Tutorial 5 - Finding Resources in the LINCS System

Search Words To find: (Most common used key words)

Examples of the resources found in LINCS

How the examples of Resources were found

To understand the underlying data:

Materials database:

Teacher/Tutor - Left menu selections
Student/Learner - Left menu selections
Administrator/Manager - Left menu selections

Collections Databases

Collections – Top of Page, under the Banner

The data accessible from this database is found at each individual site that maintains the collection resources. This data are also found in a collections database that can be queried from the LINCSearch function.

LINCSearch Database:

LINCSearch – Upper left Banner

Materials Database - Materials & Collections database
Global Search - Search engine for all web sites listed

MY LINCS :

MY LINCS - Top of Page, under the Banner

MYLINCS is a listing of all data in Collections & the material database sorted in alphabetical order.

These databases are searched by key words and fields that are input when the resources are entered into the databases. The keywords and field values are defined by the ALT (Adult Literacy Thesaurus) . There is an on-line version of the ALT. This version is found by clicking the Locate Best Terms button on the Search page. It is possible to obtain a hardcopy of the ALT from LINCS. Each Search function works slightly different from the other.

Teacher, Student & Administrator Search Function

When you select one of the options: Teacher/Tutor, Student/Learner or Administrator/Manage the search function automatically selects only material for that category. To further define the group of data, select the Refine Search button. The search window has fields for terms, level of student , order of sort & a Locate Best Terms button.

An example:

o A teacher wants information about ESL for beginning students.

o Select Teacher/Tutor

o Select Refine Search

o Type ESL in the keyword textbox

o Select beginning in student level

o Select Show results.

LINCSearch:

Materials Database Search:

This search screen has only one entry. The desired term you are searching for. The screen also has a Locate the Best Term button. After you have typed in the term, a list of resources will appear. This may be a lengthy list. You may refine it further by selecting the Refine Search button. On this page you will find several fields that allow you to further define your search. This is the most flexible search function.

An example:

A teacher wants current lesson plans for ESL beginning students.

· Select LINCSearch

· Type in ESL

· Select Refine Search

· Select the following:

· Learner skill level – Beginning

· Audience – Teacher/Instructor

· Inputting Agency – All

· Material type – Instructional material

· Date Range – 1998 – 2001

· Select Show Results

Global Search:

This search function searches all web sites that are linked to the LINCS site. There are instructions on the side as to how you may define your search. This search function does not use The ALT. The terms used here are user defined. This page was designed to allow you to search many sites from one location. It is advisable to search only a few at a time. There is a considerable wait for a large search due to the quantity of sites searched.

An Example:

A teacher wants to know what new research or information is available for ESL.

· Select LINCSearch

· Select Global Search

· Type in ESL in the Search for textbox

· Select ERIC

· Select Search

MY LINCS:

This is not a search function but can serve as an overview of the entire database. After you have registered, each of your areas of interest is displayed. This list includes all materials in that interest area that are stored in the databases, both materials and Collections. For a quick over view this page is very useful. The resources are listed in alphabetical order so finding a special information piece is rather easy.

Hints for searching:

1. Look at the ALT and the Best terms.

2. Once you find a resource check the Record and see what other terms were used to describe this record. You may find other resources like this listed under the other terms.

3. Whenever possibly use the LINCSearch function. This allows you to narrow your search using the Refine search function.

To help you begin your search in LINCS, here is a list of commonly searched literacy resources. The topic words may also be used for search keywords.

Search Words To find: (Most common used key words)

(See examples below on how & where to search for these resources)

(Letters correspond with examples)

A. Lesson Plans

Instructional Materials

Curriculum Materials

Internet Learning Resources

Webliography

Classroom Activities

Learning Resources

Interactive learning

Training Material

Learning activities

B. GED

General Education Development

High school equivalency

Testing

Equivalency tests

GED 2002

C. Technology

Educational Technology

Webliography

Computers

Instructional Technology

World Wide Web

Multimedia instruction

Computer software

Technology literacy

Software

Courseware

D. Read

Critical reading

Phonics

Reading instruction

E. Assessment

Evaluation

Testing

Accountability

F. Learning Disabilities

Assistive technology

Attention deficit disorders

G. WorkForce/WorkPlace

Work Place literacy

Work Place training

H. El-Civics

Citizenship Training

Citizenship participation

Immigrants

Refuges

Citizenship education

I. EFF

Equipped for the Future

Skills standards

Skills

J. ESL

English as a second language

Bilingual education

ESL literacy

ESOL

K. Corrections

Correctional Education

Correctional Institution

Crime

Vocational Rehabilitation

Finding Lesson Plans for specific subject matter

The best Search to use to find lesson plans is the LINCSearch.

1. From a home page of the NW LINCS site select LINCSearch, upper left of the Banner.

2. Select Material Database

3. Type in the subject you would like to find lesson plans for. Ie ESL(find the best keyword from above)

4. Press search

5. This brings up a listing of ESL or subject matter you are looking for.

6. Select Refine Search, left side at the bottom of the screen

7. This brings up a new screen of search criteria.

8. Scroll to the material type box.

9. Select the down triangle to view the selections.

10. Scroll until you see Instruction material.

11. Highlight this material type.

12. Select search

13. You will now have a listing of resources that pertain to lesson plans.

If you wish to refine your search further select Refine search and change the criteria.

