Education on the Internet
Number 91: 8th October, 2003
Introduction
Introduction
Education on the Internet is published by Spartacus Educational every week. The newsletter includes news, reviews of websites and articles on using ICT in the classroom. Members of the mailing list are invited to submit information for inclusion in future newsletters. In this way we hope to create a community of people involved in using the Internet in education. Currently there are 39,325 subscribers to the newsletter.
All reviews are added to our web directory. There are sections on Internet Services, Online Seminars, Primary Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Modern Languages, History, Geography, Design & Technology, Business Studies, Special Needs, Media Studies, ICT, Sociology, Music, Politics, Economics, Photography, Art & Design, Theatre Studies, Physical Education and Religious Studies.
John Simkin
Online Seminars
Writing Educational Websites: There are plenty of guides for people who want to know about the technical challenges of writing for the Web. This seminar, aimed at serving teachers, looks at some of the reasons why this form of publishing is an attractive way for them to share resources. Andrew Moore begins with brief reflection on his own experiences in publishing online, and moves to consider why doing something similar is still a good career move for a busy teacher. He argues that the Web is a meritocracy, and breaks the control that commercial publishers have hitherto exerted over teaching resources. The seminar also shows the value of the Web for showcasing students' work, the possibility of earning income or gaining status by registering as a supplier for the UK's Curriculum Online and the uses of digital media files as learning objects. Many talented teachers find that they cannot call the shots in their own careers, but are subject to the decisions of others who do not share or understand their visions of changing the culture of learning. This seminar makes a powerful case for writing and publishing on the Web as a way for teachers to take back control of their own careers. If you have views on this subject, register with the History Forum and join the debate.
News and Articles
Empire and Exploration: The Historical Association and Becta are jointly running an online inset "Empire and Exploration" on the 7 November 2003. The online INSET will focus on using ICT to support the teaching and learning of history in Key Stages 2 to 5 and will provide classroom materials and teachers guides available to download and use. Resources and ideas will cover such issues as the Roman Empire, Tudor voyages of exploration, and everyday life in India under British rule. There will also be online presentations from key speakers and experienced practitioners about using ICT in history. This INSET will look at: how ICT can bring original sources to students; how ICT can be used to create online exhibitions; how ICT can get pupils using maps creatively; how ICT can get pupils to compare empires of different eras; how email can get pupils from different schools (and maybe even different countries) to share their thoughts about empires past and present. There will also be opportunities to put your questions and comments to the speakers and to share ideas with other history teachers via a straightforward online discussion system.
Information Society: United Nations Cyberschoolbus and European Schoolnet are jointly organizing a special event for schools from September to December 2003. Through a series of online activities for age 8 and up, teachers and students will examine the impact of information and communication technologies on human rights. These activities will focus on the universal right to learn and exchange information, as described in articles 19 and 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The first World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 10 to 12 December 2003. This is an opportunity for schools to develop partnerships with other schools from different regions of the world. In December, registered schools will be able to interact (via video conference or the Internet) with a Head of State attending the World Summit.
Google Code Jam 2003: Do you have exceptional programming skills? Can you make computers perform like silicon puppets with just a few well-expressed commands? Are you at ease when faced with a hard stop and a group of peers evaluating every line of your code? Here’s your opportunity to display the grace of the true professional in a reward-rich environment. Google is looking for engineers with the programming skill to rewrite the world's information infrastructure. The Code Jam 2003 is one way that Google hopes to find them. Prizes include free trips to the GooglePlex in Mountain View, California, substantial cash awards and possible employment with Google's engineering department.
History
The Industrial Revolution: From boiling a kettle to working in an office, much of the modern world is shaped by the achievements of the Industrial Revolution. This six-part Open University/BBC series presented by Dan Cruickshank uncovers the scientific, technological and political changes of the 19th century that continue to impact on our lives today. From the world's first jigsaw portraying the infant Empire, to Stephenson's Rocket, to the making of modern medicine, urban living and the innovations of war, the series shows how - from 1760 to 1840 - the key ideas, principles and technologies which drive the modern world were developed. Through the stories of men and women who made it happen, the programmes uncover the inventive power, the sweeping vision and the astonishing ingenuity of this heroic and pioneering age. You can explore how the Industrial Revolution changed the landscape of Britain with the website's interactive Changing Landscape.
