ERIC consists of two files: the Resources in Education (RIE) file of ERIC document citations and the Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE) file of journal article citations from over 1,100 journals. Both files provide abstracts. In addition, selected ERIC Digest records are available that feature the full-text of the original document. Also provides coverage of conferences, meetings, government documents, theses, dissertations, reports, audiovisual media, bibliographies, directories, books and monographs. It is the premier resource for "gray" literature -- unpublished resources.
The ERIC database can be accessed through EBSCOhost (on campus) or through the free online portal. Both of these methods provide access to the same information; however, each has a different layout and special features. The government portal is the simplest. EBSCOhost has (arguably) the best interface and most features. It is a matter of preference which you use, however.