Monthly viewing figures

Note: A Learning provider will only appear as one viewer; in reality the identified IP Address may be one viewer or many!

The data below is cumulative, highlighting, from the initial tracking our viewers on 1st September 2007, their global distribution.

All the pictures and news shown on this eMagazine are the property of their respective owners. We don't hold any copyright about these pictures and news. These pictures have been collected from different public sources including different websites, considering to be in public domain. If any one has any objection to displaying of any picture and news, it may be brought to our notice by sending an email to support@rsc-northwest.ac.uk & the same will be be removed immediately,after verification of the claim.

Links that have been included in previous eMagazines...

To visit the shared links go to http://www.only2clicks.com/pages/acljohn/ or use the live pages below...

I'm sure readers of this eMagazine don't need to be told that "Teaching Matters" but there are some interesting elements in this bolg.

To read the full article go to http://blogs.learnnc.org/instructify/2008/11/07/100-reasons-teaching-matters/.

As practitioners, don’t take for granted that learners know how to take notes properly.  They may find it useful and want to read Advice for Students: Taking Notes that Work, a post from Dustin Wax at Stepcase Lifehack.

This post offers learners tips like not cluttering up their notes with stuff they already know, such as ninjas are awesomer than pirates. Dustin Wax also talks about several note-taking techniques like mind-mapping, or the Cornell Notes system.

Even good note-takers may benefit from seeing alternative ways of capturing information. I found that I could stand to brush up on my note-taking as well.

Read the post at http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/advice-for-students-taking-notes-that-work.html.

Einstein's Secret to Amazing Problem Solving (and 10 Specific Ways You Can Use It)

Einstein is quoted as having said that if he had one hour to save the world he would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem and only five minutes finding the solution.

This quote does illustrate an important point: before jumping right into solving a problem, we should step back and invest time and effort to improve our understanding of it.

Read the full article at http://litemind.com/problem-definition/. 

This blog, called Teaching College Math, as the name implies, is about strategies and resources for teaching collegiate level mathematics.

The target audience for the blog is collegiate mathematics teachers; take a closer look at http://tcmtechnologyblog.blogspot.com/.

E-Guides updates

NIACE have just announced that there is some availability on the E-Guides training programme and have confirmed that capital grants of £2,500 are now also available for attendance on these.

Note: Max of 3 delegates from each learning provider 

See below for dates in this region and details of how to book.

Take a look at the eGuide flyer about the Training Programme 2008-2009 844KB pdf.

More information and dates are available at http://www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/TrainingCourses/eguides.htm.

In the north west eGuide Training is being offered 3 times; the dates/schedule for each 3 days of training is...

1. 27th and 28th November 2008 with the 3rd day on 9th January 2009 (Liverpool)
2. 2nd and 3rd February 2009 and the 3rd day on 3rd March 2009 (Manchester)
3. 23rd and 24th April 2009 and the 3rd day on 22nd May 2009 (Liverpool)

FLOSSIE (Free, Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS)) is the annual conference held by Schoolforge-UK to look at issues relating to free and open source software in the school sector. 

The next FLOSSIE is on the theme of "Sustainable ICT in Schools - Beyond the PC".

Venue: Birmingham on 12-13 February 2009. 

More details at http://www.schoolforge.org.uk/index.php/FLOSSIE_2009.  

To be held at...

The John Rylands University Library, University of Manchester
Wednesday, 1st April 2009,
9.30 - 16.30

Some comments from delegates attending this meeting in 2008:

"Fascinating insight into the world beyond Google " "One of the best workshops I've ever attended".. "A revelation! - enjoyed every minute"

Course Outline

With the major search engines claiming coverage of over 20 billion web pages in their databases, it is becoming increasingly difficult to locate relevant information. Most of us head straight for Google when we want to search the Internet but Google is not the only search tool. This workshop looks at recent developments at Google and the alternatives, especially the new kids on the block and Web 2.0 'stuff'. Karen Blakeman will take you through the best of the search engine world and highlight how they can be used to significantly improve your results.

By the end of the day, participants will have a vital toolkit to help them search more effectively, including key search tools, comparisons, top tips and essential search techniques.

Topics to be covered include:

• different types of search tools and how they work
• making the most of Google and new features
• alternatives to Google
• advanced search techniques to help you track down the so-called "hidden web"
• image, audio, video and news
• blogs, RSS, wikis and Web 2.0 resources
• setting up your customised search engine
• tracking down pages that have disappeared

Delegates will have ample opportunity to test out advanced search techniques and to compare different search engines. A significant part of the day will be taken up with practical sessions; exercises will be provided but delegates are free to try out searches of their own. This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience. The techniques and approaches covered can be applied to all subject areas.

N.B. Places on this course are strictly limited because of access to PCs so please book early to avoid disappointment

Course Presenter: Karen Blakeman

Karen Blakeman has worked in the information profession for over twenty years and has been a freelance consultant since 1989. Her company (RBA Information Services) provides training and consultancy on the use of the Internet, and on accessing and managing information resources. Karen writes for "Business Information Searcher". She also publishes a monthly, electronic newsletter called "Tales from the Terminal Room". Her publications include "Search Strategies for the Internet". She is a Fellow of CILIP and in 2002 received the Information World Review Information Professional of the Year award.

For more information or to book a place on this course, please visit www.ukeig.org.uk or email meetings@ukeig.org.uk

Costs (including lunch and refreshments):

• UKeiG members £160 + VAT (£188.00);
• others £190 + VAT (£223.25)

 

Please complete and return a booking form by 25th March 2009, to...

Christine Baker, Piglet Cottage, Redmire, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4EH.

Tel & Fax 01969 625751. Email: cabaker@ukeig.org.uk

 

 

Don't forget the UKeiG Conference 2009

UKeiG will be holding a residential forum that will provide opportunities for information and IT professionals to network, wine and dine in excellent social surroundings while catching up on the very latest developments in e-information.

Book now at www.ukeig.org.uk or by emailing conference@ukeig.org.uk to get your early bird discount!

UKeiG has the CILIP Seal of Recognition, which recognises high standards in the content and relevance of training courses. See http://www.cilip.org.uk/qualificationschartership/seal/ for details

UKeiG is a Special Interest Group of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. 7 Ridgmount Street, London, WC1E 7AE. Registered Charity No. 313014

Dates for Autumn network events have now being released, go to http://www.subjectlearningcoach.net/news/Calendar.aspx for details of events in your region.

For more information on subject coaching networks, visit the subject coaching networks page at http://www.subjectlearningcoach.net/programme/networks/.

To be held at...

The Foresight Centre, University of Liverpool,
1 Brownlow Street, Liverpool
Tuesday, 21st April 2009,
09.30 - 16.30

Course Outline

Find out how 2.0 applications are being used in libraries and information centres, and what actually works. Blogs, wikis, RSS? YouTube, podcasts, Slideshare? Flickr, Connotea, LibraryThing? Facebook, Second Life, Twitter? This workshop will look at the reality of 2.0: what is useful and what is destined for Gartner's 'Trough of Disillusionment', never to be seen again.

The workshop will start with a brief overview of Web 2.0 and what it means. It will then look in more detail at how 'stuff' can be used as sources of information, as a means of enhancing services to users, and raising the profile of information services.

The areas covered will include:

• Blogs, wikis, RSS feeds
• Shared authoring tools
• Start pages e.g. iGoogle, PageFlakes, NetVibes
• Social bookmarking services
• Using YouTube and Flickr as information resources and to promote your group or organisation
• "Presentation" sites such as Slideshare and Authorstream
• Social networking sites e.g. Facebook
• To Twitter or not to Twitter

There will be a heavy practical element to the workshop so that participants can explore Web 2 and try out the technologies for themselves. There will be extensive notes and exercise sheets to guide participants through the day, and all the information and presentations will be available electronically.

Costs (including lunch and refreshments):

UKeiG members £160 + VAT (£188.00);
others £190 + VAT (£223.25)

Please complete and return a booking form by 15th April 2009, to...

Christine Baker, Piglet Cottage, Redmire, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4EH.
Tel & Fax 01969 625751. Email: cabaker@ukeig.org.uk

N.B. Places on this course are strictly limited because of access to PCs so please book early to avoid disappointment

Course Presenter: Karen Blakeman

Karen Blakeman has worked in the information profession for over twenty years and has been a freelance consultant since 1989. Her company (RBA Information Services) provides training and consultancy on the use of the Internet, and on accessing and managing information resources. Karen writes for "Business Information Searcher". She also publishes a monthly, electronic newsletter called "Tales from the Terminal Room". Her publications include "Search Strategies for the Internet". She was recently made an Honorary Fellow of CILIP and in 2002 she received the Information World Review Information Professional of the Year award

This aptly-named project describes itself as “the fastest, easiest way to add Google Maps to any website”.

MapMyPage enables any practitioner, learner, administrator, blogger or webmaster to add maps to all the locations mentioned in the (e)Portfolio evidence, learning object, eAssessment, webpage, etc., by simply copying and pasting one line of JavaScript.

Find out more at http://www.mapmypage.com/.

Note: Some places in the UK are not picked up using this script.

Dimdim is a cool web meeting and conferencing solution which comes with a decent free option and pro features.

