Anything worse than an art teacher trying to source copyright-free artwork? Thought not.
Well our good friends at Wiki with a little help from The Yorck Project have come up with a 10000 image gallery of high-resolution .jpgs of largely European paintings which, on a brief acquaintance, covers everything from Breughel to Whistler & beyond. All are copyright The Yorck Project but are in the public domain worldwide & licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
The gallery can be found here.
Whaddya mean there's more?
In the absence of any real library prescence on the staff & student intranets, two new blogs have been added to our growing web-publishing portfolio.
- The eLearning blog is not a blog in the true sense in that it will be used to blog the past rather than the present & future though indeed it will do this too. Renaissance blog. What it hopefully will offer is an explication of the resources already available in the college & how to access them; an introduction to the mysteries of the Athens authentication system; where to find free stuff / useful stuff; & how to get the Google monkey off your back.
- The eTeaching blog will offer news and couthy retrospective items on materials which might be, no, should be of interest to members of staff interested in developing or expanding their elearning portfolio. We'll also try to cover the labyrinth that is e-copyright here.
Any contributions or suggestions for content, style, etc. will be most welcome. Well, mostly welcome.
Fit's 'at loon?
Fit’s ‘at, loon? Carl McDougall? Fit kinna name’s that fer a loon, Soons mair like a quine!
Have a look @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/tv/home/documentary/scots_language/
Carl MacDougall tells the story of the Scots language adapted to the demands of the modern world in this first programme of a new four-part series. In the twentieth century Scotland's writers, folk singers, comedians and broadcasters breathed new life into Scots, showing that it could once again play a role in every aspect of our lives.
Coming soon to a library near you.
Ast that boy. He’ll mibbe ken…
Have a look @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/tv/home/documentary/scots_language/
Carl MacDougall tells the story of the Scots language adapted to the demands of the modern world in this first programme of a new four-part series. In the twentieth century Scotland's writers, folk singers, comedians and broadcasters breathed new life into Scots, showing that it could once again play a role in every aspect of our lives.
Coming soon to a library near you.
Ast that boy. He’ll mibbe ken…
Jorum @ RKC
Jorum resources (see post of February 1st) are now available in the college. You’ll need to login using your Athens username / password & register for the service. They say that this could take up to 5 days to be activated; mine took less than half an hour. Coverage is patchy at the moment but on a brief inspection there are some useful resources.
And, hey, you could contribute your own!
Log on @ http://www.jorum.ac.uk/user/.
And, hey, you could contribute your own!
Log on @ http://www.jorum.ac.uk/user/.
Child Of Our Time too
A double DVD of this four part series is available from the library. Child Of Our Time - The Children's Stories will be added as the series is recorded.
New version of CourseGenie available
CourseGenie is a program which quickly and easily convert your Microsoft Word documents into content for your Blackboard and WebCT courses. From one Word document you can generate a set of webpages that include navigation and interactive features which can quickly be uploaded to your course.
Current users should be aware that a new version (2.0) is available from the Horizon Wimba website. This upgrade is free but read the install instructions first!
Current users should be aware that a new version (2.0) is available from the Horizon Wimba website. This upgrade is free but read the install instructions first!
Search me!
Want to find what? Use Google? What? Million hits. Use freely? Copyright watchdogs kicking your e-door in? These 3 specialised search engines might help you find you way through the maze.
Yotophoto is a search engine for finding free-to-use stock photographs and images. Get the picture at: http://yotophoto.com/
Findsounds is a free site where you can search the Web for sound effects and musical instrument samples. Listen in at: http://www.findsounds.com/
Education World is a search engine for educational Web sites only, a place where educators can find information without searching the entire Internet. Here you can locate original content including lesson plans, practical information for educators, information on how to integrate technology in the classroom, and articles written by education experts. Education World is at http://www.educationworld.com/
Yotophoto is a search engine for finding free-to-use stock photographs and images. Get the picture at: http://yotophoto.com/
Findsounds is a free site where you can search the Web for sound effects and musical instrument samples. Listen in at: http://www.findsounds.com/
Education World is a search engine for educational Web sites only, a place where educators can find information without searching the entire Internet. Here you can locate original content including lesson plans, practical information for educators, information on how to integrate technology in the classroom, and articles written by education experts. Education World is at http://www.educationworld.com/
Xwords
Why not use a crossword to enhance learning & teaching? No, don’t photocopy the one in the Daily Record! Fully customisable crosswords can be created using Eclipse Crossword.
