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From the Kent education blog, I found out about these Flash- based engaging maths ITPs, developed by Coventry LA. They include activities in money, bingo, shape and space and many more. I found that they work best when saved to your pc, then opened.

As part of a course I was running last night, I had cause to revisit Picasa, Google’s free image manipulation software, and I must say that it was well worth revisiting. I had forgotten how powerful it is. A particular favourite is the ‘collage’ facility, which enable you to take a number of images and display them in a number of  interesting ways. So - just a reminder - if you haven’t used Picasa for a while, or you have never used it and are in need of some imaging software, have a go! You can download the software from http://picasa.google.com

Another freebie, this time for bloggers or website developers.

Encyclopaedia Britannica Webshare is a special program for web publishers, including bloggers, webmasters, and anyone who writes for the Internet. You get complimentary access to the Encyclopaedia Britannica online and, if you like, an easy way to give your readers background of the topics you write about with links to complete Britannica articles.

A new video conferencing programme for schools run by Parliament’s Education Service

As part of a new video conferencing programme offered by the Education Service at the Houses of Parliament, these pilot sessions focus on the issue of Prison Reform in order to bring to life the role of Parliament, both historically and in the present time.  The conferences include the opportunity to talk with a member of the House of Commons or House of Lords

Set amidst the backdrop of Victorian prison reform, the session is based in 1878 as the government takes control of the prison system.  Your students will meet a Victorian prison governor and a long-time prisoner as they talk about their experiences of life in Pentonville Prison.

During the workshop, your group are encouraged to engage with both characters, played by costumed actors, and to ask questions before being led into a debate on the issues surrounding the prison system and its purpose.

Students will explore what prison is for and whether it works from both historical and contemporary angles; developments in the prison system and the role played by Parliament in its reform; as well as the future of prisons today.

A member of the House of Commons or House of Lords will be invited to conclude the workshop and discuss the role of Parliament in relation to this issue*.

A pack of preparation materials will be sent to you in advance of the session, including background information and discussion topics, to help your students prepare their arguments in advance of debating the issues involved.

To book, please call the Education Service on 0207 219 2105

Available: 12 May – 23 May 2008
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: free of charge
Suitability: Years 8 and 9 (KS3)

*Please be aware that on occasion due to the nature of Parliamentary business, Members of both Houses can be called away at short notice.

Parliament’s Education Service
Parliament’s Education Service works with schools and Members of both Houses of Parliament to support young people in developing their understanding of Parliament and democracy. It runs a busy visits programme all year round and provides printed and online resources for schools.
http://www.parliament.uk/education

I’ve become increasingly aware recently that people don’t know/ have forgotten about the rich source of ‘free’ music available from the National Education Network (via WMNet) at http://audio.lgfl.org.uk . You have to access this from a school computer - which is verified automatically, and then you have access to over 6000 recordings from known and unknown artists. Also just heard, via NAACEtalk, of another source of free sound effects at http://www.soundsnap.com/, which looks really useful and can be accessed from any computer.

At the digital video course the other day, one of the participants was telling us how she had used digital blue cameras to record her children presenting their own weather forecasts, which they had researched and created. All agreed that this was a really great idea, so when I read about the Met Office’s Interactive Weather Presenting kit on the fantastic Ictopus site, I felt I had to pass it on.
The kit consists of a CD ROM with PowerPoint slides, sets of weather symbols, links to current weather data and an image bank, to which students can add. It is aimed at key stages 2-4. It looks to be a really useful resource - and, of course, you could film it!
The website warns that stocks are currently running low, but new stock is expected and will be delivered when available. All you need to do is complete the online form and the CD will be delivered (to UK addresses) free.

Dear Steve,

Today, we’ve launched a new collection of free online whiteboard resources.  They are from our Absorb courseware, and offer a wide range of simulations, animations and models across secondary school science, D&T and mathematics.

You’ll find these resources at www.yenka.com/freecontent/

Teachers in your LEA can use them in schools and at home, and there’s no need to register - just search or browse for the content you want.

This consultation seeks views on the proposed Home Access programme that aims to ensure that every family with 5-19 year old learners in England has access to learning where and when they need it through access to ICT resources and support at home.

Please consider responding at:

www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/conDocument.cfm?consultationId=1522

Closing date is Wednesday 2 April 08

JANET Collaborate is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for teachers and lecturers looking for opportunities to work collaboratively, especially using videoconferencing.

The website is free to join and use. Members can search through the catalogue of Opportunities to collaborate:

• with museums, galleries, archives and other content providers
• with other teachers in schools in the UK and further afield

The site is arranged in three main sections: Find, Share and Organise.

Read the rest of this entry »

Andrea, Keith and I were impressed by the following resources and are now going through the purchasing arrangements for all Shropshire schools, our hope is to have these within the new learning platform.

e-Safety - Us Online (KS2-3) www.roareducate.co.uk/esafety.pdf
A highly interactive online module that instils safe and responsible use of online technologies. Developed in conjunction with London Grid for Learning.

RE*CREATE www.roareducate.co.uk/recreate.pdf
An online application that empowers teachers to create highly engaging interactive student activities - simply and quickly. The application can be integrated into school or LA platforms and is appropriate across the curriculum for Key Stages 1-4

Celebrating Us - What We Do (KS2-3) www.roareducate.co.uk/whatwedo23.pdf
A highly interactive look at Rights, Roles & Responsibilities. Developed in conjunction with London Grid for Learning.

Celebrating Us - Who We Are (KS1) www.roareducate.co.uk/whoweare1.pdf
A highly interactive look at cultural diversity, stereotyping in the media, personal prejudice and migration. Developed in conjunction with London Grid for Learning.

Celebrating Us - Who We Are (KS2-3) www.roareducate.co.uk/whoweare23.pdf
A highly interactive look at cultural diversity, stereotyping in the media, personal prejudice and migration. Developed in conjunction with London Grid for Learning.