It lets you share...

• videos,
• presentations,
• whiteboards,
• webpages

...with up to 20 people for free, and the best thing is that you don’t need to download any software.

It’s easy to use and you can sign up and start using it right away at http://www.dimdim.com/.

But why would you?

You can use it to create strong passwords, encrypt your download links to prevent leeches (Hacker Slang), flipping horizontally your status messages on Facebook or just for fun.

Try it out at http://fliptitle.com/.

Pity capital letters aren't flipped - they are replaced by flipped lowercase letters.

• Copy the text below and then go to the FlipTitle website and paste it in the Your Text window

¿ʞuıɥʇ noʎ op ʇɐɥʍ
,˙ɹǝploɟ ɐ uı ɹo ɹǝʇndɯoɔ ɐ uo ɹǝɥʇǝɥʍ 'sǝlıɟ sɹǝpıʌoɹd ƃuıuɹɐǝl ǝɥʇ uo pǝɹoʇs sı ʇɐɥʇ ƃuıɥʇʎɹǝʌǝ ǝǝs oʇ ʇɥƃıɹ ǝɥʇ ǝʌɐɥ plnoɥs 'sʇuǝɹɐd ɹıǝɥʇ puɐ 'sɹǝuɹɐǝl,
˙˙˙ʇuǝɯǝʇɐʇs sıɥʇ ssnɔsıp sdnoɹƃ uı

• Yes it can be flipped back!

Geo Greeting is a simple and fun way to send a message to your favorite geography buff learners.

Here's what it does, it spells out your message using satellite images of buildings found in the Google Maps satellite view. Simply type in a message and Geo Greeting finds the images and spells out your greeting. I have created a message that you can view at http://www.geogreeting.com/view.html?yECsxqUxoGUkxnUowoBqsxqUDomrxyvyqsoC.

Geo Greeting could be an easy way to introduce to new users the capabilities of the satellite views of Google Maps.
Another way to use Geo Greeting would be to have learners create messages then explore and research the areas from which the buildings that created their message came.

Send your own messages from http://www.geogreeting.com/main.html.

The Official Google Docs blog has reminded readers of the many templates available for Google Docs users.
Of particular relevance as the holidays near is a selection of holiday themed greeting card and mailing label templates.

Google Docs users will also find templates for holiday newsletters as well as templates for holiday party invitations.

Note:...

• The Google Docs holiday themed templates could be used by learners to create holiday greeting cards and newsletters through which they can develop letter writing skills.
• On a related note, the Google Docs templates for "students and teachers" contains templates for creating quizzes, attendance rosters registers, grade books, research reports, bibliographies, and many other useful templates.

Take a(nother) look at http://docs.google.com/templates.

A Web application that lets you quickly generate logos online. The process is straight forward and no image manipulation skills need. Just...

• type in the required title,

set settings...

• for colors,
• text style,
• font,
• reflection… etc

and then click “Create Logo”.

Features:

• Generate logo for your blog.
• Generate as many logos as you like.
• Customize : Colors, text, font, size.
• Add reflection and symbols.
• No sign up needed.

Try it out at http://www.simwebsol.com/ImageTool/Default.aspx.

Online Monitor Test is a free multi-functional test that lets you test the contrast and colors of your monitor online. There are two ways you can run the test, either run it online in your browser or download and run it on your Windows machine.

Using Online Monitor Test you can:

1. Determine if your display is displaying grayscale and contrast properly.
2. Test gradients of color across the spectrum to see if you’re getting clear, rich color and true black on your display.
3. Test specific colors against black or individual colors.
4. Use whole-screen colors to check for dead pixels.

No sign up or registration needed.

Try it out at http://tft.vanity.dk/.

Speak-A-Message is a free tool that enables users (learning providers, practitioners, administrators, learners etc) to send voice emails, using their default email client.

The program provides a simple recording interface and, using a microphone, the user records his message. Once the recording is completed, the program automatically launches the default email client with the recorded audio file attached to the message and ready to send.

If Microsoft Outlook is used, it's even easier, because Speak-A-Message can integrate into the toolbar of MS Outlook.

Note: - The recipient does not need to have Speak-A-Message installed since you are only sending a WMA file which can be played by any audio/video player.

Before users send the audio file, Speak-A-Message enables you to replay it and listen your recorded message. With this program you can also add various sound effects to your message to spice it up. Plenty of these sound effects clips are available on their sound effects page.

The program uses fairly good voice compression - a 4 minute voice message requires only about 500kB

Find out more and/or try it out at http://www.speak-a-message.com/en/index.html.

An online chat service that lets users quickly create disposable chat rooms. 

• Simply hit “New Chat”
• type in a name and
• click “start chat”,
  your chat room will be created. 

To invite others grab provided URL and forward it via email or IM.  Once chat session is finished , the chatroom will be deleted.

Stinto also provides users with an option to download chat history on to their computer (portfolio evidence?)

Users can also create a many rooms as they like and have the option to lock any chat room so no new user can enter the chat.

What's more - No sign up needed.

Try it out at http://www.stinto.net/.

• No articles this month
  

Office environments typically require us to work in fairly close proximity, so a little consideration and cooperation can make life a lot easier.

These guidelines will help you -- or maybe the irritating colleague in the same/next room -- avoid distracting and potentially obnoxious behavior...

Find out more at http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=438.

But only if you want to and via Facebook.

GetThemIn is “the first online application” that lets you buy drinks for someone over the Internet.

Let’s break this down: you buy someone a virtual drink, which they then redeem for a real drink while you’re not there. It’s only in the UK for now, set to launch in North America in a few weeks (My son will be pleased!).

Come to think of it, with all of the celebrities/politicians/etc. who are getting onto Facebook now, perhaps there is another use for this service: how would you like to be able to say, for example, that you bought Obama a drink?

Find out more at http://www.getthemin.com/.

PS: just in time for Christmas...

PPS: This is included for a smile factor! As mature adults we are all aware of the dangers of alcohol;
you don't have to feel you have to buy me a drink! But if you do then it has to be real ale, whisky/whiskey (malt) or guinnes...

iSerenity is an online library of relaxing and soothing sounds that can help you block outside noises, concentrate on the work, relax and reduce stress.

There are currently 31 sounds to chose from.  You can listen to the sounds of typewriters, waterfall, rain and if you miss the big city there is New York street noise as well.

Go to http://www.iserenity.com/index.htm, select environment sound, adjust volume and relax.

Features:

    * Listen to relaxing, soothing and noise blocking ambient sounds.

    * Currently 31  different environment sounds available.

    * No sign up needed

Take a look at some logic puzzles at http://puzzles.com/Projects/AllLogicProblems.html.

If you are into schadenfreude you may want to visit this website - http://www.nosquito.biz/ by Rafael Rozendaal

Three of our team managed to wind up our colleagues using this 'resource' especially as they couldn't work out which one of us it was!

Reasons to Meet! from acljohn on Comiqs

Or go to http://comiqs.com/comics/BQHy0gxxbTD.

Many learning providers are including forums in their VLEs (Virtual Learning Environments) because, among other things (Internet) forums are great places to meet interesting, like-minded people (they are in many cases doing the same course), but before participating in one, learners (users) need to know a thing or two about the proper way to do so.

The following video explains some of the most common mistakes people/learners make in forums, which makes them the sort of loathsome fool no one wants to know. Enjoy the clip!

Social Networking:How To Behave On An Internet Forum

Click image to go to original source

I've included In Pictures in previous eMagazines; In Pictures provides free tutorials for learning to use Microsoft and Open Office software, including Office 2007, as well as learning to write some basic html code. As it's name implies, In Pictures provides all of its tutorials in pictures with descriptive captions.

Take a look at http://inpics.net/index.html.

Woopid Video Tutorials provides, and no surprise here, video tutorials for learning how to use software on a Mac or on a PC as well providing tutorials for cloud computing programs like Google Docs.

The video tutorials are arranged sequentially in bundles.

For example: If you're watching a video about using Power Point 2007 you can start with the basics and navigate forward in difficulty. Likewise, if you start in the middle of a bundle and realize that you don't have enough knowledge to implement the concept being taught, you can back track to a video that will provide you with the background knowledge you need.

Take a look at http://www.woopid.com/.

• Develop Learner Vocabulary
• Grammar Games
• Guess-the-Google
• Spin & Spell
• Type Racer
• Math Moves U
  

Developing vocabulary can be a lot of fun with 'Get the Pic?'. 

This website is a vocabulary quiz game with pictures to help users guess words. Don't Worry the money isn't real!

A little like Hangman the difference being that you...

• Type 3 letters (use the mouse to click on the on-screen keyboard) and then you will see the 'hangman word' including those letters plus some pictures to help you guess the rest of the word.
• If you don't know what the word is, you can guess another letter by typing it as before (This costs you some of the $100 you start with; apparently provided to 'make the game more fun")
• If you are sure you know the word or the letters you can gamble some of the 'money'.

Note: Each game is timed and the quicker you get the word right, the more dollars you win.

If you get the word wrong or don't know it you can click to get a link to Wikipedia where you will find and explanation of the word.

Try it out for yourself at http://www.getthepicsure.com/.