Free download & examples of use in education @ the website.
Free download & examples of use in education @ the website.
Using Images In Education
TASI (The Technical Advisory Service for Images) is a JISC funded service. It provides advice and guidance to the UK's Further and Higher Education community on the issues of:
- creating digital images (including raster, vector and animated formats);
- delivering digital images to users;
- using digital images to support teaching, learning and research;
- managing both small and large scale digitisation projects.
For those who want to use images in e-learning projects try the
Using Images in Education part of the TASI website. Useful advice on Web-CT too.
JISC infoNet
JISC infoNet aims to be the UK's leading advisory service for managers in the post-compulsory education sector promoting the effective strategic planning, implementation and management of information and learning technology to support the core activities of learning, teaching, research and business processes.
The site contains a host of information which will be of interest to those involved in blended & e-learning. All of the print publications have been ordered & will be available in the library with corresponding (if available) .pdfs on the library server.
The site contains a host of information which will be of interest to those involved in blended & e-learning. All of the print publications have been ordered & will be available in the library with corresponding (if available) .pdfs on the library server.
See Me
The next phase of the 'see me' Children and Young People campaign will launch in Spring 2006.
This initiative will include the launch of a new TV ad which centres on a character, who experiences stigma as a result of self-harm.
Adults involved in the consultations, who work directly with young people, advised to provide an advance briefing note for adults to help them deal with young people’s queries. The link below provides straightforward advice for any adult who may be approached by a young person for information, advice or help in response to the new phase of the campaign.
http://www.seemescotland.org.uk/justlikeme/advancednotice2006/
This initiative will include the launch of a new TV ad which centres on a character, who experiences stigma as a result of self-harm.
Adults involved in the consultations, who work directly with young people, advised to provide an advance briefing note for adults to help them deal with young people’s queries. The link below provides straightforward advice for any adult who may be approached by a young person for information, advice or help in response to the new phase of the campaign.
http://www.seemescotland.org.uk/justlikeme/advancednotice2006/
Internet for ESOL
Staff & students involved in ESOL (English as a Second Language to Overseas Learners) who want to improve their internet skills should try the ESOL area of the Virtual Training Suite (VTS) from the RDN (Resource Discovery Network).
The VTS is a set of free online tutorials designed to help students, lecturers and researchers improve their Internet information literacy and IT skills. Work in your own time at your own pace - no one is monitoring you! There are quizzes and interactive exercises to lighten the learning experience.
The VTS is a set of free online tutorials designed to help students, lecturers and researchers improve their Internet information literacy and IT skills. Work in your own time at your own pace - no one is monitoring you! There are quizzes and interactive exercises to lighten the learning experience.
Educating The Net Generation
A email calling for papers for some conference that only other librarians get to go to reminded me of a publication that has been on our library server for a year now. But becoming more pertinent with every stony step to the…
A brief perusal of Educating the Net Generation by Diana and Jim Oblinger is well worth a puckle discretionary minutes.
According to the authors, the Net Generation has grown up with information technology. The aptitudes, attitudes, expectations, and learning styles of Net Gen students reflect the environment in which they were raised—one that is decidedly different from that which existed when faculty and administrators were growing up. This collection explores the Net Gen and the implications for institutions in areas such as teaching, service, learning space design, faculty development, and curriculum. Contributions by educators and students are included.
A brief perusal of Educating the Net Generation by Diana and Jim Oblinger is well worth a puckle discretionary minutes.
According to the authors, the Net Generation has grown up with information technology. The aptitudes, attitudes, expectations, and learning styles of Net Gen students reflect the environment in which they were raised—one that is decidedly different from that which existed when faculty and administrators were growing up. This collection explores the Net Gen and the implications for institutions in areas such as teaching, service, learning space design, faculty development, and curriculum. Contributions by educators and students are included.
