Virtual
Teacher Newsletter No. 50 May 24th 2002 – ALONG TIME AGO
THE
FREE ONLINE FORTNIGHTLY IT TEACHERS' NEWSLETTER
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Newsletter
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CONTENTS
1.
Welcome
2.
Mind Candy
3.
WWWinfo Currency converter
4.
New Printables - Biographies and
Autobiographies
5.
Technical Stuff – Edsoft,, Mac and Seminars
6.
Web Site Focus – Storm Chaser
7.
Biographies and Autobiographies
8.
Great Sites
9. Readers' Requests/Comments
10
Next Issue
11.
Code of 'Netizens'
12.
Tips
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1.
WELCOME EVERYONE. A long time ago in a galaxy far far
away
– all the computers worked all of the time. In fact I am yet
to
see a Star Wars movie or an episode of Star Trek where a
crashed
computer causes a problem at all. SOOOO I expect that
in
the future computer problems will all be solved. BUT for the
moment
it seems that just as you are about to give the demonstration
to
BEAT all demonstrations, a computer problem, crash, outage,
connection
failure, printer/scanner malfunction or misplaced power
supply
brings you unstuck. BUT WAIT you
all say – this is GREAT,
this
is FANTASTIC, because THEN you can teach everyone tooooo…
TROUBLESHOOT
- a most neglected area of
computer education.
JUST
DO IT, the trouble shooting demonstration was the one
you
planned anyway – right.
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2.
MIND CANDY
From:
Michael Wolf
You
know what seems odd to me? Numbers that aren't divisible by two."
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"It's
so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid
to
say and then don't say it." --Sam
Levenson
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"It's
not me who can't keep a secret it's the people I tell
that
can't." --Abraham Lincoln
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"I've
had people ask me if I were shipwrecked on a deserted
island,
and could only have one book, what would it be? I
always
say 'How to Build a Boat.'"
--Steven Wright
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I
have found the best way to give advice to your children
is to
find out what they want and then advise them to do it.
---Harry
Truman
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3.
WWWinfo
Universal
Currency Converter
http://www.zakon.org/robert/internet/timeline/
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4.
NEW PRINTABLES
Biography
of a Friend
http://www/virtualteacher.com.au/biography.pdf
Biography
of a Famous Australian
http://www/virtualteacher.com.au/autobiog.pdf
Autobiography
http://www/virtualteacher.com.au/biography.pdf
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5.
TECHNICAL STUFF
At
last some cheaper software - thanks to the good folks at
Edsoft. Now the next trick - when will we get
the Maths Circus
CDs
on the 'cheaper' list. Keep
working on it Linda. At least
these
cheaper prices can be downloaded from a home computer
when
I actually have time to look at them.
for other states deals
are
already in place, check out the Edsoft site for details.
THE
GOOD NEWS
At
last Edsoft is able to supply the range of Macromedia products
to
NSW DET schools at discounted
rates.
Email
Linda for a copy of the order form.
Please pass this on to
other
interested colleagues. The
Software Unit has listed Edsoft
for
Macromedia with their toll free Melbourne number 1800 338 873.
If
you have any questions please get back Linda.
Linda
Zugai
NSW
State Manager
Edsoft
Pty Ltd
Email:-
Linda.Zugai@bigpond.comhttp://www.edsoft.com.au
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Google
Zeitgeist - Search patterns, trends, and surprises according
to
Google
http://www.google.com/press/zeitgeist.html
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Apple
previews next upgrade of OS X
At
its Worldwide Developers Conference last week, Apple previewed
the
next major version of Mac OS X. Code-named "Jaguar", it will offer
new
features such as: QuickTime 6, a complete solution for industry
standard
MPEG-4 video and AAC audio streaming; Rendezvous,
Apple's
proposed new industry standard for automatic discovery of
computers,
devices, and services on IP networks; Quartz Extreme,
a
hardware accelerated Quartz graphics and compositing engine;
UNIX
Tools, the latest UNIX advancements including FreeBSD
4.4
updates, the new GCC 3 compiler, IPv6 and IPSec; and
Windows
support, for increased compatibility with Windows
networks
with SMB browsing and sharing as well as built-in
PPTP
VPN security. The new version will be available to customers
in
late summer(our winter) 2002.