The British Council's Learn English website offers 69 interactive activities for learning the rules of grammar. The activities are not listed by level so you will have to preview them to determine which activities are best suited for your learners.

Take a look / have a play at http://www.learnenglish.org.uk/grammar/archive/grammar_games_index_page01.html.

Note:- the games didn't work well when I used Firefox but were fine in IE7

'Guess the Google' is a game which can help users practice and improve vocabulary. The game is based on images and Google search words.

Users see a grid of 20 images and they have to guess the Google search word which connects them all. 20 seconds is all the time given to guess the word correctly. The quicker users guess the word, the more points awarded.

Each game last for 10 rounds and at the end you can submit your score.

More information available at http://grant.robinson.name/projects/guess-the-google/

or try it out at http://grant.robinson.name/projects/guess-the-google/game.php?l=5.

 

Spin and Spell asks learners to select a picture and then spell the name of the item. Alternatively, learners can have a picture selected for them and then they have to spell the name of the item.

Ideal for Key Skills (Functional Skills) and ESOL.

Try it out at http://www.spinandspell.com/.

Employers state, at regular intervals that, having a good standard of English can really help you to get a good job - having a good standard of written English with good spelling, punctuation and fast typing can help you even more.

TypeRacer is an online resource that turns improving typing, spelling and punctuation into an enjoyable game.

You can...

• play TypeRacer against the clock or
• challenge an opponent or friend.

The website gives you a short text that you have to copy accurately (If you make mistakes you won't be able to proceed until you correct them.) and quickly.

When complete, users will be told their WPM speed.

Go to: http://play.typeracer.com/ where users can...

• register (This will allow the site to remember your score if you want to use the site again and invite friends to challenge you) or
  
• play as a guest (No username or password is necessary)

Let's hope your learners will enjoy improving your spelling, punctuation and typing speed.

Note: not quick but I won (not that I'd mind loosing!)

Math Moves U has three levels of difficulty; grade 6 or lower, grade 7, and grade 8 or higher. To play the game learners choose from one of eight customizable characters to be in the game. Then the player walks through scenery, along the way they are confronted by maths problems that appear in boxes above the character's head (click on them with your mouse). Points are earned by answering math questions correctly.

Math Moves U is a fun way to get learners hooked on practicing and developing mathematics skills. If learners register for an optional account, they can track their progress by keeping a running record of point totals.

Try it out at http://www.mathmovesu.com/.

 

 

• DISABILITY EQUALITY GIVEN A BOOST IN EDUCATION
• iSpeech
• keyboardr (see Research Section of this eMagazine)
  

Liverpool Community College first in UK to back Disability Equality Commitment

An initiative to promote equality for disabled people in post-compulsory education was kick-started yesterday with its first official pledge from a further education college. The Disability Equality Commitment, facilitated by Lifelong Learning UK, is a framework to help organisations in further education recruit, retain, and train disabled employees so that they are equally represented in the sector. Liverpool Community College became the first institution to sign up and commit to disability equality in this way.

Read the full article at http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7LLGBS.

Listen to Anything You Used to Read

Now anyone can convert text to speech instantly and for free. Text to speech software is obsolete. iSpeech makes text to speech easy, practical and instant. There is no need to download or install any software. Simply tell iSpeech the text, document, website, etc., and sit back and listen. 

Try it out at http://www.ispeech.org/. 

Chris Swaine, Becta, thought we may be interested in following press release from DWP…

£27m support to improve skills and increase job opportunities

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS News Release (Reference EMP-115) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 4 November 2008

£27 million of new European Social Fund (ESF) money will be invested in innovative projects to help people improve skills and stay in work, or develop new skills and find a new job.

Interested organisations are being called on to submit proposals to run regional projects which will develop, test and deliver new ways of extending employment opportunities and improving skills. Each project will work with at least one partner from another EU Member State.

This money is part of the Government's ongoing support to help people retrain and find work in tough global economic times. It is in addition to the £100m recently made available for skills training, particularly for those who are currently facing redundancy.

Welcoming the ESF investment, Tony McNulty, Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform said:

"At a time when we are facing global economic challenges it is essential that we make sure everyone has the right skills for the vacancies which exist and that employers are looking to fill.

"This initiative will help break down barriers that prevent people achieving their potential, and tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our society. It will boost the support we offer to unemployed and disadvantaged people to improve their skills and return to work."

This new money will be targeted at projects helping people find jobs by:

• Helping people who may find it harder to get back into work, for example disabled people or lone parents
• Working with employers to ensure people have the right skills for the jobs available
• Offering training in computer skills
• Targeting help at older workers
• Training for "green jobs"
• Training and support to set up and manage not-for-profit enterprises.

Up to three projects will be supported in each English region, plus Cornwall, Merseyside and South Yorkshire. Regional ESF committees have selected which of the six themes will be available in their regions.

Further info: http://www.esf.gov.uk/innovation_transnationality/

Participants on CEL’s 2008-09 leadership of elearning programmes will be able to take advantage of a capital grant scheme for buying information and learning technology (ILT) equipment. The scheme, funded by the Learning and Skills Council, entitles LSC-funded organisations to claim a £2,500 capital grant for each staff member who has completed one of CEL’s elearning leadership programmes, up to a maximum of £7,500 per organisation.

Read and find out more at http://www.centreforexcellence.org.uk/?Page=nomenuReadProgNews&id=597.

1) If you would like take part in Realise...

...you should be able to attend one of the module 1 days listed below:

• Wednesday 21 January 2009 - Newcastle
• Tuesday 24 February 2009 - London

Commitment to undertake this programme will be about two days.

To participate in Realise, a member of the organisation’s leadership team who has a strategic responsibility for ILT development will attend a one-off training event to fulfil the requirements of module 1. Details on how to complete module 2 will be given during the training event. The time commitment to undertake this programme will be about two days.

More details at http://www.centreforexcellence.org.uk/Default.aspx?Page=Programmes&id=4E9870B8-7257-49E2-8A57-AF1CC8E0CED6&status=Live.

JISC invites institutions to submit funding proposals for projects to undertake work under the third round of its Learning and Teaching Innovation Grants Programme.

JISC wishes to fund one year projects and activities that fit with the vision, outcomes and principles of the JISC e-Learning programme and support innovative approaches to learning and teaching.

This is an open call, and projects dealing with any aspect of e-learning are welcomed.

To reduce the initial investment in time and resource needed to develop a traditional JISC proposal and to encourage speculative and innovative ideas from the community, bidders are invited to submit outline proposals online.

Funds of up to £75,000 for projects of one year duration are available.

The next deadline for submissions is 12 January 2009 12:00.

Please note: The lead institution may only submit one proposal per assessment point.

The full text of the Circular, guidance material and a bid template form for can be found at the following link: http://www.jisc.ac.uk/fundingopportunities/funding_calls/2008/04/circular408.aspx

Bids should be submitted by email to ELEARNING-BIDS@JISC.AC.UK, using the template provided.

• Colleges might get jobs reward
• Inspectors target 'weak' colleges
• Let's not get personal
• New white board safety advice
• Universities set for major change

Colleges in England might be given funding according to the long-term jobs they help people into rather than the qualifications people achieve.

Skills Secretary John Denham sees the idea - which came from some colleges - as a useful response to the recession.

Read the full article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7736318.stm. 

Poor-performing colleges are to be inspected more often as the education watchdog, Ofsted, clamps down on those considered satisfactory or inadequate.

Those it rates good or outstanding will face fewer inspections.

Launching a new system of inspections for England's colleges from September 2009, Ofsted said there was "still a long way to go" to improve standards.

The Association of Colleges said the sector had improved year on year, with only 3% considered inadequate.

Read the full article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7708215.stm. 

Do you remember "personalised learning"? It was meant to be the next big thing in education.

Tony Blair and former Schools Minister, David Miliband, coined the phrase, back in 2004.

For them it was about teaching that is 'tailored to each child's ability'. It was also part of a broader belief in the need to move away from "one size fits all".

Read the full article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7741943.stm. 

Schools across England are being urged to buy a new type of whiteboard equipment to eliminate a potential threat to children's eyesight.

Directors of children's services are being told to buy a new generation of "ultra-short-throw" projectors when purchasing or replacing the boards.

These eliminate any eye exposure to the potentially damaging projector beam.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued new advice after a long campaign to address concerns about safety.

Read the full article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7729125.stm.

Universities face major changes, say a series of papers published as part of a review of the higher education sector...

Universities face major changes, from scrapping the traditional academic year to throwing out the current degree grading system, senior academics say.

Read the full article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7725000.stm. 

 

“Becta has unveiled the new Next Generation Learning campaign website, as part of its drive to parents, learners and employers to get the most out of technology in education.

The website is a key resource to find out more about the innovative and exciting ways that technology is already being used by some schools and organisations to improve engagement, motivation and results. Exemplar schools include John Cabot Academy in Bristol, where students are using their PSPs (PlayStation Portables) in PE lessons to see how their long jump techniques compare to the professionals, and where sixth formers teach software designers some tricks of the trade.

New on the Next Generation Learning website is a postcode search facility for parents to find out which schools in their area are using technology effectively. These are the schools that are already using technology to a high standard and have received the prestigious ICT Mark.  Research indicates that ICT Mark accredited schools are four times more likely to be rated as outstanding in the overall effectiveness category of Ofsted inspection reports. Pupils at ICT Mark schools are also more likely to achieve better results.

