The database’s homepage has 12 icons representing the 12 main categories into which information has been divided.  Students can click on a main category to see a listing of subcategories.  When they click on a subcategory, they get an even more specific listing to choose from.  When they choose their final topic, they get a page that shows file folder type tabs across the top dividing the available information by format.  Kids InfoBits has full text from reference books, magazines, newspapers, maps, flags & seals, charts and graphs, and images.  Entries are coded for reading difficulty level although I don’t think most kids will pay much attention to this feature.

One very nice feature this database offers is the ability to have an article read to you.  Great for very young students or students who struggle with reading.

The site also has a link to a dictionary and a “Teacher Toolbox” link which includes information on how to judge information, choose a topic, write a topic sentence, create an outline, cite a source, organize a report, and write a conclusion.

The site does offer a simple search box, and a button to take you to an advanced search screen, for those who wish to simply type in a topic vs. search for it through the subject-based topic tree.  Using the topic tree can be helpful though for students who haven’t decided on a topic yet and can also help students understand how things are organized and grouped into categories.

This database covers animals, plants, people, geography, science & math, stories & literature, history & social studies, transportation, inventions & technology, health, arts & entertainment, and sports.

To use this database, visit our webpage (http://www.montabella.com) and choose the Media Center link in the Elementary drop down menu, once at the Media Center page, scroll down to the listing of databases where you will find the Kids InfoBits icon.  OR you can visit http://mel.org, click on  ”MeL Databases” and then click on the “Kids InfoBits” link.  Please note that if you access this from home you will have to type in a MI driver’s license or state ID number.

This is a great tool for elementary students to use when doing reports!
~Happy Computing
Katrina

The elementary through high school categories include math, reading, vocabulary, writing, spelling and grammar improvement practice activities.  The college preparation category includes practice test for many major tests, including:  ACT, SAT, PSAT/NMQST, and AP Prep.  The Jobs and Careers area offers practice tests for many different careers which require a test for licensing such as: civil service, cosmetology, emergency medical services, firefighter, law enforcement, military, nursing and allied health, real estate, and teaching.

Users get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of their results.

To begin, visit our webpage (http://www.montabella.com/MEDIA_PAGES/hs_media_main.htm) OR visit http://mel.org, click on  ”MeL Databases” and then click on the “LearningExpress Library” link.  Please note that if you access this from home you will have to type in a MI driver’s license or state ID number,   Users do have to sign up for a free account in order to take the tests.  This allows you to keep track of tests you have taken, and to stop a test and pick it up at a later date.

~Happy Computing,
Katrina