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What
is SchoolKiT Enactz?
SchoolKiT
Enactz is a library of hundreds of classroom-ready
learning
modules that make meaningful use of technology to
enhance
learning. I ordered their free
demo disc and there are
a lot
of interesting lessons on the disc.
Take the tour and look
at
the free previews online. This is
a great idea - although there
seemed
to be fewer resources for Primary schools - a great many
more
for high schools at this stage. It
is a program worth looking
at an
evaluating, and would be particularly helpful for folk just
starting
out or those not too comfortable with integrating curriculum
with
computers. This company
distributed this product worldwide,
but
it is based in our very own Victoria.
Take a look. they may still
have
some free demo CDs. Sign up for
the free 30 day trial –
don't
worry about doing this it's the best way to assess a new program.
http://enactz.schoolkit.com/
P.O.
Box 260
South
Blackburn, Vic 3130
Phone:
03-8810-1317
Fax:
03-9923-6162
Email:
service@schoolkit.com
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NEW
SEARCH ENGINE - SEARCHONLINE
Here's
a new search engine that is worth a look.
"We
have recently launched a new meta-search engine that has
earned
a lot of acclaim in the industry.
Kevin Elliot of About.com
recently
wrote a glowing review of our service which can be found at:
http://websearch.about.com/library/searchtips/bltotd020423.htm
We
search well over 100 search engines and special invisible
"deep
web" databases - including regional searches for the US,
Canada,
UK and France. To gain a full
appreciation for the many
unique
features we offer you should take look at our online help
section
by clicking on the ? found in the upper right of the homepage.
Our
search engine supports UK, US, Canada, and French regional
searches,
multiple languages, mailing and saving of results directly
from
the result list, and many other features.
We also have a very
comprehensive
news system, powered by moreover.com, which
delivers
news from over 1,000 sources grouped into over 300
categories. All features are free, just enter your
search in the box
at
the top of the page. Only advanced
functions like news subscriptions
require
registration.
You
can view the engine at:
Cory
J. Smith
CEO,
Anvil Development Group, LLC
csmith@e-anvil.com
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Up
and coming Seminars and Events
from
the Schooldaily
2nd
International Lifelong Learning Conference 2002
http://www.edDiary.com/viewEvent.asp?eventPK=194
Date
: Sunday, 16 June 2002
Venue
: Rydges Capricorn International Resort
Yeppoon
on the Capricorn Coast, Australia
9th
National Conference of the Australian Association
for
the Education of the Gifted and Talented
http://www.edDiary.com/viewEvent.asp?eventPK=229
Date
: Sunday, 20 October 2002
Venue
: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia
15th
Biennial World Conference for Gifted Education
http://www.edDiary.com/viewEvent.asp?eventPK=216
Date
: Friday, 01 August 2003
Venue
: Convention Centre, Adelaide,
Australia
VETnetwork
Australia National Conference 2002 –
'Enterprising
People and Partnerships: vocational
education
and careers for a changing world'
http://www.edDiary.com/viewEvent.asp?eventPK=243
Date
: Wednesday, 23 October 2002
Venue
: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
Dyslexia:
"Red Rose Recipe for Success"
http://www.edDiary.com/viewEvent.asp?eventPK=281
Date
: Tuesday, 13 August 2002
Venue
: Hotel Grand Chancellor
Christchurch,
New Zealand
==============================================
6.
WEBSITE FOCUS -Try Michael Thompson's Australian Storm Chase Diary:
http://ozthunder.com/chase/chase.html
These
webquests have a number of links that may be useful:
http://www.cap.nsw.edu.au/bb_site_intro/stage3_Modules/BushFire/bushfire.html
http://www.cap.nsw.edu.au/bb_site_intro/stage3_Modules/disasters2/index.htm
http://www.cap.nsw.edu.au/bb_site_intro/stage3_Modules/Nat_disasters/naturaldisasters.html
==============================================
7.