You may limit the years to search on the right side of the window toward the bottom of the screen.

B., C., & D.

Finding GED, Reading , Technology or general subject matter information

From the NW LINCS homepage select Teacher/Tutor

1. This will bring up a screen that has all the listings for Teacher/Tutor

2. Select Refine Search on the lower left side of the screen

3. Type in a key search word for whichever subject you would like to research in the search box.

4. Select Search

5. The new listing is now comprised of documents for your subject that can be found in the database.

6. Use the other keywords from the Search words above to see if there are more listed differently.

This same search can be performed in LINCSearch using the material database and the Refine Search function found there. If you use this LINCSearch function in the criteria Refine Search window you must also select the audience criteria and select Teacher.

Finding Assessment

From Teacher/Tutor & Student/Learner

Select the category you wish to research Teacher or Student
Select Refine research and use one of the above keywords for you refine search word.

From LINCSearch

Select LINCSearch
Select Material Database
Type in Assessment
Select search
Select Refine Search and limit the criteria on the search page.

From Collections

Select Collections
Select Assessments

Finding Learning Disabilities

Use Teacher /tutor using the above procedures
Use LINCSearch using the above procedures
Go to the Collections Special Collections

Finding WorkForce/WorkPlace

Use Teacher /Tutor using the above procedures as in GED
Use LINCSearch using the above procedures as in Lesson Plans
Go to the Collections Special Collections, Select Assessment.

Finding EL-Civics.

The search words are important for EL-Civics. If you type in EL-Civics no documents will be returned. You must use the above key words to locate data for this topic.

Use Teacher /tutor using the above procedures using the listed key words.
Use LINCSearch using the above procedures using the listed key words.

Finding EFF

Use Teacher /tutor using the above procedures
Use LINCSearch using the above procedures
Go to the Collections Special Collections, Select Equipped for the Future

Finding ESL

Use Teacher /tutor using the above procedures
Use LINCSearch using the above procedures
Go to the Collections Special Collections, Select English as a Second Language.

Finding Corrections

Use Teacher /tutor using the above procedures
Use LINCSearch using the above procedures
Go to the Collections Special Collections

To View all the resources in the LINCS database

Another good source for an overview of all data listed for a specific interest area is MY LINCS. Register with MY LINCS, select your areas of interest. Not only will you be notified when new material is entered but you also will see a listing of all material that has been listed for this area in alphabetical order.

To view this data there is a NW LINCS registry that you can use.

To use NW LINCS MY LINCS

1. Select My LINCS

2. Type in for the first name NW

3. type in for the last name LINCS

4. Type in for the email address nwlincs@nwlincs.org

5. Select Log in

6. This will take a few minutes as the search is collecting all the resources in the Collections & the material database.

7. Once the collection is complete there will be a listing of all the special interests in the database.

8. Select any listing to view the resources.

9. While many areas have hundreds of listings this shows you all the resources available in one category.

Some examples of the resources found in LINCS.

1. Found in Teacher/Tutor - Lesson Plans for all Basic Skills

Lightspan.com is a FREE education portal for educators, parents, and students, providing resources, research tools, and grade-specific activities.

http://www.lightspan.com/

Found in Teacher/Tutor - Technology

Adult Education Software List

The following is a listing of adult educational software programs and other technologies for use in your Literacy, Pre-GED, GED, and Workplace classes.

http://www.wcs.k12.va.us/programs/psoft/adulteducationsoftwarelist.htm

Found in Teacher/tutor – Computer software/Web Schools

AOL School

Lesson plans, teaching tools, research tools and much more.

http://school.aol.com/

2. Found in Student/Learner

Lesson Plans - GED

GED Lesson Plan for science

http://www.ecsu.ctstateu.edu/depts/edu/units/gedscienceunit.html

Lesson Plans Math – Web School

Good math page

This site is composed of math fill-in forms into which you can type a particular problem. It analyzes the problem, and, when possible, provides a step-by-step solution.

http://school.discovery.com/

Web School – Education Page – On-line Lessons

ThinkQuest

Link to the New York Times Education Page

http://www.thinkquest.org/

3. Found in Administrator/Manager

ADA Watch

The Disabilities Act and what it means to your web site

http://www.adawatch.org/

4. Found in LINCSearch

GED Lesson Plans

About.com, the Human Internet, where real people help you get whatever you want from the Web.

