The Gender and Science Digital Library (GSDL) is a project aimed at meeting the needs of students from primary grades through college.
To quote from their mission:
The Gender & Science Digital Library (GSDL) aims to provide high-quality digital resources to 1) help educators promote interest and engagement with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education by learners of all ages, particularly females, 2) encourage learners to pursue science education and future careers in science, 3) provide an inter-disciplinary examination of the role of gender in the creation, teaching and learning of science, and 4) build community among all interested users for the purposes of inquiry, information exchange, best practices development and mentoring.
The collection will offer exceptional resources and services that help educators in promoting and implementing gender-equitable science education in both formal and informal settings, to both male and female students, and assisting in increasing female involvement in the sciences. In addition, it will provide resources to researchers and others working to understand the link between gender and science, including how gender influences the development of science and the role of women within science.
To get some idea of the breadth and wealth of material here, start by visiting the FAQ page. There are separate portals for Students, Teachers/Faculty, Adult Learners, and Research. GSDL contains a wealth of useful information.
This is another valuable site and one well worth repeated visits and much exploration.
Friday, July 30, 2004
Thursday, July 29, 2004
A Legacy of Star Wars
If you've ever wondered what George Lucas spends his time doing -- when he's not working on a new Star Wars movie, that is -- I've found one place where he has obviously devote time and effort.
Mr. Lucas has a foundation called the George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF). This non-profit organization's goal is to document and disseminate "models of the most innovative practices in our nation's K-12 schools." It calls its web site Edutopia Online.
Although my first contact with the GLEF site was about a year ago, I had reason to revisit it this week and was, once again, blown away by the wealth of material here.
For starters, take a look at the videos "Great Team, Great School" and "Laptops For All." GLEF has upwards of 70 additional videos available for online viewing.
The site offers thirteen topics organized in three categories:
Innovative Classrooms
Skillful Educators
Involved Communities
GLEF has a monthly magazine and a weekly e-mail newsletter, both of which are free.
George Lucas' dedication to learning and teaching is manifest in this foundation and website that offers much to those of us interested in helping our students get the most out of their years in school. Well worth a thorough look.
Mr. Lucas has a foundation called the George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF). This non-profit organization's goal is to document and disseminate "models of the most innovative practices in our nation's K-12 schools." It calls its web site Edutopia Online.
Although my first contact with the GLEF site was about a year ago, I had reason to revisit it this week and was, once again, blown away by the wealth of material here.
For starters, take a look at the videos "Great Team, Great School" and "Laptops For All." GLEF has upwards of 70 additional videos available for online viewing.
The site offers thirteen topics organized in three categories:
Innovative Classrooms
Skillful Educators
Involved Communities
GLEF has a monthly magazine and a weekly e-mail newsletter, both of which are free.
George Lucas' dedication to learning and teaching is manifest in this foundation and website that offers much to those of us interested in helping our students get the most out of their years in school. Well worth a thorough look.
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Time and Time Again
Finding time seems to be a challenge for a lot of us. Most of the people I run into are hurrying from one thing to another, trying their best not to be late. Or taking out their day planners and trying to squeeze in that doctor's appointment or quick errand.
When you think more globally about time, you can get quite taken up with thinking about what people the world over are doing at any particular moment. Or you might have relatives or friends some distance away. Imagining what they're doing -- or if it's not too late to give them a call -- can be fun.
A site to check out if you want to think about all sorts of measures of time is Time and Date.Com. You can start with the World Clock and see the time in the most remote places. There are calendars you generate according to your own specifications.
You can even enter your birthday and see what time/day/year it is when you've been alive for, oh say, 2,000,000,000 seconds or 15,000 days old.
Useful tools here include being able to determine the time in any time zone at the moment or at some other specified date/time of your choosing. There are also places where you can find out what the time zone abbreviations mean and what places do or don't observe daylight savings time.
When you have a sec, check out Time and Date.Com.
