First Media Literacy & Culture of Reading Summit in Eastern Cape

Posted by Ingrid Thomson | 31 Mar, 2009

Spotted on Bizcommunity

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) convened a Media Literacy and Culture of Reading Summit on the weekend of Saturday 28 - 29 March 2009 at the Council Chambers, Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Mt Ayliff, in the Eastern Cape. The theme for the summit was “Basic media literacy education - ‘Constructing Views of Reality'”.

Learners and teachers from 10 schools in the Umzimvubu and Matatiele Municipalities were invited to attend.

Quoting from the press release on bizcommunity: 

The long term goal for MDDA and its partners is to see the Media Literacy and Culture of Reading programme included in the school curriculum and schools producing their own media products. The intention is to assist young people to be more critical consumers and producers of media as well as to stimulate an interest in media as a field of study. It is envisioned that through this initiative a platform will be set to develop media literacy skills which can be used across the curriculum, thereby contributing to the upliftment of educational standards and promotion of a culture of reading. The promotion of a reading culture amongst South Africans will extend the pool of creativity and communication skills in the country. There is an immense hunger amongst South African youth for information which they can use to improve their lives and empower them to have an effective say in governing.

 

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100 Tips, Apps, and Resources on Teachers on Twitter

Posted by Ingrid Thomson | 31 Mar, 2009

Spotted on iLibrarian

Quoting:-

Educators who want to get up and running on Twitter can reference this guide to 100 Tips, Apps, and Resources for Teachers on Twitter. This list of tutorials, guides, suggestions, and project listings includes links to articles such as:

  • Twitter4Teachers Wiki. This wiki provides teachers on Twitter and are organized by subject. You can add yourself to the list as well as find others with similar interests as you.
  • Twitter Professors: 18 People to Follow for a Real Time Education. While these educators are all working at a level higher than K-12, these professors share valuable experience using Twitter and keep their pulse on what is happening on a larger scope.
  • How To Become Twitter Teacher (TT) In 23 Steps Or Less?. From the basics of using Twitter to suggestions for using it in schools, this article incorporates videos, suggestions, and links to other resources.
  • The Beginner’s Guide to Twitter. This blog post offers great advice on getting started with Twitter.
  • Twitter Etiquette. This wiki page offers tons of information on Twitter etiquette and ways to help manage your Twitter experience.

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The Guardian: Sample questions from the GSCE Science Exam

Posted by Ingrid Thomson | 31 Mar, 2009

Spotted in the Guardian 

The controversial new GCSE science papers, which feature multiple choice questions, have been accused of 'dumbing down' the subject.

An example of a question:

Sunbeds give off ultraviolet rays. They are used to get a suntan. Sara says: "I know I shouldn't really use them, but I'm going on holiday soon and I don't want to be the only one on the beach without a tan." How could you explain Sara's decision?


Rest of the questions here.




 

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