
Creative Ways to Promote New Resources
How do you promote your new resources? Coquitlam is hosting the French current events resource, CBC 90/60, by sharing it through their intranet. If you have a creative
way that you're helping educators experience resources, then please share it with us to share with others!
Reflections on Media in the Classroom
Do you remember creating student handouts with a spirit duplicator or patiently threading a 16mm film onto a projector and then watching a real film in living colour? If you do, you might enjoy Bob French's Blog on the ERAC Commons. As we head into the New Year, take a step back and enjoy some nostalgia!
Readily Available Resources
Here are some resources to help teachers and their students:
- ERAC's Online Resource Database Bundle Toolkit (Adaptable Lesson Plans, Usage guides and Video Demonstrations)
- ERAC's Services for School Districts (Personalized training sessions for staff, specialized learning resource evaluations and recommendations, and professional learning opportunities)
- Learn Now BC (Portal of all the online services, resources and training available to BC School Districts, Students, Educators and Parents)
Pass it on!
Your Feedback Fuels Our Focus
We can't express enough how critical your membership feedback is to our ever growing success as an organization. We know how very busy you all are, so we appreciate your effort that much more. Click on our feedback form now and share your insights about this newsletter, new products, general ideas or just anything you might want us to know. Thanking you in advance!
TWEET REPEAT
Some past tweets you may have missed:
December 12 - New office space! We've moved to the street level at the VSB and are almost moved in! Same contact info and address.
December 14 - Checked out Global Issues in Context?...part of the current database bundle purchased by districts. http://bit.ly/smOzbY
December 14 - Included in ERAC membership - access to Media Awareness - 'Reality Check' 'Passport to the Internet' and "MyWorld" http://bit.ly/sArq3l
Are you following us on Twitter? You can find us at www.twitter.com/bcerac
