I chose to evaluate the Encyclopedia Britannica for Kids. As a TOC, I am hoping to get a position in an elementary school, and thought it would be valuable to chose a resource for that age group. Britannica also had a free seven day trial offer to browse the website, so I was able to do the evaluation from home.
Accuracy: The Association for Library Services for Children, recommends Britannica in its 2006 Notable Computer Software for Children award category, stating, “Always reliable, this updated edition of Britannica does not disappoint.”
Britannica also placed first in the “Top Ten Reviews” online review site for encyclopedias online.
Authority: The Kids online site contains a reference library for elementary and secondary student use. Each level contains an encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, timelines, a research organizer, audio clips, videos and web links. There are also games and activities that support information found on the website.
Currency: The website information is updated daily and and there is a section for individuals to submit their own content, which would be approved by Britannica. The content information is updated as necessary, I could not find an exact timeline for review and deletion of materials.
Format: The home page contains sections on daily information (important people, featured video, Britannica highlights, animal of the day and a featured game), activities related to specific curriculum areas; English, math, science and social studies, reference tools for help with reports and research, and a section for parents. It is very easy to peruse and contains lots of interactive content and eye catching pictures. It was noted in some of the content areas that most of the information given is simply text and no illustrations (contrary to high interest sections which were loaded with pictures). This might not be a downfall of the site, since most students would be using it for research, and not “surfing”.
Indexing: The home page begins with a large search box for three separate resources; Student Encyclopedia, Children’s Encyclopedia, and Dictionary/Thesaurus. One is also able to browse various categories, such as; arts, geography, religion, sports...
It would appear the focus is solely American, as the few searches I did for local information came up with no results. (ie. Nanaimo, BC. ferries, 1887 Vancouver Island mine explosion) Each successful search contain information with related information, MLA and APA style citations, a table of contents, and a link to the Merriam-Webster’s student dictionary.
Objectivity: I entered the word “afro” as a test word for content areas on objectivity. Forty four search results appeared, none to do with hairstyles. Most were articles on famous people in the Africa American community, some on music, colleges, and the Black Revolt.
Scope: The Encyclopedia Britannica, is an easy to use resource for students of Elementary and Intermediate ages. Its format appears a bit young for senior high students, but the information would still be appropriate reading level.
Accuracy: The Association for Library Services for Children, recommends Britannica in its 2006 Notable Computer Software for Children award category, stating, “Always reliable, this updated edition of Britannica does not disappoint.”
Britannica also placed first in the “Top Ten Reviews” online review site for encyclopedias online.
Authority: The Kids online site contains a reference library for elementary and secondary student use. Each level contains an encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, timelines, a research organizer, audio clips, videos and web links. There are also games and activities that support information found on the website.
Currency: The website information is updated daily and and there is a section for individuals to submit their own content, which would be approved by Britannica. The content information is updated as necessary, I could not find an exact timeline for review and deletion of materials.
Format: The home page contains sections on daily information (important people, featured video, Britannica highlights, animal of the day and a featured game), activities related to specific curriculum areas; English, math, science and social studies, reference tools for help with reports and research, and a section for parents. It is very easy to peruse and contains lots of interactive content and eye catching pictures. It was noted in some of the content areas that most of the information given is simply text and no illustrations (contrary to high interest sections which were loaded with pictures). This might not be a downfall of the site, since most students would be using it for research, and not “surfing”.
Indexing: The home page begins with a large search box for three separate resources; Student Encyclopedia, Children’s Encyclopedia, and Dictionary/Thesaurus. One is also able to browse various categories, such as; arts, geography, religion, sports...
It would appear the focus is solely American, as the few searches I did for local information came up with no results. (ie. Nanaimo, BC. ferries, 1887 Vancouver Island mine explosion) Each successful search contain information with related information, MLA and APA style citations, a table of contents, and a link to the Merriam-Webster’s student dictionary.
Objectivity: I entered the word “afro” as a test word for content areas on objectivity. Forty four search results appeared, none to do with hairstyles. Most were articles on famous people in the Africa American community, some on music, colleges, and the Black Revolt.
Scope: The Encyclopedia Britannica, is an easy to use resource for students of Elementary and Intermediate ages. Its format appears a bit young for senior high students, but the information would still be appropriate reading level.
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