EPIC website
Resource Review
Description
EPIC (Electronic Purchasing in Collaboration) is a New Zealand Libraries initiative which provides access to a collection of electronic resources. The databases are available to libraries, schools and tertiary institutions, with each collection varied somewhat to suit its audience. EPIC for schools is funded by the Ministry of Education for all New Zealand schools.
Curriculum / Qualifications links
The databases are specifically chosen to for their relevance to a range of curriculum areas, and every year the EPIC governing body reviews the collection to ensure there is sufficient emphasis on each area. Technology teachers and students will find this resource a useful research tool. Many articles also serve as a starting point for class discussion. A teacher focusing on the Nature of Technology strand, for example, might introduce the concept of technological failure using the Science and Technology section of the Global Issues in Context database. This has a video clip, Who Killed the Electric Car?, which could act as a discussion starter, as well as articles on topics such as the Gulf oil spill and Fukishima nuclear power plant accident.
Content
The 25 databases contain a wealth of information through links to: newspaper, magazine and journal articles; images; audio and video files. Some databases are updated daily and others, such as the online dictionary, timelines and biographies less regularly. Technology teachers will find information relevant to their subject area in many of the databases, but three of them are particularly useful for student research and discussion:
- The Encyclopaedia Britannica School Edition – available in two versions. The first is divided into primary, middle school and senior school sections, while the second is designed for primary and intermediate students.
- The Australia/New Zealand Reference Centre – newspaper and magazine articles with an emphasis on titles from Australia and New Zealand.
- Opposing Viewpoints in Context – articles with different opinions on contentious issues, such as food safety, nuclear weapons and technology and society.
Ease of use
The vast amount of information on the site means that teachers will need to review it first and, depending on the age group they teach, pre- select the databases they want their students to use.
Ratings
The advantage of directing students to EPIC is that they don't waste time in searching the internet, with all its distractions, and can more easily find suitable material. While many of the databases are aimed at older students, there is still sufficient information to make this a useful tool for primary students as well.
Accessibility
EPIC for schools is hosted on TKI and all schools can register for free access. Once registered, teachers and students can use the site at school or home by entering the school user name and password.
The registration process can be started online at EPIC: www.tki.org.nz/epic2/Register
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