Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context

Bibliographic Information:
Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 5 Apr. 2011.
 

Figure 1

About the Database:
This database is a great resource for teens who not only want to get caught up on current events, but provide them with evidence on issues they feel strongly about or for educational purposes. This site is fairly streamlined (Figure 1) where users are not overwhelmed; in fact, they have plenty of options they can choose from that focus on current events (which is what teens are looking for). Another great feature of this database is that "Featured News" section that contains videos and links from popular new sources such as: Newsweek, New York Times, and USA Today. 
 As users begin their search, they have several options: they can use the "Search Bar" at the top right-hand corner and restrict their results using the fields that are provided: "Viewpoints," "Reference," "Images," and "More." 

Figure 2

An alternative is to use the the toolbar, located on the left-hand top corner that provide specific information that users can browse (Figure 2). For example, the "Issues" section contains a list of subject headings in alphabetical order and, on the left, is a a list of links that help users focus on particular issues without having to scroll through the list.  Another great section is the "Maps" section that actually provides an interactive map of the country that shows users where issues (i.e., abortion) are occurring . This tool is great for teens who want to create handouts to pass out to their audience or use in presentations. All in all, this is a highly useful tool for teens to use.

Critical Evaluation:
Opposing Viewpoints in Context provides students with articles and visuals that covers a large scope of issues that are not only controversial, but events that affect them locally and nationally. According to Gale: "Opposing Viewpoints in Context helps students research, analyze and organize a broad variety of data for conducting research, completing writing assignments, preparing for debates, creating presentations and more" (para. 1).  As mentioned before, the interfaces are simple and easy to use so users do not have to feel overwhelmed. When conducting a search, using the "Issues" option, I looked up "Body Image" and got a plenty of information regarding the issues and other related topics. There is no shortage of information in this database; moreover, everything is up to date, which is essential since these topics are always changing.

Reader's Annotation:
Opposing Viewpoints in Context provides students with current information about "hot topic" issues as well as current events.

Information about the Database Company:
According to Gale, "Opposing Viewpoints in Context contains more than 700 Greenhaven Press, Gale, Macmillan Reference USA™, Charles Scribner’s Sons® and U·X·L titles. New reference content is added on an ongoing basis, and new full-text periodical and newspaper articles are added every day" (para. 3). Based in Farmington, Michigan, Gale has offices all over the world, which makes it one of the more popular companies in this business; Gale is "[b[est known for its accurate and authoritative reference content as well as its intelligent organization of full-text magazine and newspaper articles, the company creates and maintains more than 600 databases that are published online, in print, as eBooks and in microform" (para. 1).


Curriculum Tie-In's:
This resource will be excellent in supporting the English Curriculum where teens will learn how to write persuasive arguments either in a speech or formal paper. 


Promotional Ideas:
As with other databases, the best way to get the word out is to demonstrate their use. One idea, which is pretty innovative, is creating a tutorial and posting it on the Library's website. There are plenty of programs available for capturing a live demonstration that can be paired with audio voice overs. I have yet to play with this idea, but I am definitely willing to try.


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up


Challenge Issues:
 N/A


Databases Similar to Opposing Viewpoints:
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Why did I choose this database?
This database is incredibly unique since it only focuses on one subject. Teens are incredibly conscience of the issues that are surrounding them since it is ingrained in their daily lives. Foe example, teens of today have always known what AIDS; therefore, they are aware of how it is transmitted and what it can do to the human body. However, resources like this database, can provide them evidence and support for the arguments in regards to sexual education on the local and global level. Moreover, they can actually look at the state of California and see how many people are living with AIDS.


Awards & Recognition:
N/A

References:
Gale In Context Portal Page. (n.d.). Gale  Home. Retrieved April 06, 2011, from http://www.gale.cengage.com/InContext/portal.htm

Gale In Context Opposing Viewpoints in Context. (n.d.). Gale Home. Retrieved April 06, 2011, from http://www.gale.cengage.com/InContext/viewpoints.htm