2011 Volume 54 Issue 6 Pages 325-334
This article looks at how the “Encyclopedia Poplardia”, a publication designed for children in printed editions form in 12 volumes, was made available in a digital format i.e. DVD-ROM, how it went online as the “Poplardia Net”, and what features the online version offers. It also describes how the “learning by consulting” curriculum is being practiced at elementary schools in Kashiwa city as well as how the supporting school library system was put in place. Kashiwa has a number of learning and information centers with an integrated library and computer room functionality to make the most of library collections and the Internet in the “learning by consulting”. Upon logging onto the Internet, users are introduced to a welcome screen with full-of-links learning menus. A specific example of practical use of the “Poplardia Net” is given to show how effectively this online resource is used as both an information source and a dictionary. Pointed out at the end is the importance of putting in place an Internet environment and giving guidance on the use of online database in the field of education.
