Features that I find helpful- visual browse by icon, alpha list of 300 controversial issues w an essential question or 2 with 3 or more source links for the pro and con sides. Gallery of images. Good for those who need it framed
with more structure. Good background on many topics also. Plus plenty of info sources for those who want to search with more independence.
I had Opposing Viewpoints in Context and found it was just not the best fit - vocabulary and navigation wasn't accessible enough.
I'd contact Proquest and ask for a 30 day trial to test run with your students in an actual assignment. Then you can consider a subscription for next year after everyone has a chance to dip in.
I've used this as a primary database for the 'great debate' culminating assignment with public speaking classes for the past few years and it's been very successful.
Students use the pro con website too, but the database offers far more structure and invites you to work with small groups for research instruction. I find that too many graze on the web, rely on search results ranking on the first
page as a substitute for evaluating sources and don't read deeply. The presentation on SIRS has no distractors.
If you want to chat further, we can off the list serve. Just send an email. I live out on the shoreline and pass thru your area every day.
Stephanie
Sent from my iPhone
Have you tried
Procon.org? I'm trying it with my 6th graders on pros and cons of social media and there were some good discussion starters.