BIOGRAPHIES AND AUTOBIOGRAPHIES
Check
out the Printables above.
Kathy
Here's
a site that I keep to myself ( and the many others who visit it!!).
Great
ideas for all KLAs. Highly recommend it
http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/sbarra/99/me.htm
The
class poems/recipes are great at this site - use it for inspiration for a
Autobiographical
poem writing session.
You
should try out this brilliant resource – BIOGRAPHY MAKER,
print
it out or use it live on the net. Its a great start to the new year –
writing
a biography about a class member or an autobiography about
yourself.
The site is simple easy to navigate and gives excellent scaffolding.
http://www.bham.wednet.edu/bio/biomaker.htm
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8.
GREAT SITES
HOT
SITE
Energy
Games Primary and Secondary from Channel 4 in the UK
http://www.4learning.co.uk/sos/energy.html
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Great
G & T activity
-Hoots mon! Make sure you
join the other wee laddies and
lassies
currently playing the madcap online adventure MacDougall
MacDougall
in Time™.
http://www.upweyhs.vic.edu.au/macdougall/
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Head,
Interactive Design, Publishing & Distribution
Office
of the Board of Studies NSW, Sydney, Australia
Board
of Studies NSW http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au
K-6
educational resources http://www.bosnsw-k6.nsw.edu.au
Gallipoli
and the Anzacs http://www.anzacsite.gov.au
Teaching
Australian Heritage http://www.teachingheritage.nsw.edu.au
Remaking
Multicultural Australia for the 21st Century
http://www.multiculturalaustralia.gov.au
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Eggs
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/eggs/about.html
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Boats
Afloat:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/zoom/sci/boatsafloat.html
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Explore
The Sea:
http://ms.mathscience.k12.va.us/lessons/ocean/explore.HTML
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Fish
Facts:
http://www.wh.whoi.edu/faq/index.html
Free
Ocean Stuff:
http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov/foryou.htm
Ocean
Links:
http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov/kids.htm
Save
The Manatee:
http://www.savethemanatee.org/
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Endangered
Australian Animals
http://esl.com.au/savewildlife.htm
Endangered
Species - includes maps
http://eelink.net/EndSpp.old.bak/Endangered.html
Yamaha
Paper Craft - endangered species - cut out and fold
paper
models of endangered animals.
http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/eng/papercraft/index.html
Bagheera
- Website for endangered Species
http://w1.adhost.com/ckmc/bagheera/
Save
the Animals Webquest - Australian
http://purple.nd.edu.au/coms/bj/waitsc/ourwork/group1/animals/index.htm
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9.
READERS COMMENTS/REQUESTS
Cathy,
I am having trouble getting your fabulous Virtual teacher newsletters –
has
been visual garble all this year - yet I can retrieve the newsletters through
the archives on your webpage easily. Is
there something I need to be doing
differently
in my settings? Everything was OK last year, and I am not having
any
difficulty with any other mail . Have tried through different providers and
through
different browsers.
Hope you can helP
Nola
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Has
anyone else had this problem??? Can anyone suggest a solution?
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G'day
Cathy
I'm
looking at using a toy stationery steam engine probably with
a
number of other things as a learning tool for primary school
grade
1 - grade 6. I was thinking of it as a technology/science subject
and
putting it under the umbrella of say energy and the differing forms
and
the work they do or alternative fuels with an environmental approach
(cleaner
air). I was after your thoughts on the matter, suggestions,
websites
in fact anything.
Many
Thanks
Mick
Duffy
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These
sites may help you:-
http://www.virtualteacher.com.au/energyans.pdf
http://www.virtualteacher.com.au/coolfuel2.pdf
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Dear
Cathy
I am
a British trained Primary Teacher, with a first degree in
English
and History and a PGCE in Primary Education. I am
hoping
to emigrate to Perth before time runs out ! (I'm 43).