When you think more globally about time, you can get quite taken up with thinking about what people the world over are doing at any particular moment. Or you might have relatives or friends some distance away. Imagining what they're doing -- or if it's not too late to give them a call -- can be fun.
A site to check out if you want to think about all sorts of measures of time is Time and Date.Com. You can start with the World Clock and see the time in the most remote places. There are calendars you generate according to your own specifications.
You can even enter your birthday and see what time/day/year it is when you've been alive for, oh say, 2,000,000,000 seconds or 15,000 days old.
Useful tools here include being able to determine the time in any time zone at the moment or at some other specified date/time of your choosing. There are also places where you can find out what the time zone abbreviations mean and what places do or don't observe daylight savings time.
When you have a sec, check out Time and Date.Com.
Monday, July 26, 2004
Just Amazing!
It does not take a degree in rocket science or a stint in medical school to recognize that the human being is one amazing (and amazingly complex) organism. Whether from a psychological or physicological standpoint, we are -- I can't help saying it again -- amazing.
We figured out that we were pretty complex animals (and way cool compared to just about anything else out there on two or four feet) long before there was an Internet or computers were around supposedly making our lives better. Human beings have long recognized that we are made up of incredibly intricate systems and elaborate structures that hold us together and keep us going (and growing). If anything technology has helped us see even greater complexities than we ever knew existed.
I do think, though, that the power of computers and the Internet can make the study and appreciation of what makes us tick all the more rewarding when applied effectively and creatively..
And that's exactly how I'd characterize the BBC's Human Body and Mind web site. Actually part of the BBC's web presence -- which has other resources including Health, Lifestyle, Children's, Entertainment, News, Sports, Music, and Business/Money -- start by clicking the link to Science and Nature.
This portion of the BBC site is incredible in and of itself. With information about Animals, Prehistoric Life, and Space there as well, go to Human Body and Mind. From there you can diverge off into the portion covering The Mind or The Body.
We used the interactive features in our study of muscles and joints last year. Kids and teachers alike were pretty much blown away by what the BBC has made available here. I really can't begin to describe the depth and imaginative presentation of this material.
Rather, I urge you to take a few moments and visit this site. Oh, and pick a time when you don't have a lot else going on. Once you start exploring, you'll be endlessly fascinated. Like any amazing story, you won't want to stop discovering more and more.
We figured out that we were pretty complex animals (and way cool compared to just about anything else out there on two or four feet) long before there was an Internet or computers were around supposedly making our lives better. Human beings have long recognized that we are made up of incredibly intricate systems and elaborate structures that hold us together and keep us going (and growing). If anything technology has helped us see even greater complexities than we ever knew existed.
I do think, though, that the power of computers and the Internet can make the study and appreciation of what makes us tick all the more rewarding when applied effectively and creatively..
And that's exactly how I'd characterize the BBC's Human Body and Mind web site. Actually part of the BBC's web presence -- which has other resources including Health, Lifestyle, Children's, Entertainment, News, Sports, Music, and Business/Money -- start by clicking the link to Science and Nature.
This portion of the BBC site is incredible in and of itself. With information about Animals, Prehistoric Life, and Space there as well, go to Human Body and Mind. From there you can diverge off into the portion covering The Mind or The Body.
We used the interactive features in our study of muscles and joints last year. Kids and teachers alike were pretty much blown away by what the BBC has made available here. I really can't begin to describe the depth and imaginative presentation of this material.
Rather, I urge you to take a few moments and visit this site. Oh, and pick a time when you don't have a lot else going on. Once you start exploring, you'll be endlessly fascinated. Like any amazing story, you won't want to stop discovering more and more.
Friday, July 23, 2004
Hurray! It's The Weekend
It's Friday and, while not technically the weekend yet, it's not too early to think about things to do.
As a sort of follow-up to the movie database I wrote about a few days back (the Internet Movie Database), I got to thinking about: so you figure out a movie I'd like to see, then what do you do?