The Art of blogging parts 1 & 2
These articles by George Siemens at elearnspace are some 3+ years old & thus discuss an emerging technology.The conclusions however are remarkably fresh.
Part 1 presents an overview, definitions, uses, and implications of blogging;
Part 2 details getting started, "how to" blog, tools, and resources.
Part 1 presents an overview, definitions, uses, and implications of blogging;
Part 2 details getting started, "how to" blog, tools, and resources.
Scottish Education blog
Just to show that we recognise the existence of other blogs, the Scottish Education blog is a useful site.
And their latest post runs as follows:
Wikis in education
SQA recently developed a new qualification in blogging [PDF] and took the unusual step of developing support material in the form of a wiki. The material is now available via Wikibooks. More information on the SQA blog.
We are not alone…
And their latest post runs as follows:
Wikis in education
SQA recently developed a new qualification in blogging [PDF] and took the unusual step of developing support material in the form of a wiki. The material is now available via Wikibooks. More information on the SQA blog.
We are not alone…
Copyright and eLearning webcast
Copyright and e-Learning
(22 March 2006, online)
It's big, and it's new!
In order to make the JISC Legal toolkit of copyright law tricks available to the FE and HE world at large, they are going to offer a webcast on the afternoon of Wednesday, 22 March 2006, starting at 2pm.
All going well, you could either join a computer lab full of colleagues to interact with the live webcast, or you can access it on a broadband enabled PC with a soundcard. Unless streaming video is blocked on your PC!
For further details, see http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/events/webcastevent.htm.
(22 March 2006, online)
It's big, and it's new!
In order to make the JISC Legal toolkit of copyright law tricks available to the FE and HE world at large, they are going to offer a webcast on the afternoon of Wednesday, 22 March 2006, starting at 2pm.
All going well, you could either join a computer lab full of colleagues to interact with the live webcast, or you can access it on a broadband enabled PC with a soundcard. Unless streaming video is blocked on your PC!
For further details, see http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/events/webcastevent.htm.
NYPL Digital Gallery
The New York Public Library Digital Gallery provides access to over 415,000 images digitized from primary sources and printed rarities in the collections of The New York Public Library, including illuminated manuscripts, historical maps, vintage posters, rare prints and photographs, illustrated books, printed ephemera, and more.
This is a free service offering digital images of historical materials from the Research Libraries' original, rare and specialized holdings. NYPL provides free and open access to its Digital Gallery and images may be freely downloaded for personal, research and study purposes only.
This is a free service offering digital images of historical materials from the Research Libraries' original, rare and specialized holdings. NYPL provides free and open access to its Digital Gallery and images may be freely downloaded for personal, research and study purposes only.
Obviously American but might be worth a look.
Bibliophiles only
Turning the Pages is the award-winning interactive program that allows museums and libraries to give members of the public access to precious books while keeping the originals safely under glass. Initially developed by and for the British Library, it is now available as a service for institutions and private collectors around the world.
Turning the Pages allows visitors to virtually 'turn' the pages of manuscripts in a realistic way, using touch-screen technology and interactive animation. They can zoom in on the high- quality digitised images and read or listen to notes explaining the beauty and significance of each page. There are other features specific to the individual manuscripts. In a Leonardo da Vinci notebook, for example, a button turns the text round so visitors can read his famous 'mirror' handwriting.
Turning the Pages allows visitors to virtually 'turn' the pages of manuscripts in a realistic way, using touch-screen technology and interactive animation. They can zoom in on the high- quality digitised images and read or listen to notes explaining the beauty and significance of each page. There are other features specific to the individual manuscripts. In a Leonardo da Vinci notebook, for example, a button turns the text round so visitors can read his famous 'mirror' handwriting.
DocLinks
DocLinks is a database of over 1000 annotated Web links to primary documents online for the study of U.S. history and Western Civilization. Providing instant, single-click access to the building blocks of the past, DocLinks includes speeches, legislation, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, essays, travellers' accounts, personal narratives and testimony, manifestos, visual artefacts, songs, poems, and more.
The World According to Google
In the 18 months since its stock market flotation, Google has been transformed from a company that prided itself on being simple and effective, into a multi-headed high tech beast which wants to get involved in everything.