The campaign demonstrates how greater engagement with parents or carers can increase a learner's potential <http://www.becta.org.uk/engagingparents>, how effective use of technology can improve schools <http://www.becta.org.uk/improvingyourschool>  and colleges, and how to ensure children are safe online <http://www.becta.org.uk/safeguardinglearners> .

To find out more about how to implement Next Generation Learning click on the links above, or have a look at the campaign website <http://www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk/> .

Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive of Becta said,

"We know that technology significantly improves results, yet despite this, only one in five of schools and colleges are making the most of its potential. Our children, and all other learners, deserve a truly outstanding education and in the modern world this means we need all schools and learning providers to become effective and innovative users of technology."

"We don't want anyone to miss out so we are encouraging everyone to go on to the website and see just some of the differences that technology can make."

The Next Generation Learning website is a key part of the national campaign that aims to encourage schools, colleges and learning providers to consider how they can use technology to support teaching. In September Gordon Brown announced a key component in the campaign – a bid to ensure every learner in the UK has access to a computer and the internet at home through the Home Access programme. Further information on how families will be able to benefit is also on the website.

For more information go to the Next Generation Learning <http://www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk>  website.

 

From: -

Peter Munday, Programme Director Leadership and elearning
The Centre for Excellence in Leadership
Fourth Floor
47 Mark Lane
London
EC3R 7QQ

Email: Peter.Munday@centreforexcellence.org.uk

Details of WBL specific programmes and FE college/ACL targeted programmes...

• ConnecT <download pdf document>
• Leading Change Dividends  <download pdf document>
• Realise <download pdf document>
• WBL eXplorer <download pdf document>

• Further education students feel financial pressure
• Lack of conviction in prison education system
• Ofsted warns colleges of suprise inspections
• Picking up skills in bite-sized chunks
• Too many bosses fail to take advantage of Train to Gain
• Welcome to the University of…

• Two in three students need to take part-time jobs
• Report says sources of funding not clear

article by Peter Kingston...

More than a third of students in further education colleges think about dropping out because of lack of financial help, new research shows.

The debacle over payment of this year's education maintenance allowances (EMAs) has highlighted the relative financial disadvantage FE students endure compared to their higher education counterparts.

Without the system of loans and grants available in higher education, many FE students have no choice but to seek paid work.

Read the full article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/nov/06/further-education-funding. 

Service set up to overhaul learning behind bars 'failed in almost every respect', Commons committee says - article by Andrew Mourant

The prison education system is in disarray, according to a damning report by a group of MPs. The findings of the House of Commons public accounts committee (PAC) claim little has been done for inmates who struggle with basic numeracy and literacy. Often their needs are not assessed and any progress they do make goes unrecorded.

The Offenders' Learning and Skills Service (Olass), set up two years ago, was meant to change all that. "It has failed in almost every respect," says the PAC chairman, Edward Leigh. Run by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), its remit was to raise the quality of provision and offer "a single, integrated service for offenders in custody and the community". The PAC's report, Meeting Needs? The Offenders' Learning and Skills Service, concedes that because criminal justice system requirements take priority, and offenders often have mental health difficulties and dependence on alcohol or drugs, this can be a tall order. Yet the tale of Olass has been one of squabbling over objectives and confusion about priority targets for resources.

Read the full article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/nov/04/prisonsandprobation-furthereducation. 

Inspectors plan to spend more time with further education students - article by Peter Kingston.

Ofsted is considering springing surprise inspections on unsuspecting colleges.

In response to the further education sector's demands for increased powers of self-regulation, the inspectorate said today it is prepared to allow the best colleges a "lighter touch" scrutiny. But it is also considering descending on some institutions with no prior notice.

"In certain circumstances, we feel that there is a need for unannounced inspections, for example, where we have received a complaint or have been notified about a safeguarding issue," says a consultation document setting out Ofsted's proposals for a new FE inspection regime.

Read the full article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/nov/04/furthereducation-ofsted.

Learners will collect credits and build up tailor-made vocational qualifications - article by Anthea Lipsett

Ministers have approved a new system to allow learners in England to study in "bite-sized chunks" and build up accredited training tailored to their needs.

The new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) should simplify the way vocational qualifications are organised.

Read the full article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/nov/14/skills-vocational-training-framework. 

Too many bosses ignore training pleas
Money left unspent in government pot as employers fail to take advantage of Train to Gain -article by Peter Kingston

Train to Gain, the programme aimed at boosting workplace skills, is failing to attract enough employers with poor histories of training, the group it was designed to reach.

The government's scheme is working reasonably well for companies that have become involved and has improved business for some, Ofsted said.

But overall, the brokerage service set up to persuade employers to accept public money to get staff trained in the workplace remains "inadequate", the inspection body concluded.

Read the full article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/nov/07/train-gain-money. 

England's education cold spots jostle to get on the higher education map - article by Anthea Lipsett

HE coldspots: the applicants...

Accrington, Basildon, Basingstoke, Corby/Kettering, Crawley, Croydon, Doncaster, Dudley, Ebbsfleet, Halifax, Havering, Herefordshire, Kings Lynn, Milton Keynes, Rochdale, Rotherham, Sandwell, Scarborough, Shropshire, Somerset, Stratford, Island, Stockport, Swindon, Thurrock, Wakefield, Wallsend, Wirral

A total of 27 areas in England are interested in establishing new higher education (HE) centres, the universities secretary John Denham confirmed today (Thursday November 20 2008).

They are among the first places keen to take part in the government's "university challenge" initiative, launched in March.

Read the full article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/nov/20/new-university-towns.

The project has been developed to support teachers and educators in addressing their ever-increasing workloads by funding the provision of 750,000 USB memory sticks across the UK.

The memory sticks have a capacity of 2 GB and include free educational resources for teachers to utilise, through a user-friendly embedded interface that appears on screen immediately as the memory stick is plugged in. These free resources cover all major subject areas and include lesson plans and ideas, worksheets and much more.
There are many other benefits too:

• Teachers can save work to take home easily and efficiently.
• Free embedded Educational Resources
• A calendar that teachers can utilise and update.
• Education Directory
• Links to select websites
• Link to a supporting web channel with additional resources and downloads.
• Ongoing savings for schools as use of consumables drops dramatically.
• Reduced threat of theft as teachers no longer need to carry laptops.
• Environmental benefits of reduction in waste.
• Teachers can share resources easily with colleagues.

This initiative is provided completely free of all charges to schools and teachers. There is absolutely nothing to pay.

Register and/or find out more at http://www.memory4teachers.co.uk/teachers_registration.asp. 

 

Gemma Hammond, Communications Officer ICT & Learning Team at NIACE, tells us

The latest content theme on the Excellence Gateway 'Train to Gain' is now live! http://excellence.qia.org.uk/167596

Train to Gain was launched in August 2006 as the Government's flagship service to help employers of all sizes and in all sectors get the training advice and support they need to succeed. Over 88,000 employers have benefitted from the service, with over 450,000 learner starts and 186,720 employees achieving a Level 2 qualification.

The article looks at the issues that face training providers in delivering the Train to Gain programme under the following six sections:

• Train to Gain targets and performance
• What are people saying about Train to Gain?
• Supporting providers
• Demand-led programmes and employers
• Funding and contracting
• General information and links

Discussion forum
Train to Gain issues are covered in the work-based learning discussion forum on the Excellence Gateway http://excellence.qia.org.uk/community.aspx?community=49 Why not join the discussion forum and give your own input to the debate on Train to Gain?

To take a look at all the content themes visit: http://excellence.qia.org.uk/contentthemes

Gemma can be contacted at Tel: 0116 204 6432 Ext: 200

mailto:gemma.hammond@niace.org.uk

• No Articles this issue
  

• No articles this issue

Although we are encouraged by the number of viewers on our RSC TV Channel, it was felt that by making the content more supportive of 'staff development' these figures may improve. As a result, Colin Gallacher and John Dalziel have tried to build upon the success of their uNET workshops - using New & Emerging Technologies.

Their first offering can be seen on this month's TV offering or viewed on the new uNET Video Clips Website at http://www.rsc-northwest.ac.uk/acl/RSC_uNET/index.html.

• LLUK launches vocational practitioner database
• Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) approved for implementation
  

A database of vocational experts who want to 'pass on their skills' as a further education teacher, tutor or trainer has been launched by Lifelong Learning UK to help colleges and independent learning providers fill key learning delivery roles.

The Pass on Your Skills vocational practitioner database allows providers to search, free of charge, for professionals with technical or vocational backgrounds who want to start a new career in teaching. It links providers with individuals who have expertise in specific areas where corresponding skills shortages exist in the learning and skills sector.

Read the full article at http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7LJFSA. 

Following two years of tests and trials by QCA, the new QCF has been approved by the Department for Innovation Universities and Skills for implementation.

Learners will be able to study credit-based units of learning, building up a portfolio of accredited training which suits their individual needs under a new system approved today by Further Education Minister Sion Simon.

