Week 2 of MARVELous

I'm  working on week 2 of  MARVELous Maine, even though it's really week 3. You know how that works...you're in a program and excited, then BAM life enters and a whole week goes by before you are even aware! Oh I hate it when that happens.....so enough down the squirreling trail.

So I'm on week 2A: Discovery; I've found out some amazing things about the Britannica School Edition of Marvel. I've checked out the Elementary School level and researched African Water Buffalos. They're actually not water buffalos, that species is found in Asia.... anyway, the Elementary research  gives a small amount of understandable information. Next to the description is an image and an opportunity to view a complete article.  A side box to the right offers more such as journals and websites.
I checked the Middle School site to see what the higher grade view might look like. There was a greater description of the buffalo, images were palced in the boxed section for expanding the search along with articles and websites, even schools who use the buffalo as their mascot. Both school levels had the same images for the buffalo's, including the Asian Water buffalo. A student working on research for a report or just wanting to find out information would be able to maneuver quite easily in these formats.
Moving forward at the Britannica High School site I had an interest for the study of Ireland, which produced a wealth of information. I had a patron stop by several weeks ago planning a trip, looking for any information we had for them to view. Had I been better accustom to this site I would have encouraged checking this out. To the right, in the boxed area were journals, magazines, best sites and primary sources and e-books. So many different options for viewing the country, lifestyles and travel.

So what happens when you're confused and need "HELP"!! This tab(top right) is awesome way of discovering what Britannica offers and how to understand where and what the different areas are. To the left of this area offers options for best utilizing areas like "work space", which can be used by any grade level while doing research. Workspace is awesome for both teacher and student because work can be saved for review along with sharing with others.

Sooo let's check out another feature 2B: The Britannica Public Library and what this can do for the partons who visit our library. WOW this place is Awesome...like walking into a library for the first time, except it's always open!!
I thought I would try a current event such as the Presidential Race, something the patrons in the library are just buzzing about.The article was of the race for 2012, who is running when voting day is...etc.. I'm overwhelmed by the Google translater and the many languages offered what a wonderful feature for Patrons. I'm not aware if our library has an immediate need but is something I'll introduce and encourage them to check out!
I currently don't have any Patrons who have even searched at this link but knowledge is power and to share this information such as "this day in history" adds another way for them to see what this program has to offer.
Wrapping this up 2C: I'm checking into the Britannica Academic Edition. Having just experienced an earthquake this past week, I decided to search for information about it, a wealth of information appears. I really like the highlighted brief information that is given to the right of the middle column. This offers a quick review, so search time is cut in half. Being able to store articles, images and notes in the workspace along with the ability to share can/will be helpful while working on my own projects Or helping the Patron with theirs.
On to week 3 :)