The BBC2 Money Programme investigates the world according to Google. Originally broadcast on 20th January this programme can be viewed @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4598090.stm . And, amazingly, it works!
The BBC2 Money Programme investigates the world according to Google. Originally broadcast on 20th January this programme can be viewed @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4598090.stm . And, amazingly, it works!
New Improved Britannica Online
Britannica Online has added some new features of the with more content and have aimed to make it an even better online experience for users
The biggest change you’ll notice is a new interface. The interface has been simplified with a ‘Google’ style simple search function whilst providing quick links to subject guides, indexes, topical references, news feeds and additional content that is now included free of charge with your subscription.
This extra content includes:
World Data Analyst
This powerful tool is used for viewing and comparing country data from across the world (normal cost up to £299 per annum);
Gateway to the Classics
Over 220 works by 140 of the western world’s most influential and best known authors;
Notable Quotations
Over 4000 quotes that can be browsed by subject or author;
Personalised Workspace
Users can store articles and retrieve them later from any PC using their own username and password. Teachers can also use this easy-to-use function to save a range of articles that would be beneficial study material and then passing out the access details;
Advanced Searching
This new function has also been improved to allow users greater flexibility and accuracy in their search strategies;
News Feeds
The Britannica Online homepage also includes current headlines from BBC, SBS World News and New York Times.
All of this is in addition to the rich content already available with Britannica Online:
Encyclopaedic Content
Users gain access to over 73,000 in-depth articles;
Images & Multimedia
Users gain access to over 22,000 educational images and short videos;
Multiple databases
Users can also receive search results from the Britannica Concise and Britannica Student databases;
Journals & Magazines
Subscribers also have access to over 700 periodicals provided by EBSCO and ProQuest. Click on http://corporate.britannica.com/training/materials/MagazinesBOL.pdf to download the full list of titles that are available;
Dictionary and Thesaurus
Using Merriam-Webster, users can immediately clarify the spelling or meaning of a word by entering it in the search bar or by double clicking on the piece of text;
This Day in History
This daily feature provides information regarding notable events that have happened on the day;
Spotlights
These mini-websites allow users to analyse almost 20 topical features;
World Atlas
Users have access to detailed maps and profiles of all countries of the world;
Timelines
Trace selected topics through history with illustrations and key dates;
Internet Guide
Web sites reviewed and rated by Britannica editors to expand the users study across the internet.
From the middle of February 2006 Britannica Online will automatically open with the new look interface but, in the meantime, users can gain a early look by clicking on Preview Our New Site (http://new.search.eb.com/) link from the home page. Please note that you do not need to make any change to your network setup once this is released. All you will have to do is continue accessing Britannica Online the way you do now by going to http://search.eb.com/.
The biggest change you’ll notice is a new interface. The interface has been simplified with a ‘Google’ style simple search function whilst providing quick links to subject guides, indexes, topical references, news feeds and additional content that is now included free of charge with your subscription.
This extra content includes:
World Data Analyst
This powerful tool is used for viewing and comparing country data from across the world (normal cost up to £299 per annum);
Gateway to the Classics
Over 220 works by 140 of the western world’s most influential and best known authors;
Notable Quotations
Over 4000 quotes that can be browsed by subject or author;
Personalised Workspace
Users can store articles and retrieve them later from any PC using their own username and password. Teachers can also use this easy-to-use function to save a range of articles that would be beneficial study material and then passing out the access details;
Advanced Searching
This new function has also been improved to allow users greater flexibility and accuracy in their search strategies;
News Feeds
The Britannica Online homepage also includes current headlines from BBC, SBS World News and New York Times.