One option to consider is a service like Netflix. For a monthly fee (around $22, I think), you can choose DVDs from their extensive collection which are mailed to your home. You can have up to 3 movies at a time. When you're finished viewing a flick, you pop it back in the mailer and return it to Netflix. As soon as they receive it, they send you another movie from your list. There are no late fees; you can keep movies as long as you wish.
Another choice for checking out DVDs is to go through your local public library. If the fact that you have to take your turn and wait until the people ahead of you "in line" have returned the movie is a disadvantage, the advantage is the price: in most places....free (remember, it's one of my favorite words!). You also get to practice your virtue of patience!
And, of course, you can always go to your local movie rental store.
However you get your hands on a DVD to watch, this may be a good weekend to fire up the DVD player, the popcorn in the microwave, and bring the cinema home!
As a sort of follow-up to the movie database I wrote about a few days back (the Internet Movie Database), I got to thinking about: so you figure out a movie I'd like to see, then what do you do?
One option to consider is a service like Netflix. For a monthly fee (around $22, I think), you can choose DVDs from their extensive collection which are mailed to your home. You can have up to 3 movies at a time. When you're finished viewing a flick, you pop it back in the mailer and return it to Netflix. As soon as they receive it, they send you another movie from your list. There are no late fees; you can keep movies as long as you wish.
Another choice for checking out DVDs is to go through your local public library. If the fact that you have to take your turn and wait until the people ahead of you "in line" have returned the movie is a disadvantage, the advantage is the price: in most places....free (remember, it's one of my favorite words!). You also get to practice your virtue of patience!
And, of course, you can always go to your local movie rental store.
However you get your hands on a DVD to watch, this may be a good weekend to fire up the DVD player, the popcorn in the microwave, and bring the cinema home!
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Thinking About Technology and Schools
Although you already know this, if you've nosed around this blog at all, the topics entertained here range widely, if not randomly (....maybe....).
Since I spend a lot of time working and thinking about it, you won't be surprised, however, to notice that technology and its integration into the school setting and, especially, the classroom is a subject area to which I return.
A couple important resources in thinking about and doing something about finding the tools that will help technology do a better job -- and teachers do a better job -- at enhancing kids' learning are the Teacher Quality Collaboratory (part of 21st Century Education project at jointventure.org) and Least Tern.
The Teacher Quality Collaboratory has numerous resources that focus and professional deveopment for teachers, including guiding principles and rubrics to measure growth.
Least Tern is an extremely rich resource. I can't do much better to summarize this site but to quote their opening statements:
Both of these web resources are outstanding.
Since I spend a lot of time working and thinking about it, you won't be surprised, however, to notice that technology and its integration into the school setting and, especially, the classroom is a subject area to which I return.
A couple important resources in thinking about and doing something about finding the tools that will help technology do a better job -- and teachers do a better job -- at enhancing kids' learning are the Teacher Quality Collaboratory (part of 21st Century Education project at jointventure.org) and Least Tern.
The Teacher Quality Collaboratory has numerous resources that focus and professional deveopment for teachers, including guiding principles and rubrics to measure growth.
Least Tern is an extremely rich resource. I can't do much better to summarize this site but to quote their opening statements:
We provide training and support for the integration of technology into the curriculum.
We support and encourage learning through collaboration, inquiry and communication.
We support and encourage learning through collaboration, inquiry and communication.
Both of these web resources are outstanding.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
The New iPods
If you believe everything you hear and read, Apple's iPod is in the hands (and ears) of just about everybody who's anybody. I guess I'm not anybody because I don't yet have one. But they do look very cool, compact, and beautifully engineered. I assume, with the right set of headphones, the music sounds great, too.
Matt Lauer even did a segment on the new iPods announced by Apple during today's Today Show.
In case you're interested in a little peek at how the iPod came to be, check out the article "Inside Look at the Birth of the iPod" by Leander Kahney in Wired News.
Matt Lauer even did a segment on the new iPods announced by Apple during today's Today Show.