Archiving Early America: At this website, Archiving Early America, you will discover a wealth of resources - a unique array of primary source material from 18th Century America. Scenes and portraits from original newspapers, maps and writings come to life on your screen just as they appeared to this country's forebears more than two centuries ago. As you browse through these pages, you will find it easier to understand the people, places and events of this significant time in the American experience. Of special interest is the Maryland Gazette containing George Washington's Journal of his historic trip to the Ohio Valley. It is the only original copy privately held. Because of its historic significance and its rarity, the March 21 and 28, 1754 issues of The Gazette can be viewed here in their entirety.
English
Testing, Targets and Tables: In a week which saw another Philip Pullman attack on the three Ts of testing, targets and tables and a continued debate around how we encourage reading and writing for pleasure we're asking for your comments. How do we avoid teaching by tick-box when things are so test and target driven? How do you give your students the freedom to enjoy and cherish reading and writing instead of simply teaching to the next test? Share your tips and/or concerns in the 'testing, targets and tables' discussion in the Teachit staffroom.
National Children's Book Week: The 6th October saw the beginning of National Children's Book Week. This event celebrates the wonderful world of children's books. It is an annual focus on the enjoyment of reading, with the aim of encouraging as many children as possible to get into books. The Booktrust website provides colourful and useful resources to that will help you run your book week or event effectively.
Maths
Numberline Lane: Fiona Cartmell is a leading maths teacher and an Advanced Skills Teacher specializing in KS1 maths education. She has just published new maths storybooks called Numberline Lane. Each book focuses on a different maths objective for Early Years and KS1. They come with a page of ideas for developing learning and mathematical discussion in the mental oral part of the numeracy lesson, leading to the main teaching introduction. The website has activities for parents to do at home to back up the books, and worksheets for use in the classroom.
Mathematics Problem Solving Task Centre: The PSTC website, based in Victoria, Australia, provides a database of problem solving activities. The tasks are listed under Lower/Middle Primary, Upper Primary/Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary. Teachers and students submit the problems and their email address enables participants to discuss their solutions, answers, queries, etc. Other features of the site include: Problem of the Month, Past Problems of the Month, Problem Solving Strategies and Links to Other Problem Solving Sites.
Politics
Save the Children Education Unit: Save the Children was founded in 1919, as a response to conditions in Europe immediately following the First World War. Save the Children works to ensure that all children get access to good quality education by tackling poverty, helping communities run schools, training teachers, developing education policies and curricula, supporting flexible learning schemes, developing educational opportunities for very young children, and providing education for children caught up in emergencies. The Save the Children's Education Unit works across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to promote global child rights education and offers a range of free and priced materials and services to teachers and youth workers.
Aljazeera was originally launched in November 1996. With more than 30 bureaus and dozens of correspondents covering the four corners of the world Aljazeera has given millions of people a refreshing new perspective on global events. Free from the shackles of censorship and government control Aljazeera has offered its audiences in the Arab world much needed freedom of thought, independence, and room for debate. This Quatari-based news service website was taken down during the Iraq War. Its English language version has just been relaunched. As well as the latest news on the occupation of Iraq it provides information organized under the categories: Arab World, Economy, Culture, Global, Science & Technology and Special Reports.
Science
On the Line was a millennium project that explored and celebrated the lives of people who live in the eight countries lying along the zero degree meridian line: Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Algeria, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. The exploration section offers virtual journeys through meridian line countries, as well as environmental features. In the schools area, you will find teaching activities and resources.
Zoos: This website provides reviews of the world's zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums. British ones featured include Edinburgh Zoo, London Aquarium, Marwell Zoo and Paignton Zoo. The website also has links to a collection of webcams where you can view live pictures of chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, tigers, kangaroos, panthers, polar bears, giraffes, alligators, snow leopards, pandas, lions, sharks, cheetahs, rhinos, flamingos and zebras.
Modern Languages
Lemo: This websites contains a wealth of texts, images, audio files and videos charting the evolution of German politics, social attitudes and culture from 1900 to 2000. There are sections on 1900-1914, First World War, the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, Second World War and the Cold War. It also has an excellent Guided Tours provides an overview of the topic.
Mexico: This excellent website provides detailed information on Mexico. There are sections on news, history, government, explore, biodiversity, games, music, holidays, myths & stories. As well as being in the language of Mexico it is also available in English, Italian and French.
Book Section
Isaac Newton: James Gleick brings us a moving account of the conflicting impulses that pulled at this man's heart; his quiet longings, his rage, his secrecy. More than science, more than biography, more than history, this book tells us how, through one man, we have come to know our own place in the cosmos. (James Gleick, Fourth Estate, ISBN 0 00 716317 7, £15.00)