Adult Education Site with lesson plans and many services for the Adult Literacy Practitioner.

http://adulted.about.com/cs/ged/

ESL Practice and Lesson Plans

E. L. Easton English Page with Pronunciation page .

http://eleaston.com/listen.html

English Quizes from E. L. Easton.

http://eleaston.com/standtestqz.html

Found with LINCSearch – Materials database

GED Resources

Steck Practice Tests

Steck-Vaughn Company is an educational publisher serving the elementary through high school, adult education, public and school library, bookstore and home education markets. This site includes information about the GED test and GED preparation materials.

http://www.steck-vaughn.com/c/@BvxJACHc1zFR6/Pages/gedpractice.html

5. Found in Collections

Lesson Plans for all Basic Skills

Lesson Plans SLINCS

http://slincs.coe.utk.edu/gtelab/default.html

Lesson Plans for all Basic Skills

BlueWeb ‘N

http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/bluewebn/

ESL Lesson Plans & resources

The Change Agent

http://www.nelrc.org/changeagent/begin1.htm

Science On-line lesson plans

National Geographic Education Site

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/education/gaw/

6. Found at Regional LINCS Technology Centers

Lesson Plans for all Basic Skills

Eureka Software/Lesson Plans & More!

http://literacy.kent.edu/

Technology On-line lessons

The following are lesson plans created by our Master Trainers. They could be used for Literacy, ABE, or GED training.

Developing and Utilizing Internet-based Classroom Activities

Incorporating Computer Literacy into ABE Programs

Developing Computer-based ABE/GED Lessons

Developing Computer-based Learning Activities for Adult Literacy Students

http://www.lhup.edu/ablenet/profdev/lessons/lessonplans.htm

Online Classroom & Lesson Plans for all Basic Skills

The Study Place

http://www.thestudyplace.org/welcome.taf

7. Found in MY LINCS

Learning Disabilities Tech help

http://www.ldanatl.org/

Merit software with downloadables

http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/puzzle_coach/index.html

How the above resources were found:

1. Found in Teacher/Tutor

Lesson Plans for all Basic Skills

Lightspan.com is a FREE education portal for educators, parents, and students, providing resources, research tools, and grade-specific activities.

http://www.lightspan.com/

Select Teacher/Tutor from the NW LINCS home page.
Select Refine Search
Type Curriculum materials
Select Show Results
Scroll down to the page numbers
Select 2
There you will find light.span
Select this entry
The record will appear
Select the link http://lightspan.com

Technology

Adult Education Software List

The following is a listing of adult educational software programs and other technologies for use in your Literacy, Pre-GED, GED, and Workplace classes.

http://www.wcs.k12.va.us/programs/psoft/adulteducationsoftwarelist.htm

Found in Teacher/tutor – Computer software – Page 4

Select Teacher/Tutor from the NW LINCS home page.
Select Refine Search
Type computer software
Select Show Results
Scroll down to the page numbers
Select 4
There you will find Project Software fro GED and Pre-GED
Select this entry
The record will appear
Select the link by the Electronic Availability
This will take you to the Software listing

Web School - Lesson Plans for all Basic Skills –

AOL School

Lesson plans, teaching tools, research tools and much more.

http://school.aol.com/

Found in Teacher/tutor – Internet learning resources

Select Teacher/Tutor from the NW LINCS home page.
Select Refine Search
Type Internet learning resources
Select Show Results
Scroll down to the page numbers
Select 4
There you will find AOL@school
Select this entry
The record will appear
Select the link by the Electronic Availability
This will take you to the Web School Page

2. Found in Student/Learner

Lesson Plans - GED

GED Lesson Plan for science

http://www.ecsu.ctstateu.edu/depts/edu/units/gedscienceunit.html

Found in Student/Learner – Instructional Materials - Intermediate

Select Student/Learner from the NW LINCS home page.
Select Refine Search
Type Internet learning resources
Select Intermediate in Learner Skill Level
Select Show Results
Scroll down the end of the listing
There you will find GED Science unit: Unit 4 online curriculum
Select this entry
The record will appear
Select the link by the Electronic Availability

Lesson Plans Math – Web School

Good math page

This site is composed of math fill-in forms into which you can type a particular problem. It analyzes the problem, and, when possible, provides a step-by-step solution.

http://school.discovery.com/

Found in Student/Learner – page 2 under Discovery Channel Quizzes

Select Student/Learner from the NW LINCS home page.
Select Refine Search
Scroll down to the page numbers
Select 2
There you will find Discovery Channel’s Quiz Center
Select this entry
The record will appear
Select the link by the Electronic Availability
This will take you to the Web School Page

Web School – Education Page – On-line Lessons

ThinkQuest

Link to the New York Times Education Page

http://www.thinkquest.org/

Found in Student/Learner – Instructional Material – page 2

Select Student/Learner from the NW LINCS home page.
Select Refine Search
Type Instructional Material
Select Show Results
Scroll down to the page numbers
Select 2
There you will find Only A matter of Opinion
Select this entry
The record will appear
Select the link by the Electronic Availability
This will take you to the ThinkQuest Page
Select Resources
Select Reference Desk
Scroll down to the LearningNetwork – The New York Times
Select this link – great resources for the classroom.

3. Found in Administrator/Manager

ADA Watch

The Disabilities Act and what it means to your web site

http://www.adawatch.org/

Found in Administrator/Manager

Select Administrator/Manager from the NW LINCS home page.
Scroll down to the page numbers
Select 2
There you will find ADA Watch, the first entry in the listing
Select this entry
The record will appear
Select the link by the Electronic Availability. This will take you to the ADA Watch Page.