I am
looking at the Independent skills route, and I noticed that
you
can get points if you have a job offer from an employer.
Can
you tell me how to seek employment without a visa? I
am
presently teaching in a school in the North of England.
Regards
Ros Roper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi
Ros,
British
trained teachers are still popular in private schools in Australia.
Generally
there is an over supply of teachers in the cities in Australia
and
an under supply in country areas.
Each State department puts out
a
list of job vacancies and it would be a good idea to contact the Perth
Department
of Education about available jobs.
This site included
teacher
recruitment info.
Site
doesn't seem to be working too well - so you may need to contact
them
via email and ask about vacancies - it appears though that the other
recruitment
info is OK.
Also
the Various State newspapers have job listings for teachers each
Saturday
- The Sydney Morning Herald often lists jobs from other
states
as well - here is the generic site for Australian newspapers.
http://www.nla.gov.au/oz/npapers.html#Southwestprinting&publishing
In
addition I would approach individual private schools with a resume
and
email. These schools are generally
very interested in folk who have
a
good Tech background as well as their specific teaching subjects.
Here's
a list of Schools in WA
http://www.edunet.ie/links/aus.html#wa
Generic
Jobs site - http://www.mycareer.com.au/
Best
suggestion - get here and then offer to do casual teacher for
any
schools you are interested in teaching at - even offer to assist
free of charge for a couple of days so
that folk can get to know you.
A lot
of teaching positions in Australia go to folk who have worked as
casuals
within a school - and are known to FIT.
ciao
cathy
------------------------------------------
Hi
Cathy
I'd
like to thank Nancy Sklavos-Gillett for the interactive websites.
Now
that e-learning is in every syllabus, we need lots of
ideas
to incorporate technology in all the subjects. Would be grateful
for
any good e-learning ideas or site for Technology in English.
Thanks
for all your continuing hard work. I look forward to your newsletters.
Daphne.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can
anyone else help out????
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear
Ibi,
Here
are some music sites that may help
http://datadragon.com/education/reading/count.shtml
This
is a quick and easy lesson for music teachers to use when teaching the
basics
of beat counting.
http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/673.html
This
lesson suggests to teachers ways to use alphabet letters to help
children
appreciate music. A variety of aspects of music (e.g. individual
composers,
individual instruments, particular music types) are included.
With
the aim to reinforce what is being learned and/or to make the
experience
extra interesting, the lesson planner suggests how children make
booklets
of what they are discovering.
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/music810/9chc.htm
Educators
can help students learn to listen to, perform, and create music,
with
the aim of helping them demonstrate an understanding of historical and
cultural
contexts with reference to music
Thanks
to those who replied to my query.
This
is a great site.
Gillian
Thanks
gillian
==============================================
10. NEXT ISSUE
Next
issue I will be looking at PowerPoint and its uses, send in any
great
ideas you have.
ciao
cathy
- - - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
Code of the 'Netizens'
This
Newsletter is not free, despite the misleading advertising
above.
The Fee is now due. Each week you must help one
colleague
on the Internet who has less knowledge than you.
Help
that person even if you have to visit their classroom or
do a
little research and get back to them. Trust me, this will
help
a lot of people get their computer classrooms running better.
OK
I'm trusting you!!!
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12.
TIPS
1.
Double click on highlighted URLS to open in browser.
2.
Send in your Questions, Questions will be published with
Answers,
send in your Answers, if you have expertise to share.
3.
Nominate a brilliant site for review and inclusion in this
newsletter.
4.
Nominate a fantastic school site for review and inclusion in
this
newsletter.
5.
Make contact with other schools using fantastic programs.
6.
Prepare and innovative article for this newsletter.
7.
Tell 2 colleagues about this newsletter.
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The
opinions expressed here are purely those of the editor,
Cathy
Brown. All other small print clauses apply. Such as:
Use
at your own risk. Nothing in life
is guaranteed. If it doesn't
work
for you send me an email.
Editor:
cathy brown mailto:cathy@virtualteacher.com.au
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==============================================
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==============================================