The new Qualifications and Credit Framework will enable people to gain qualifications at their own pace, from a number of sources, in a way that suits them - and to carry the modules with them if, for example, they change jobs. Employers will find it easier to find or develop employees with the skills they need for business success. By 2010 all key vocational qualifications will be approved by Sector Skills Councils and readily available to learners in small, credit-based units of learning.

Read the full article at http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7LDM97.

 

FiTES - I'm inviting you to Find, Try, Evaluate and Share.
You are the experts in your field of work, management, administration, practitioners etc., and you know what works for you! By sharing not only will you raise the awareness of your colleagues but you should also benefit from their submissions.

Share your resources by completing the form available at http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=p6ZzsRcFe4Rh71c9ArHs2OQ&email=true. or use the embedded form below...

 

• Add - Name

Beware of 'regular meetings'. They invite routine, and routine is the death of inspiration. Meetings are the most expensive management tool and should be used appropriately.

How about putting a large sign up in the meeting room of the cost per min for your team!

Take a look at my first attempt at using the online xtraNormal software...

Go to http://www.xtranormal.com/watch?s=9887.

RepairerTV is a unique web-based TV station for the repair industry, bringing viewers...

• the latest News,
• Bodyshop Business TV Programmes,
• Company Listings and
• Classifieds.

It's completely free to use, and if you subscribe they'll email you about all the latest industry programmes as they start to broadcast.

Take a look yourself at http://www.repairertv.com/.

PS Thanks to Colin Gallacher, eLearning Adviser (WBL) for this resource.

Living and Learning with New Media: Summary of Findings from the Digital Youth Project

Adults should facilitate young people’s engagement with digital media.

Contrary to adult perceptions, while hanging out online, youth (sic) are picking up basic social and technical skills they need to fully participate in contemporary society. Erecting barriers to participation deprives teens of access to these forms of learning. Participation in the digital age means more than being able to access serious online information and culture. Youth (sic) could benefit from educators being more open to forms of experimentation and social exploration that are generally not characteristic of educational institutions.

Find out more at http://digitalyouth.ischool.berkeley.edu/.

Or download the available publications...

• 2-page summary of the report
• Summary white paper

The November issue of the Spotlight science magazine is now available.

Written for Intute by science writer David Bradley, Spotlight contains topical science articles and news features.

This issue has articles on Antarctic and Arctic temperature rises, nanomachines, and asteroid belts.

View it at http://www.intute.ac.uk/sciences/spotlight/.

"An updated guide to assist with the planning of professional development is now available. 'A Guide to Support the Professional Development of Diploma Teachers' (2008) identifies and explains the specific areas of teaching in which practitioners can enhance their knowledge, skills and understanding for Diploma delivery."

Read the full article at http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7LBMEA. 

Go to the publication Download Page by clicking on the image below...

Listen to a good book

This site has a wide selection of books which have been recorded. The recordings are clear and good quality and they can be listened to without having to download them, or users can register on the site and get installments sent to them.

Listen to a book at bedtime ☺ at http://www.podiobooks.com/. 

Lisa Valentine, eLearning Adviser (Inclusion), has flagged this publication...

"A very different Policy Watch this week. In the light of continuing debate about how complicated the skills system is in England and what all the different bits are, Policy Watch has compiled a 'Who Does What Guide' in the English Skills System."

"In creating this, it uncovers...

• 4 planning and funding bodies;
• 4 regulatory/inspection agencies;
• 9 bodies representing or supporting providers;
• 10 support agencies;
• 12 strategic bodies;
• 16 separate support mechanisms"

"A simple explanatory paragraph is provided on each which hopefully does each justice. Unfortunately it runs to 20 pages but there is a diagram at the beginning."

"The Guide covers both 14 - 19 as well as post 19 components so could be used across the board"

Prepared by Steve Besley, Head of Policy, Edexcel.

Edexcel Policy Watch is a service intended to alert busy colleagues to national developments that might interest them.

Download the document by clicking the image below...

 

• evri
• Google Scholar
• keyboardr
• Let Me Google that for you!
• SearchCube
• See Also - Ocean Biogeographic Information system - under the Science section
• The Avalon Project - Documents in Law, History, and Diplomacy
• Wordie

Evri is a search engine that offers a service that has great potential for helping learners conduct research.

What Evri does, besides serving as a search engine, is show users the topics that are connected to their search term. For example when if you search for information about Adolf Hitler,  Evri provides results on one side of the page while on the other side of the page showing you a web of names and topics related to Adolf Hitler. See the screen shot below to see how Evri displays connections.

Try it out and/or take a closer look at http://www.evri.com/.

Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature.

From one place, users can search across many disciplines and sources:

• peer-reviewed papers,
• theses,
• books,
• abstracts and articles,

from...

• academic publishers,
• professional societies,
• preprint repositories,
• universities and
• other scholarly organizations.

Google Scholar helps users identify the most relevant research across the world of scholarly research.

Features of Google Scholar

* Search diverse sources from one convenient place
* Find papers, abstracts and citations
* Locate the complete paper through your library or on the web
* Learn about key papers in any area of research

How are articles ranked?

In their words...

"Google Scholar aims to sort articles the way researchers do, weighing the full text of each article, the author, the publication in which the article appears, and how often the piece has been cited in other scholarly literature. The most relevant results will always appear on the first page."

Try it out at http://scholar.google.co.uk/.

P.S. Take a look at the Tips-n-Tricks in this eMagazine

Keyboardr is an Internet search tool with predictive text that puts Google, Google Images, Wikipedia, and YouTube search all on one page.

As you type in a search term, results matching the letter or word you type appear.

One unique aspect of Keyboardr is that users can navigate the search results page and open links with a keyboard's arrow keys and the enter key.

Keyboardr could also be a useful search engine for learners who have trouble navigating a search engine with mouse.

Try it out at http://www.keyboardr.com/.

Note: Works in Firefox but apparently not in IE7.

Watch a short video at http://vimeo.com/2314480?pg=embed&sec=2314480. 

To Help Those Who Can't Even Try A Google Search.

I'm sure you must detected the sarcasm in the title of this item.

In fact the site 'Let Me Google That For You' is meant to be sarcastic; it's aimed at those who are too lazy to look for answers in Google and keep on bugging others with questions that could be easily answered by a simple Google search. So if there’s a colleague or learner who has been irritating you with simple questions, you could use this site which combines comedy with sarcasm while helping them.

Note: It can also be used to help learners who are new to computers.

For example...

• "What can you tell me about RSC Northwest?"
• Type RSC Northwest into the search box
• Click either button
• Copy either Web Address (in this example http://www.letmegooglethatforyou.com/?q=RSC+Northwest or http://tinyurl.com/6b9t22.

Go on try out either link to see what they get!

To produce your own go to http://www.letmegooglethatforyou.com/. 

Search Cube is a search engine that displays results as a cube of screen shots that can be enlarged for a preview before visiting each website returned by your search query.

The general concept is similar to that of Viewzi and Middle Spot. The difference between Search Cube and Viewzi or Middle Spot is in the format of display. Search Cube displays results as a cube that users can spin and rotate using the arrow keys on a keyboard.

Learners are often reluctant, when doing web research, to look beyond the first two or three pages of results. Search Cube could be one way to get learners to look at search engine results that they might otherwise avoid if those results were displayed in a list. By spinning the cube learners can quickly scan six pages of search results.

Take a look at http://www.search-cube.com/.

The Avalon Project, produced by Yale University, provides digital copies of hundreds of original documents from a myriad of topics.

Find out more by visiting http://avalon.law.yale.edu/default.asp.

The site appears to be very simple and very text based, but when you log in (you don't have to register but the site is far more useful if you do!) and start to dig around a bit there are some really useful features.

Wordie enables learners to create and share word lists, but it also does much more. Users can click through to a range of information sources related to the words, such as online dictionaries, Wikipedia, Thesaurus and even Amazon books related to the topic.

Perhaps more useful though, in spite of what it says under the logo, users can also get images related to their words. Users can make notes about each word and view notes from other users who have also included the same word in their word lists.

Try it out at http://wordie.org/.

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be use in Art...

• artPad
• Online Sketch Pad
  
• Picasso

Art Pad is a blank canvas drawing utility.

Art Pad allow users to select from a variety of drawing tools and painting tools. Art Pad has a neat playback feature that shows you the steps you took in creating your images. Art Pad allows users to share their drawings via email or in a public gallery.

Try it out at http://artpad.art.com/artpad/painter/.

PS Thought about capturing the animation using CamStudio?

Sketch Pad is a blank paper drawing utilities. Sketch Pad allow users to select from a wide variety of drawing tools and painting tools. Sketch Pad allow you to share your drawings via email or in a public gallery.

Take a look at http://www.onlinesketchpad.com/.

Picasso Animated

A short (52 seconds) video that puts Picasso's artwork in a slightly different perspective.

Although I've added this under Art, as it could be useful for introducing students to Picasso's work, it could also be used by a media arts/ video editing practitioners as a demonstration of transitions and movement with still images. Please draw this to their attention if you think they could use it.

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be use in Business Courses...

• JA Titan: Multimedia Business Simulation
  

Set in the year 2035, JA Titan creates a world in which players are CEOs of their own companies.

