A wealth of information resources is available for students, but it’s little use if they don’t know how and where to access it.
A coming discussion at Glenlyon Norfolk Junior School aims to change that.
“We have wonderful people in our community who have so much to add,” says Sarah McLeod, teacher-librarian at Oak Bay’s Glenlyon Norfolk Junior School, and one of a group of educators that started #YYJedchat to encourage collaboration and discussion among a wide range of educators and community members.
The idea was to build greater connections among teachers and schools of all levels and content providers.
The third #YYJedchat, Don’t Just Google It: Libraries, Museums & Archives – Connect & Collaborate, is Wednesday, Jan. 25.
“Whatever fact-finding mission a student may be on or big idea they are pursuing, every project begins with a search for information,” says the description of the coming session.
“In this ‘post-truth’ era, students need to be aware of where to go for information. Building a solid foundation of research skills is part of a student’s tool kit to being a resourceful and resilient critical problem solver. There are resources in our community that provide a wealth of information and expertise.”
Among those participating in this chat will be Oak Bay Archivist Caroline Duncan and Oak Bay librarian Joy Huebert, librarian Sarah Harrison and the Royal BC Museum’s Chris O’Connor.
The session runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Glenlyon Norfolk Junior School, 1701 Beach Dr. Part 2 is Feb. 8 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Royal B.C. Museum.
While technology opens access to many different information sources that can be valuable for research, teachers, professionals, parents and students may be unaware of them.
“It’s knowing what’s available,” McLeod says, pointing to census data that could be used for a math project, for example, or photos perfect for a heritage project.
It’s also knowing where the information comes from.
Recognizing the impact of today’s technology, McLeod opens discussion with her students early about accessing information and the importance of knowing the source of information – something brought to the forefront recently during the U.S. election.
#YYJedchat sessions are free and all are welcome. “Anyone can come, you just need to register,” McLeod says.
Learn more:
Web: www.yyjedchat.ca
Twitter: @yyjedchat
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YYJEdChat/