All of this is in addition to the rich content already available with Britannica Online:
Encyclopaedic Content
Users gain access to over 73,000 in-depth articles;
Images & Multimedia
Users gain access to over 22,000 educational images and short videos;
Multiple databases
Users can also receive search results from the Britannica Concise and Britannica Student databases;
Journals & Magazines
Subscribers also have access to over 700 periodicals provided by EBSCO and ProQuest. Click on http://corporate.britannica.com/training/materials/MagazinesBOL.pdf to download the full list of titles that are available;
Dictionary and Thesaurus
Using Merriam-Webster, users can immediately clarify the spelling or meaning of a word by entering it in the search bar or by double clicking on the piece of text;
This Day in History
This daily feature provides information regarding notable events that have happened on the day;
Spotlights
These mini-websites allow users to analyse almost 20 topical features;
World Atlas
Users have access to detailed maps and profiles of all countries of the world;
Timelines
Trace selected topics through history with illustrations and key dates;
Internet Guide
Web sites reviewed and rated by Britannica editors to expand the users study across the internet.
From the middle of February 2006 Britannica Online will automatically open with the new look interface but, in the meantime, users can gain a early look by clicking on Preview Our New Site (http://new.search.eb.com/) link from the home page. Please note that you do not need to make any change to your network setup once this is released. All you will have to do is continue accessing Britannica Online the way you do now by going to http://search.eb.com/.
Copyright in e-Learning
We've been asked a few times recently "What can I use in my e-learning project?" "And what can I not use?"
Two strands here:
For advice on the copyright aspects of developing e-learning materials, a good starting place is the JISC Legal website. Here you'll find up-to-date publications written by practising lawyers which hopefully will clarify the murky waters that is copyright law. There is also an excellent 25 minute video which covers most of the concerns of FE. JISC legal is @ http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/.
Many of the questions we are asked concern the use of graphics in e-learning materials. The solution is to use either copyright-cleared licensed resources or images which have been placed in the public domain.
SCRAN is an excellent example of the former. This is not just a repository for Scottish cultural e-artifacts but contains many images which have much broader uses. Try searching for items produced by Oxford Designers and Illustrators. A veritable 3507 image-rich goldmine.
Creative Commons & the Internet Archive are good starting points in looking for images which are in the public domain or are licenced for non-commercial use. The library Lost? website (link to the right) lists a number of "free" resources available online. More will be added as time & tide allow.
Books? Remember books? Library Reference section has a number which will enlighten the e-copyright traveller. An interactive package about the Copyright Maze is located on the library server.
Two strands here:
For advice on the copyright aspects of developing e-learning materials, a good starting place is the JISC Legal website. Here you'll find up-to-date publications written by practising lawyers which hopefully will clarify the murky waters that is copyright law. There is also an excellent 25 minute video which covers most of the concerns of FE. JISC legal is @ http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/.
Many of the questions we are asked concern the use of graphics in e-learning materials. The solution is to use either copyright-cleared licensed resources or images which have been placed in the public domain.
SCRAN is an excellent example of the former. This is not just a repository for Scottish cultural e-artifacts but contains many images which have much broader uses. Try searching for items produced by Oxford Designers and Illustrators. A veritable 3507 image-rich goldmine.
Creative Commons & the Internet Archive are good starting points in looking for images which are in the public domain or are licenced for non-commercial use. The library Lost? website (link to the right) lists a number of "free" resources available online. More will be added as time & tide allow.
Books? Remember books? Library Reference section has a number which will enlighten the e-copyright traveller. An interactive package about the Copyright Maze is located on the library server.
Baruch College tutorials
Baruch College (The City University of New York) offers a series of Flash tutorials on a number of subjects, most notably a beginners’ guide to business research, a guide to financial statements, as well as tutorials on biology & chemistry lab safety. American but excellent.
These can be found at http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/tutorials/
These can be found at http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/tutorials/
Free Online Typing Course
Learn how to type correctly in just a few hours using all your fingers.
You will soon be typing faster than you ever imagined.
27 guided lessons to learn step-by-step from the beginning.
Choose between 18 different keyboard layouts to learn Web-based course.
No downloads required.
Try it @ http://www.goodtyping.com/default.htm
You will soon be typing faster than you ever imagined.
27 guided lessons to learn step-by-step from the beginning.
Choose between 18 different keyboard layouts to learn Web-based course.
No downloads required.
Try it @ http://www.goodtyping.com/default.htm
Zen & the art of weblog maintenance
Web vanity? Far from it. I hope. The philosophy or perhaps the reasoning behind this is expressed more succinctly that I ever could manage in an interview with Euan Semple, Director of Knowledge Management at the BBC. The interview can be viewed here.