Originally conceived in the 1980s as the Management and Economic Simulation Exercise, or MESE, JA Titan is a widely recognized business simulation for learners.

During game play, learners must run a manufacturing company and master six key business decisions:

• price of product,
• production levels,
• marketing expenses,
• research and development costs,
• capital investment level, and
• charitable giving.

Various corporate assistants “help” the player through each phase, or “quarter,” of game play.

Find out more by visiting http://titan.ja.org/.

The level of the language is quite high, but the audio is backed up with text bubbles and for Business English Learners it should be vocabulary rich and challenging, but not beyond them.

Learners do need to register and will need to submit an email address, but it is free, doesn't require any downloads or software, will run in most browsers.

It was built for educational purposes, so it should be pretty safe for younger learners too.

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be use in Catering...

• Cookstr 

 

A Recipe Search Engine
Cookstr has a collection of recipes from great chefs and cookbook authors.

Find a recipe for a favorite dish, or discover something you've never made before at http://www.cookstr.com/.

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be use in Design...

• Famous Logos
• Photoshop Interface rendered in real-world objects
  

In their own words

"Famous Logos is a website solely dedicated to offer you reviews, information and suggestions about logos and logo design companies. Famous Logos is a comprehensive website which enables you to understand a logo design of a company in a logical way."

This may well be a worthwhile resource for designers.

As I've been told by many designers, the creation of a corporate logo involves a tantalizing amount of work. A good logo is devised to become a mind trigger for generations, and to elicit ready association not only with a name but also with a whole approach and business philosophy.

This website will enable users to have a better understanding of the majority of logos that have gone down in the history of marketing as revolutionary pieces of work.

The main page includes both a search tool and a list of famous logos. A potential resource for those who want to know what goes into creating a successful logo.

Find out more at http://www.famouslogos.org/.

 

No apologies, I have added this because it encapsulates 'where I started from!' Editor

This "real world" Photoshop window, made with actual objects, seems to have been made as an Adobe PhotoShop ad to remind us of all the tools we had to use back in time ~~~~~~~.

Current learners may enjoy looking at this 'little bit of history' and at the Flickr photoset showing how they put it all together.

See for yourself at http://www.flickr.com/photos/18697966@N00/sets/72157608377333404/detail/.

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be use in Economics...

• BIE: Problem based Economics
  

 

Problem based learning activities. The activities and lesson plans are available for free as PDF files or you can purchase a bound copy of the lessons with an accompanying video.

More details at http://www.bie.org/index.php/site/PBE/pbe_units_overview/.

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be use in Engineering...

• No resources this issue
  

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be use in English Language - Literature Teaching & Learning...

• eTextReader
• One Stop English
• Shmoop
• Write or Die
• See TEFL clips under the Languages section.
  

As I hope most of you know, Project Gutenberg is a voluntary organization that digitizes, archives and distributes books which are mostly in the public domain. Founded in 1971, it is the oldest digital library with a collection of over 25,000 free books and a grand total of 100,000 books at Project Gutenberg Partners, Affiliates and Resources.

The main problem, NO the only problem with Project Gutenberg, apart from the fact that users have to read it off a monitor, is the format with which Gutenberg distributes the books. They are available in a single ridiculously long text file with an unsuitable font that makes reading an extremely painful activity. Then I found a excellent program called eTextReader.

eTextReader is a program that automatically splits the plain text Project Gutenberg files into pages and displays it in a 2-page book layout.

The program can open

• Text files,
• HTML,
• RTF,
• Palm DOC,
• OpenOffice/StarOffice SXW,
• simple XML,
• MS Word DOC files, also directly from within zip archives.

Multiple files/books can be opened and joined.

The look and format of the page is customizable (and therefore more accessable)- you can change...

• the fonts,
• sizes,
• colour,
• page margin etc.

You can...

• bookmark up to three pages to return back later,
• create a table of contents,
• add annotations etc.
• customize each book separately; the customizations are stored in individual .INI files.

There are a handful of keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation like, the arrow keys to move forward and backward by a single page, PageUp and PageDown to move forward or backward by 10 pages. The spacebar moves forward 2 pages at a time and gives the impression of a page turn.

eTextReader prevents accidental editing of the file because the viewer is read only. However, if you need to edit a file, there is a File Editor.

This application is highly recommend to those who frequently read Project Gutenberg books.

Download Tom's eText Reader at http://www.fellnersoft.at/eTR.htm.

and/or go to the Gutenberg project at http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page.

Over 6,500 resources, including...

• lesson plans,
• worksheets,
• audio,
• video and
• flashcards,

...onestopenglish is, they tell us, the world's number one resource site for English language teachers.

See if you agree at http://www.onestopenglish.com/.

Shmoop gives users (practitioners and/or learners) immediate access to materials and study guides.

The main page includes an alphabetical index of books. Some authors featured include...

• William Shakespeare,
• Joseph Conrad and
• James Joyce,

...along with classic Greek writers such as...

• Sophocles and
• Homer.

Upon choosing a specific tome, a comprehensive study guide is produced.

This touches upon aspects like "Summary", "Characters", "Plot Analysis" and "Themes & Quotes".

Moreover, users can take part of ongoing discussions about the chosen title by following the provided link. Finally, a tag cloud that highlights terms of note as regards that book is also included for browsing convenience.

 

In their words...

"Shmoop wants to help you become a better lover of literature. See many sides to the argument. Find your writing groove. Understand how literature is relevant today. We want to show your brain a good time."

Find out more at http://www.shmoop.com/literature/. 

 

Developing writing skills are a very important part of learning a language.

When you write something it's very important to ensure that there are no mistakes before you let anyone read it. In the planning and drafting stages though it can be much more important to get your ideas down on paper first and not to worry about accuracy.

An activity for learners, that focuses on the drafting stage of the writing process, uses a website from Dr Wicked called 'Write or Die'.

The idea of the website is that users must keep writing. If they stop and pause too long their screen will go red and the words you have written will start to disappear until you start writing again.

This should force learners to write more quickly and become a fluent writer. Learners will be able to correct their errors afterwards once they have their basic text.

• Choose a subject
• Think of key points for inclusion.
• Go to: http://lab.drwicked.com/writeordie.html
• Set the 'Word Goal' to 300; if this is too difficult lower the word goal to 200 or 150 (If using it with Functional Skills learners then choose an appropriate number of words.
• Set the 'Grace Period' to 'Evil' and
• Set the mode to 'Kamikaze'. There's no need to enter a time.
• Click on 'Write!' You will see a field for your text.
• Click in the field and start to write about the subject as quickly as you can.
  The word count will appear in the bottom right hand corner.

Note:

1. As long as learners keep writing the screen will stay white, but if they stop it will go red. If they stop for too long, their words will start to disappear and they will have to write them again.
2. Once learners reach their word goal, they need to click on the button that says 'Done'. They can then copy their text and start looking at and correcting the errors.

A Challenge which could be fun. Take a closer look at http://lab.drwicked.com/writeordie.html

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be use in Family Learning...

• Sid the Science Kid

Have you heard about Sid the Science Kid?

This new series aims to promote scientific thinking (with some math included) for pre-school and primary children.  The show has investigations into everyday things that kids observe (one upcoming episode is about how Sid thinks his shoes are “shrinking” and what he finds out), and a snappy song to explain the concepts explored. In addition, there is a section of activities for kids to explore online which are really engaging and teach important basic concepts of science.  Wow!

Try it out at http://pbskids.org/sid/.

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be use in Creative Writing...

• See Write or Die under the English Language - Literature Section.
  

Overview of Resources, in this month's eMagazine, that could be used in a number of curriculum areas...

• All National Anthems

AllNationalAnthems is a Yahoo Maps and YouTube mashup website where you can find and hear anthem for any country in the world. 

You can simply search by country name or locate  the country on the map. Each country has dedicated page with a YouTube video and information on the anthem.

Find an Anthem at http://www.allnationalanthems.com/.

Overview of Geography Resources included in this eMagazine...

• Show/World

SHOW/WORLD, bills itself as “a new way to look at the world.” 

The premise is simple; you select a topic, such as population or CO2 emissions, and the traditional map transforms into a new map based on the data for that topic.  For example, China appears larger on the population map, as it represents 19 percent of the world’s total population.  The United States looks enormous on the armed forces spending map, as it accounts for 45 percent of what the world invests in the military. 

Topics range from education to energy, technology to tourism, and many other points in between.

In addition to maps that are re-sized in relation to a given topic, SHOW/WORLD provides percentages and overall rankings for individual countries compared to the rest of the world.  There is also a space for recommended reading, as well as a comments section. 

SHOW/WORLD is a great resource for geography practitioners searching for new variations on the same old map of the world.

Find out for yourself at http://show.mappingworlds.com/.

Overview of Genealogy - History Resources included in this eMagazine...

• See the Media Section for... - Spiegel Online - for Historic images and The Europa Film Treasures for film archive.
• Google Life Photo Archive
  

Google Brings Massive LIFE Photo Archive to The Web

Google is bringing the massive LIFE photo archive online. 2 million photos are already uploaded, and another 8 million will be coming online soon.

The current archive moves from The American Civil War to present, and it includes a large number of photos never seen before. All of these images will be added to Google Image Search, but if you want to peruse the collection, you can simply access it by visiting http://images.google.com/hosted/life. 

