Learning resources are defined as information, represented or stored in a variety of media and formats, that assists student learning as defined by provincial or local curricula. This includes but is not limited to, materials in print, video, optical, and software formats, as well as combinations of these formats intended for use by teachers and students.
Rationale for Learning Resource Evaluation
The Ministry promotes the establishment of a resource-rich learning environment through the evaluation of a wide variety of educationally appropriate materials to meet the needs of all learners and to satisfy various teaching styles. Resources are evaluated to support provincial programs and curricula through a process carried out using practising teachers as evaluators. It is expected that teachers will select resources chosen from those items that meet the selected criteria and that suit their particular pedagogical needs and audiences.
The use of learning resources involves the teacher as facilitator of learning. However, students may be expected to have some choice in materials for specific purposes such as independent reading or research. It is expected that a variety of resources will be utilized to support learning outcomes at any particular level. A multimedia approach integrating materials and media is encouraged.
Some selected resources have been identified to support cross-curricular integration. The Ministry also considers special needs audiences in the evaluation and annotation of learning resources. As well, special format versions of some selected resources (Braille and taped-book formats) are available.
Status of Learning Resources
Learning resources for use in British Columbia schools will fall into one of three categories:
Provincially Recommended Materials
Materials evaluated through the provincial evaluation process, approved through Minister's Order, and purchased using targeted learning resource funds. These resources are listed in print and CD-ROM versions of the Catalogue of Learning Resources.
Provincially Authorized Materials
Materials selected prior to 1989 by curriculum committees and purchased through the Credit Allocation Plan. These resources are listed in the print and CD-ROM versions of the Catalogue of Learning Resources.
Locally Selected Materials
Materials evaluated through local (district/school) evaluation processes and approved for use according to district policy.
All learning resources used in schools must either have recommended or authorized designation or be approved through district evaluation and approval policies.
Local Resource Evaluation
As previously indicated, districts that choose to evaluate materials for school use must have in place an evaluation policy in accordance with section 182 (2) (e) of the School Act as outlined in Minister's Order #143.
Resource Selection
Currently, authorized or recommended materials are listed in the Catalogue of Learning Resources, published periodically by the Ministry. Similar information is available in a CD-ROM version of the catalogue, which also includes an efficient search capability. This enables the rapid identification of resources that meet particular users' needs. Although the main purpose of the CD-ROM catalogue is to help teachers select classroom resources, it can also be useful for the ordering and management of resources. Both English and French versions are available in Macintosh, Windows, or MS-DOS format.
Teachers are reminded that all recommended and authorized learning resources may be used at the discretion of the teachers. A keyword search in the CD-ROM version of the Catalogue of Learning Resources is an efficient way to find relevant resources.
Curriculum Branch
Ministry of Education
© 1995 Copyright
Maintained by: Science and Technology Coordinator
Revised: January 27, 1999
Ministry of Education Home Page
Table of Contents