JORUM
JORUM is a JISC-funded collaborative venture in UK Higher and Further Education to collect and share learning and teaching materials, allowing their reuse and repurposing, and standing as a national statement of the importance of creating interoperable, sustainable materials.
JORUM Contributor allows institutions and project teams to share learning and teaching materials with colleagues in the UK. JORUM will host materials that have been publicly funded and also materials which have been developed within institutions.
JORUM User provides access to the shared repository of resources. Teaching and support staff in institutions that take this service will be able to find, preview, download, reuse and repurpose materials for use with learners in their institution. They will also find a collection of teaching support, staff development and case study materials to assist them in using the learning materials with students.
A research and development strand will run in parallel with the JORUM service in order to ensure that JORUM keeps up with the evolving repositories landscape and expanding user requirements. The JORUM repository (offering a searchable online library of learning and teaching resources for UK teaching staff) uses a system called intraLibrary, procured from Intrallect Ltd.
The JORUM User Service, providing access to these resources, will be available from 30th January 2006. All UK Further and Higher Education institutions who sign up will be able to search, preview, download and reuse the learning and teaching material found in the system. More information from http://www.jorum.ac.uk/news/index.html
JORUM Contributor allows institutions and project teams to share learning and teaching materials with colleagues in the UK. JORUM will host materials that have been publicly funded and also materials which have been developed within institutions.
JORUM User provides access to the shared repository of resources. Teaching and support staff in institutions that take this service will be able to find, preview, download, reuse and repurpose materials for use with learners in their institution. They will also find a collection of teaching support, staff development and case study materials to assist them in using the learning materials with students.
A research and development strand will run in parallel with the JORUM service in order to ensure that JORUM keeps up with the evolving repositories landscape and expanding user requirements. The JORUM repository (offering a searchable online library of learning and teaching resources for UK teaching staff) uses a system called intraLibrary, procured from Intrallect Ltd.
The JORUM User Service, providing access to these resources, will be available from 30th January 2006. All UK Further and Higher Education institutions who sign up will be able to search, preview, download and reuse the learning and teaching material found in the system. More information from http://www.jorum.ac.uk/news/index.html
Free learning tools from Microsoft
Help students get started, stay organized, and successfully complete high-quality assignments. Learning Essentials can help educators easily create effective instructional resources, complete administrative tasks, and implement new teaching strategies and with the Content Development Kit, you can create even more templates and tools to use with Learning Essentials.
Learning Essentials for Microsoft Office & the Content Development Kit are available for free download @ http://www.microsoft.com/learningessentials/downloadlanding.mspx
Learning Essentials for Microsoft Office & the Content Development Kit are available for free download @ http://www.microsoft.com/learningessentials/downloadlanding.mspx
New issue of Innovate
Innovate is a bimonthly, peer-reviewed online periodical published by the Fischler School of Education and Human Services at Nova Southeastern University. The journal focuses on the creative use of information technology (IT) to enhance educational processes in academic, commercial, and government settings.
The February/March issue of Innovate is now available at http://www.innovateonline.info/
The February/March issue of Innovate is now available at http://www.innovateonline.info/
Bright Lights
Bright Lights Film Journal is a popular-academic hybrid of movie analysis, history, and commentary, looking at classic and commercial, independent, exploitation, and international film from a wide range of vantage points from the aesthetic to the political. A prime area of focus is on the connection between capitalist society and the images that reflect, support, or subvert it movies as propaganda.
The new issue of Bright Lights is now live, issue #51. This is another biggie, with features on Austrian film, nine versions of Hamlet, and Hollywood closets; articles on Bertolucci's use of music, Proust and Philip Roth adaptations, Sergeant Madden, Manderlay, and Hotel Rwanda.
Bright Lights is at http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/
The new issue of Bright Lights is now live, issue #51. This is another biggie, with features on Austrian film, nine versions of Hamlet, and Hollywood closets; articles on Bertolucci's use of music, Proust and Philip Roth adaptations, Sergeant Madden, Manderlay, and Hotel Rwanda.
Bright Lights is at http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/
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