Overview of Geography Resources included in this eMagazine...

• English Raven: ESOL Resources
• Free ESL Flashcards
• JigSaw: Mouse control practice
• JigsawPlanet
• See TEFL clips under the Languages section.

English Raven has a variety of tips and templates to help practitioners with...

• general session planning,
• daily lesson planning,
• basic syllabus design,
• positive reinforcement and
• informal assessment measures,

...as well as making formalized EFL/ESL listening tests.

Take a look at http://www.englishraven.com/main.html.

So many uses but produced to support ESL/ESOL/EFL etc.

Flashcard sets come in color and 3 different sizes...

• Big set - great for vocabulary presentation,
• Medium set - good for teaching small groups of learners and playing language learning games.
• Small set - great for Language games.

Flashcards can be used for teaching Key Skills, English, Spanish, Chinese or whatever language learners are studying.

They're all FREE! Currently there are 968 images.

Take a look at http://www.eslflashcards.com/.

JigsawBreak is a little online application for jigsaw puzzle fans.

Users can search for images on Google and Flickr and then quickly convert them into jigsaw puzzles.  

The goal is to solve any N x N jigsaw in N2 Moves.  However it can be used for learners to practice mouse control.

Try it out at http://www.jigsawbreak.com/.

On this web site you can:

* Create your own puzzles.
* Play your own and common puzzles.
* Send puzzles to friends.
* Put created puzzles on your web pages.

Your puzzles will not be visible to other visitors (except a receiver of a puzzle sent via Send). This service is free.

The image could be a task that is only revealed upon completion of the jigsaw. Or for feedback.

Take a closer look at http://www.jigsawplanet.com/.

PS Thanks to Chrissie Turkington (Senior eLearning | Learning Resources Adviser) for this resource.

Overview of Language Resources included in this eMagazine...

• TEFL clips
  

TeflClips has a collection of lesson plans for using YouTube video clips to teach English.

The creator of the site, Jamie Keddie, includes step by step procedure instructions as well as downloadable materials for use in classes.

There are currently 28 lesson plans on the site, with a new one being added every week, and these vary from focusing on specific grammar points to dealing with different themes or skills.

There's also a link to a clips resource page (http://www.teflclips.com/?page_id=6) which has a lot of useful clips if you want to create your own lessons.

This is a really useful site for EFL/ESOL/ESL/Functional (Key) Skills teachers looking for ready made lesson plans or some inspiration or good ideas on how to create their own.

Check it out at http://www.teflclips.com/.

Overview of Mathematics Resources included in this eMagazine...

• An Introduction to Calculus from Princeton
• Crabby Graphs
• Egyptian Mathematics
  

Princeton University's Introduction to Calculus. The course offers 24 two hour lectures designed to accompany the book The Calculus Lifesaver. Each lecture was recorded in MAT 103 and MAT 104 during the 2006/2007 academic year.

While students aren't actually taking Princeton's course, the online lectures are a great resource for practitioners of high achieving mathematics learners. The online lectures could be used as the backbone for an independent study opportunity.

Take a closer look at http://press.princeton.edu/video/banner/.

CrappyGraphs is website that provides you with an easy way to create sketchy graphs and share them online.

Using CrappyGraphs you can create...

• simple line graphs and
• 2/3 circle Venn diagrams.

You can...

• easily annotate them by adding text,
• select and drag particular items on diagram around,
• draw straight lines and apply different brush colors.

Once you diagram is ready you can share it by forwarding the URL via email.

Try it out for yourself at http://crappygraphs.com/user_graphs/makecrap.php. 

Ancient Egyptian Math is a web quest developed for use with pre-GCSE Learners.

The activity includes a little history as well as math.

Find out more at http://www.flushing.k12.mi.us/fjh/brust/egyptmath.html.

Overview of Media Resources included in this eMagazine...

• Europa Film Treasures
• Spiegel Online: Photo Gallery

Film clips from 1895 to the present day; search by ...

• Film Archive (28 Named Archives; at time of going to print)
• Time Period (Currently 6 time periods)
• Country of Origin (21 Countries pus clips of unknown origin)
• Genre (10 Genres listed)
• Element (6 Listed e.g. Black & White, Colour, Hand-Coloured etc.)
• Sound (3 Listed - silent - sound - silent with soundtrack)
• Title, Director or Actor

This resource is in its early stages and promises much more as it develops, including Teaching Resources.

Take a closer look at http://www.europafilmtreasures.eu/. 

View the...

• World of Trench Warfare in Colour at http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-37025.html and
• Images from the World War I Battlefields at http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-37026.html. 

Overview of Science Resources included in this eMagazine...

• Medting (Medical Exchange)
  
• Ocean Biogeographic Information system
• Wild Classroom

I feel well out of my depth here , with content in particular, but I'm sure practitioners and/or learners will find the idea behind this platform engaging.

MEDTING is a clinical web portal that provides a platform for exchanging clinical cases, images, and videos.

Physicians can post clinical cases with associated images or videos for discussion among colleagues. In addition, independent images or videos can be sent to the Atlas space for others to review. Other members of the community can then vote and write comments on the cases and images posted.

We are told that...

• To benefit the healthcare community, MEDTING will promot the following ideas and concepts:

  • Promot communication and telemedicine through the exchange of information and collaboration

  • By using MEDTING, doctors can share their cases, opinions and comments at an user-friendly platform with their colleagues with no boundaries across nations and continents.

  • Facilitate eResearch and education by providing a tool that can store images and videos

  • Help families understand better about medical cases by providing information

Take a look for yourself at http://medting.com/.

The Ocean Biogeographic Information System provides geographic context for the distribution of marine life throughout the world.

Users can search for the distribution marine species by using a traditional search line or by searching via a Google Map on the OBIS homepage.

Using the Google Maps search, users place a small red box anywhere on the map (Zoom in and double-click) and OBIS will reveal all documented marine species in the area.

OBIS could be a valuable resource for both practitioners and learners. The search results are published with each specie's Latin name and common name.

Find out more, and/or try it out at http://www.iobis.org/OBISWEB/OBIS.jsp.

Note: data can take some time to appear! 

The Wild Classroom provides a collection of podcasts and videos for science classrooms. One aspect of The Wild Classroom, worth a closer look, is the Biomes of the World Map that allows learners to explore a map and watch informational videos about each biome.

An informative place for learners to explore biology concepts.

Take a closer look at http://www.thewildclassroom.com/.

The PDF file format is often used to create documents that are read-only, for instance, ebooks, an announcement etc. The purpose is to prevent the user from editing the document, either intentionally or accidentally. Usually, a PDF viewer does not have any editing tools, which makes the PDF file format the "safest" document format.

PDF-XChange Viewer is one such PDF viewer with one useful addition. It allows you to add comments and annotations in the form of sticky notes to the pages of a PDF file.

With PDF-XChange Viewer you can...

• add some comments or notes to certain pages of a PDF file for future reference.
• Add the comments at any position on the page and they appear as a small talk-bubble with a sticky note. The sticky note can be closed or opened as required, and the position of the sticky note on the page is shown by the talk bubble. The actual position where the sticky note will pop-up when the page is opened can be anywhere on the page and can be adjusted by dragging the note to a suitable location, for instance, the side of the page so that it doesn't obstruct the text.

Annotated PDF files can then be saved in the PDF format, and can be viewed with the sticky notes intact in any PDF viewer.

Apart from this handy annotating feature, PDF-XChange Viewer is actually a very good PDF viewer. It's opens fast and loads very large PDF files very quickly. Even pages with high image content scroll very smoothly.

The big plus is that PDF-XChange Viewer is available both as an installable application and a portable application. The portable version is significantly smaller and lighter than the "normal" version. I recommend you use the portable one.

Download the application at http://www.docu-track.com/home/prod_user/PDF-XChange_Tools/pdfx_viewer. (The portable version is near the bottom) 

ConvertMyTube allows users to convert online YouTube videos direct to PC, iPod, iPhone, PSP and Mobile.

A simple yet effective tool that can be used freely.

In general terms, all users have to do is cut and paste the corresponding YouTube URL into the provided box and hit the “Convert & Download” button. It is really as easy as that.

Note: The one aspect that can be modified is actually the one that should not be bypassed, namely the file extension. It enables users to convert the YouTube file so it's viewable in different setups (like PCs and Macs) and devices (like iPods and iPhones). 

It also allows practitioners to download videos for use withing their teaching when their organisation blocks access to YouTube.

Try it out at http://www.convertmytube.com/.

An online diagram drawing tool that lets you draw diagrams, floor layouts, network layouts, furniture layouts and many other stuff that require diagramming and planning. The process is straightforward just go to the website, register then select what you want to do and start drawing.

The application has multifunctional editor with a drag and drop interface, you can easily insert images into your diagrams, import and edit existing diagrams ( only .mmd/.fmd format), use it in offline mode and much more… . Once diagram is complete you can easily save it on to your computer.

