iSearch
What is iSearch? How does iSearch support the goals of Campbell High School's media program? - Students are at the center of the iSearch model, just as they are at the center of the mission of Campbell High's media program
- Students choose inquiry-based research and workshop topics on basis of personal interest or connection and are, therefore, engaged from the start of the research process, leading to more effective and meaningful research
- Students' information and digital literacy is enhanced in the following ways:
- iSearch encourages students to analyze their findings closely by writing and speaking about their research experience
- iSearch requires students to monitor constantly the efficacy of research their efforts, revising their strategies, as necessary
- iSearch asks that students consult, assess and utilize multiple information sources - not exclusively traditional print or digital materials
- Students and teachers focus their attention on the learning process, rather than exclusively on the product; the result of their efforts is the knowledge that they create and share, rather than a generic "report"
- Students benefit from the fact that this model allows for fluidity and flexibility, honoring the diverse learning styles and preferences of the students and teachers the media program strives to serve
How does iSearch foster collaborative teaching and learning? - Students are encouraged to discuss their research experiences with parents, teachers and friends, extending information seeking from the library into their lives and creating a collaborative support system that ensures students' success
- Librarians work closely with each student and teacher as students select topics that are personally enriching
- Librarians and teachers conference with each other and with students throughout the research process, gauging students' success and making adjustments to their instruction and to this fluid model, as necessary
- Librarians read students' research logs in order to assess students' understanding of the search process and encourage them to evaluate thoroughly and analyze deeply their resources
- Because iSearch values human sources of information, librarians are called upon by teachers to help guide students through their research, challenge students to consider various angles of their questions and connect findings to students' lives
Process-oriented (rather than product-oriented), constructively conceptualized model that encourages students to conduct meaningful research on a need-to-know basis and fosters collaboration among students, teachers and media staff.