World Book Online, the renowned encyclopaedia and reference source, is now available through Scoilnet (www.scoilnet.ie) and the Schools Broadband Network. The encyclopaedia which is normally only accessible following a substantial subscription fee is being offered to schools in Ireland free-of-charge.
The availability of World Book Online in school is a major advancement in the services offered through Scoilnet and will be a huge boost to using ICT for learning and teaching. Users have the option of accessing content at three levels:
World Book Kids provides information that is aimed at younger children, up to 3rd class. The articles tend to be short and are set in a child-friendly design and include quizzes, maps, images and school activities.
World Book Students provides articles with greater detail and includes multimedia features, special reports and research guides. It specifically targets children from 10 to 16 years.
World Book Advanced contains all the features of World Book Students plus links to primary source material and e-books. It is particularly useful for post-primary.
To learn more about World Book Online, watch a video tutorial of the area that's most relevant to you.
• World Book Kids Video Tutorial (5min 44sec)
• World Book Student Video Tutorial (15min 25sec)
• World Book Advanced Video Tutorial (10min 15sec)
The World Book Online now available to all schools contains the entire text of the 22-volume Encyclopaedia, plus illustrations, video clips, 3D panoramic views, and sound files. Articles bring together a complete story with multimedia content, as well as research aids and links to related information.
The encyclopaedia has been in existence since 1917 and has set the standard for providing accuracy, objectivity and reliability in research materials for both children and adults. Hundreds of schools in Ireland already have volumes of the World Book on their shelves and will be aware of its educational use.
Access World Book through the home page of Scoilnet www.scoilnet.ie
If you have any problems with your free access in school call the NCTE Broadband Service Desk 1800 33 44 66