The reference links connect to online versions of encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, atlases, almanacs and other sources normally located in the reference area of a media center or library. Periodicals include online newsletters, newspapers, journals and magazines. Online resources provide printout capability to students who do not have access to reference materials once they leave school. All students have access to current materials and information. Instant access to reference materials makes research a vital part of the instructional day.
Reference materials are an integral part of cross-curricular thematic or topic instruction.
These items are invaluable to the teacher planning to incorporate lessons on information literacy, research skills, or reference materials into the students' preparation for research projects. Use a digital atlas during a lesson on map skills or geography. Allow students to utilize this resource to plan math word problems. Incorporate a thesaurus into lessons on the writing process, creative writing, antonyms, synonyms, or adjectives. Highlight primary source documents during social studies lessons to bring history alive for students.