How the HS Media Center's Resources Support Scaffolded Learning for All

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Finding ways to meet every learner at their point of need can feel like a constant balancing act. The HS Media Center's goal is to provide you with resources to scaffold learning, ensuring that every learner has the exact support, format, and entry point they need to succeed.

Here is how our print and electronic resources work together to differentiate learning for learners:

Built-In Accessibility Features in Electronic Databases

The Media Center databases do more than just provide access to articles; they offer powerful accessibility features designed to personalize reading experiences and support diverse learners.

• Text Translation: Built-in translation tools allow multilingual learners to translate articles into their native languages instantly, bridging language barriers while keeping them connected to grade-level content.   

• Text-to-Speech: Integrated audio features read articles aloud and highlight text as it is spoken. This functionality provides essential support for multilingual learners, learners with visual impairments, and those who struggle with decoding. By removing reading barriers, audio accessibility allows learners to focus directly on understanding and absorbing the core content.

• Reading Level & Layout Adjustments: Most of the databases allow educators (or learners) to filter search results by Lexile measure or grade level. Users can also adjust font sizes, alter line spacing, or toggle high-contrast display modes to reduce visual fatigue and improve focus.

• Visual Content & Multimedia: Our databases provide access to a wide range of visual resources, including graphs, charts, diagrams, images, and explainer videos. These visuals help clarify complex concepts, build background knowledge, and provide visual scaffolding for all learners.

• Integration with Google Tools: Educators can easily import Gale database articles directly into Google Classroom. Learners can read, highlight, annotate, and share their work back to you seamlessly via Google Drive. Infobase content can be shared by copying and sharing the URL.    

• Multi-Level Access to Print Collections: Educators and learners are not limited solely to high school materials. Print materials may be borrowed from both the middle school and high school collections. This cross-collection access allows educators and learners to find high-interest, lower-readability books, graphic novels, or accessible non-fiction titles that build confidence without sacrificing content comprehension. Additionally, educators and learners can explore titles from home or school through our library catalog. 

Digital Media & Expanded Digital Libraries

To round out our instructional support, we offer eBooks, Audiobooks, Digital Magazines, and Streaming Video Services through our subscription platforms and regional partnerships:

• Sora eBooks, Audiobooks, and Digital Magazines:  Beyond our physical shelves, learners and educators have access to a massive library of eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines through Sora (using the MLS Commonwealth eBook Collection). Sora allows readers to customize display settings (such as adjusting font sizes or using dyslexic-friendly fonts) and listen to audiobooks to support comprehension.  Audiobooks serve as an effective scaffolding tool for struggling readers, allowing them to engage with complex narrative or informational content alongside audio narration.   

• Streaming Video Services: Platforms like Swank, Feature Films for Education, and Classroom Video on Demand provide visual entry points to complex topics across all academic departments.   

• Boston Public Library eCards: Educators and learners can register for a free BPL eCard to unlock access to ComicsPlus (Fiction and NonFiction Digital Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga); Flipster Digital Magazines; Kanopy (Video streaming platform with more than 30,000 movies, documentaries, foreign films, and educational videos); OverDrive eBooks, Audiobooks, and OverDrive Digital Magazines; and PressReader (Digital Newspapers and Magazines).