INFOhio ICoach

I completed the Explora digital resource class. I chose to complete this class to deepen my understanding of the resources available for students and to enhance my ability to support diverse learning needs through engaging and accessible content.

Students are particularly drawn to Explora's user-friendly interface and visually engaging layout, which makes research feel less intimidating. For educators, the alignment with curriculum standards and the variety of content types, such as articles, images, and videos, are very appealing. Parents appreciate the resource's ability to foster independent learning and critical thinking skills in their children.

INFOhio provides a wealth of high-quality digital resources that are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. With tools like Explora, students can access engaging content that enhances their research skills while aligning with our curriculum. Using INFOhio not only supports student learning but also empowers them to become more confident and independent learners.

1. Which digital resource class did you complete? What made you decide to complete this class?

I completed the 9-12 Digital Content Learning Pathway. The pathway included the World Book Student and Advanced, Explora, Points of View Reference Source, Sanborn Insurance Maps, Literature Online, and CultureGrams. I decided to complete the entire pathway because I feel that as an ICoach Trainer I will be most beneficial if I have a working knowledge base of all the digital resources INFOhio has to offer. Out of all 6 of the resource classes I enjoyed learning about all that   World Book Student and Advanced has to offer.

1. What features of the resource are most appealing to students? To educators? To parents?

I feel the features of the resource that will be most appealing to the students is the ease of navigation when searching for their topic and the easy uploading of articles to their Google Drives. The staff will like the curricular features and ease of navigation, as well as being able to share resources via their Google Classrooms. Parents will feel at ease knowling that their child is using a digital resource that has been vetted and contains a wide variety of resources that their child can share in the home setting, not just use while at school.

1. One of your co-workers has approached you in the hall for help with INFOhio resources. Write two to three sentences you would use to explain why they should use this resource to support student learning.

If I was approached by a co-worker to get help with choosing an INFOhio resource to use I would first find out what it is they want their students to gain from the resource. Is it skills working with digital resources, particular information for research, videos to gain background knowledge on a topic they will be teaching, etc… For this question I am going to suggest CultureGrams, since it is a Franch teacher that has approached me. They are looking for a digital resource to use with their students that will provide background information that is current and up-to-date on various areas in France. They want the students to preview cultural information on the different areas prior to beginning a new unit, and they feel the curriculum’s digital resources fall short, and are looking for something more robust.