Hobbies and crafts

I love this database. I had never even thought to look at this, so this assignment was wonderful. I can't believe what a great resource this is. I looked a  large variety of hobbies/crafts and couldn't come up with one that wasn't covered. My step-mother is a weaver - sure enough there was plenty there for her. I like to bake - who knew there'd be a baking section! This is really amazing because these periodicals are costly to buy for yourself. The projects tab in some of the areas I looked at left a little to be desired - the baking projects weren't great but when I searched the periodicals tab I had better results.
When I told several teachers at work about this database they were excited to look at it and use it with students as well as for themselves.
The help link gave me useful information not only for this database but for general searching using wildcard and truncation. I have used and taught truncation, but not wildcard, so this will be good to use for some upcoming lessons with students about online searching.

When I searched Proquest for Maine earthquakes I didn't get much of anything. When I went to Maine Newsstand I did get a couple of articles on the recent earthquake. I find that for most of what my students do for research Maine Newsstand is more useful than Proquest. It can often be a bit overwhelming for students who do not tend to be very good at using effective keywords and limiting searches. I don't like having to create a separate account when I've already logged into Marvel from home. I understand the need if I do it at school, but it seems cumbersome to have to create another account with another username and password to have to remember.
I read a few other blogs about experiences with Encyclopedia Britannica. It was interesting to see what other people are doing in their schools with their students. It was mostly elementary level, so I think often the encyclopedia is better for that use than for high school students. I did, however, like it for the country research.
I haven't had an opportunity in the past week to help a student/patron with Marvel, but I have shown them how in the past. I find that students insist they don't like Marvel because it overwhelms them. I like the Newspapers and especially Maine Newsstand because it is fairly user friendly and concise.

I like the potential to use all three of the Britannica levels in order to provide information at various reading levels. It could be helpful for teachers to see this so that they can provide reading on a topic for a variety of students in the same class. Yes the amount of information varies, but at least the students who are struggling readers are also able to be reading about the same topic.
I also like the "workspace" feature so that students can quickly save information and be able to access it at a later time. I often find that they run out of time to be able to read, process and take notes on information, so this will make it easier for them to get back to it at another time.
The country information in the High School edition is great for the basic facts as well as the link to the other websites which give more detailed information.  I also really like the ability to share the workspace with others. If a teacher creates an assignment and then wants students to have some specific reading material to go with it they can share this, rather than print it to give to the students. The students can always get to the information, rather than complaining that they've lost it or can't find it.

Beginnings

So, after a bit of confusion and uncertainty the blog is established. This will help with my goal of trying to work with students and blog about what they're reading.
The tutorials were a good basic introduction. Working with students I tend to use the same few databases so I'm looking forward to exploring other resources. I also forget that Marvel is a good place for my own needs, such as pellet stove reviews. I guess I didn't need to call my sister and ask for her copy of Consumer Reports!