Feature overview:

• Draw Diagrams & Layouts Online
• Add basic shapes, arrows, callouts, text and images.
• Create Network layouts using  ( Server, firewall, PC, printer wireless device, and etc… ) image shapes.
• Create diagrams using image shapes for Mac and Win UI controls.
• Create  work flow diagrams using  ( Quality control, legal, shipping and etc…) image icons.
• Create house room plan using  T & L shaped rooms, doors, windows, staircases and etc… .
• Create office layout plan using ( L shaped desks, chairs ,  monitors, printer  and etc… ) image figures.
• Create  kitchen and bath layout plan using ( Sinks, baths, washing machine and etc… ) image figures.
• Create room furniture layout plan using ( Tables, couches, beds, TV And etc…) image figures.
• Create  electrical and electronic diagrams.
• Import and edit existing diagrams ( only .mmd/.fmd format ).
• Offline mode available
• Save diagrams on to your PC.

Try it out at http://draw.labs.autodesk.com/ADDraw/draw.html.

It can be scary when software 'upgrades' - I can visualize all the nods from those having to use Office 2007 for the first time!

But why would anyone switch to a new word processor?

"I have been using Microsoft's Word so long, it is 'embedded' and used without much thought."

So what has Jarte (jär · 'tay) to offer...

• Many learners buy PCs, Laptops etc that has little in the way of software and Jarte is a free word processor that runs on the stable Windows WordPad engine;
• Some learners don't have their own PC', Laptops, and Jarte can be carried with them on a memory stick, to use on any computer they can use; (Yes I know some learning providers block the use of USB ports and/or exe files)
• Jarte provides a clean, minimalist interface and getting the stuff most learners don’t need out of the way; that is, unless they are doing an ICT qualification. Note: Jarte is not a bare-bones program, though.
• Jarte still has all the features learners actually need, like spell checking and text formatting — they’re just easier to find. That means learners won’t have to scrounge through a dozen menus of tables, headers, footers, and yes, mail merges and macros, when they only want to change a font.
• Jarte also has some 'juicy extras'

On my work laptop (Windows XP; Office 2007), the one piece of software that takes forever to load, hogs big chunks of the computing memory by providing me with features I don’t use that often, is Microsoft Word. For me, Jarte is portable, quick to load, has tabbed documents, allows export to pdf and html and, an even bigger plus, it has a snippy-like screen capture tool built in! WOW!

Find out more and/or try it out at http://www.jarte.com/.

Vocaroo is a free service that allows users to create audio recordings without the need to install any software.

All that is needed is a microphone. I use the microphone built into my Dell Laptop to make recordings.

What I like about Vocaroo is...

• the ability to record without installing software
• the option to embed the recording anywhere. Vocaroo gives you the choice to publish it or to scrap it and try again.
• the ability to download the recording

Vocaroo is an easy, free service that practitioners and learners can use to create audio recordings for use in...

• slide shows
• blogs
• websites
• (e)Portfolios.
• audio recordings into Google Earth place marks etc.

To adjust microphone settings before recording right click the button.

Try it out at http://vocaroo.com/.

Or listen to an example at http://m1.vocaroo.com/downloadtemp/Vocaroo_vHqCuAZjcWLWT7l6r.wav. 

This page hopefully will demonstrate how Yahoo Media Player can be embedded within eXe...

(Click the play button next to each of the following) 

• Humphrey Bogart
• Marlon Brando
• James Cagney
• Bette Davis
• Robert De Niro
• Clint Eastwood

...and enhance learning resources.

OR Look on the left edge of your screen and you will see a 'tab' which, when clicked, opens the player; try the different features.

Find out how to do this yourself by visiting http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/.

As you probably know, Office 2007 groups related commands on a new interface object known as the Ribbon.

While this is convenient most of the time, it means that commands aren’t always available. Sometimes users have to switch between Ribbon tabs to access a command. Switching from one tab to another isn’t a big deal, but if you do it a lot, it can become a nuisance. Fortunately, it’s a nuisance you can avoid.

If users add a command to the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT), it will always be available, regardless of the current tab. It is advisable to be discriminating about what you place on the QAT, because it can fill up in a hurry. Good candidates to add, include those commands you have to search for when you need them:

To quickly add an item to the QAT, find it on the Ribbon, right-click it, and choose Add To Quick Access Toolbar. To quickly remove an item from the QAT, right-click it and choose Remove From Quick Access Toolbar. To add an item that’s not on the Ribbon, do the following:

• From the QAT’s drop-down list - Choose More Commands
  
  
  
  to display the Word Options dialog box.
  
  
• From the Choose Commands From control, choose a Commands Not currently In The Ribbon, as shown above, to update the list of items.
• Click the Add button to add the Command to the QAT
  
  
  The Selected Command will then appear on the QAT
  
  
• Repeat until all the required commands appear on the QAT e.g.
  
  • Select the command you want to add to the QAT.
  • Click Add to move the item to the Customize Quick Access Toolbar list. You can add many items at one time.
• When you’re finished, click OK.
  

It’s very much up to you to decide what items end up on your QAT. There are however several that you’ll probably want to add as soon as you upgrade to Office 2007. For example...

• Word: New, Open, Save, Quick Print, Print Preview, Spelling & Grammar
• Excel: Open, Save, Quick Print
  
• Access: Open, Print Preview
  
• PowerPoint: Open, Save, Spelling & Grammar

• If you ever find an interesting academic paper in Google Scholar's search results:
  

• ...and when you click on the result, the page says that you need a subscription:
  

• ... go back and click on "All n versions", below the search snippet (where in this example n=6), to find other versions of the paper from Google Scholar.
  
  If you're lucky, you'll find the paper in the HTML, PDF or PostScript format.
  

Tip:to find a link to the full version of an academic paper in Google Scholar, look for the green arrow Tip: .

Hi John,

Thank you so much for yesterday (Tools-4-All Workshop), I am finally getting the message about technology (not bad for a technophobe), Anyway I got so excited last night I couldn't sleep thinking of ways to make teaching more dynamic and interactive.

So here I am this morning briefing my tutors on the event and armed with my memory stick inserted it into a staff apple Mac thing and we couldn't install snippy... ...So being disappointed I thought I would email straight away for your advice...

Anyway I would be grateful if you could possibly let me know if snippy... ...can be installed or brief instruction on what I have done wrong. (It asked the question - what application?)...

Karen D

Sorry Keren, I propably didn't make it clear that Snippy is software for use on a Microsoft Operation platform not the Mac.

However... 

The Macintosh operating system has always made it easy to capture a screen shot (an image of your computer desktop or an active window). Here's a summary of all the methods you can use to capture your screen using Mac OS X.

Here's How:

1. To capture the entire desktop, press Command-Shift-3. The screen shot will be automatically saved as a file on your desktop.
2. To copy the entire desktop, press Command-Control-Shift-3. The screen shot will be placed on your clipboard for you to paste into another program.
3. To capture a portion of the desktop, press Command-Shift-4. A cross-hair cursor will appear and you can click and drag to select the area you wish to capture. When you release the mouse button, the screen shot will be automatically saved as a PNG file on your desktop. (The file is saved as PDF in Mac OS 10.3 and earlier.)
4. To capture a specific application window, press Command-Shift-4, then press the Spacebar. The cursor will change to a camera, and you can move it around the screen. As you move the cursor over an application window, the window will be highlighted. The entire window does not need to be visible for you to capture it. When you have the cursor over a window you want to capture, just click the mouse button and the screen shot will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop. (The file is saved as PDF in Mac OS 10.3 and earlier.)

Note: Add Control to shortcuts 3 & 4 above, to place the screen shot on the clipboard instead of saving it to the desktop.

Every time a new version of Office is released, new updated file formats are released as well. Older versions of Office have a difficult time reading and editing these new files formats.

Here is how to do it.

It's a painful time for learning providers, practitioners and learners every time somebody updates to the latest version of Word.

Before long, nobody understands why they can't open up these new types of documents. What is the Open XML File Format anyway?

This new file format was included as the default file type in the latest versions of Office for windows and macs. This file format can contains all the default office documents including presentations, spreadsheets, charts, and documents.

So how can you open these new files in your older version of Office?

Here are the updates needed on your apple or windows machine:

• Open XML File Format Converter for Mac 1.0.1 downloadable from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2a8d9a3b-b8a4-43b6-82a6-a2e7d16ae11d&displaylang=en.

• Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats downloadable from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941B3470-3AE9-4AEE-8F43-C6BB74CD1466&displaylang=en.

Installing these respective updates will allow your older versions of the Office suite to read these new file formats.

I want to add a watermark to my Excel 2007 Spreadsheets, can you help?

Excel 2007 has no explicit command that you can use to create a watermark. However, there is a way to simulate a watermark using some of the commands on the Header & Footer Design Ribbon. For example, say you would like to mark all pages of a printed worksheet with an image.

Follow these steps:

Click anywhere in the worksheet.

Click the Insert tab

Click Header & Footer in the Text group.

Under Header, click in the Center section

Click the Picture Icon,

navigate to the file containing the picture

click Insert

Click Format Picture in the Header & Footer group.

Click the Picture tab and then click the Color drop-down list.

select Washout from the Color drop-down list.

Click OK.

Excel will include the watermark on all printed pages of the worksheet

Monthly viewing figures

The data below is cumulative, highlighting, from the initial tracking our TV viewers on 1st September 2007, their global distribution.