In case you're interested in a little peek at how the iPod came to be, check out the article "Inside Look at the Birth of the iPod" by Leander Kahney in Wired News.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
One of the Best, Historically Speaking
Finding the "best" of something is what a lot of people spend a lot of time doing. When it comes to finding the highest quality web sites for just about any purpose, simply typing in a search string into Google typically gives you a lot of links to check out but no real way to judge how good or relevant each of those sites is.
Not surprisingly, a number of "Best of........" sites have sprung up to help people find really useful sites without having to spend hours checking hundreds of sites themselves.
In the realm of history and social studies, I recommend a web portal called Best of History Web Sites. Historical sites are grouped by era (e.g. Prehistory, Ancient/Biblical, Medieval, 20th Century, US History, Art History, etc.) and by rating (top rating is five stars). There are also links to Maps, Multimedia, Lesson Plans/Activities, and Resources.
There is a vast amount of material represented here and I've only begun to scratch the tiniest surface layer. My early sets of exploration, though, have taken me to fascinating and very useful resources. And that luck included the exploration of lesson plan and classroom activity resources that are included here.
I would highly recommend Best of History Web Sites for all students of history.
Not surprisingly, a number of "Best of........" sites have sprung up to help people find really useful sites without having to spend hours checking hundreds of sites themselves.
In the realm of history and social studies, I recommend a web portal called Best of History Web Sites. Historical sites are grouped by era (e.g. Prehistory, Ancient/Biblical, Medieval, 20th Century, US History, Art History, etc.) and by rating (top rating is five stars). There are also links to Maps, Multimedia, Lesson Plans/Activities, and Resources.
There is a vast amount of material represented here and I've only begun to scratch the tiniest surface layer. My early sets of exploration, though, have taken me to fascinating and very useful resources. And that luck included the exploration of lesson plan and classroom activity resources that are included here.
I would highly recommend Best of History Web Sites for all students of history.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Are You A J.K. Rowling Fan?
I'm not a rabid Harry Potter fan but I must say that my first impression of author J.K. Rowling's web site is....wow!
Maybe I'm easily impressed by animations and interactive elements. Still, I'd give it a "thumbs up" and suggest you consider a visit.
Maybe I'm easily impressed by animations and interactive elements. Still, I'd give it a "thumbs up" and suggest you consider a visit.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
Movies, Movies, and More About Movies
One of the things people like to do on weekends -- although maybe not on weekends with the beautiful weather we had on this particular one -- is go to the movies.
An online place where you can find just about anything you might want to know about movies is The Internet Movie Database (IMDb).
Information about movies currently in theatres, movies of the past, movie stars, the creative folks behind the scenes, movie reviews....and more.....is available here.
Check it out before, or after, you go to the show!
An online place where you can find just about anything you might want to know about movies is The Internet Movie Database (IMDb).
Information about movies currently in theatres, movies of the past, movie stars, the creative folks behind the scenes, movie reviews....and more.....is available here.
Check it out before, or after, you go to the show!
Friday, July 16, 2004
Have A Question About Computers? Ask Leo!
The web has many sites that offer tutorials and how-tos about just about any software application you can name. In lots of cases, the quality of these sites is very high. Often there are resources for beginners, as well as intermediate and experienced users.
There are times, though, when you have a question that you'd like the answer to. Sure, you can do a Google search and maybe come up with the solution.
But there are times when the search doesn't do it or you just would like to ask somebody.
A site I've explored a bit is called Ask Leo! Leo Notenboom says he's been in the industry 25 years. At this website, he provides a place where you can submit a question and he'll send out an answer. As nice as that is, the site is set up so you can easily scan the recently asked questions. Plus, there's a way to search the archive of questions narrowed by category or the whole shebang.
Seems like an excellent resource.
There are times, though, when you have a question that you'd like the answer to. Sure, you can do a Google search and maybe come up with the solution.
But there are times when the search doesn't do it or you just would like to ask somebody.
A site I've explored a bit is called Ask Leo! Leo Notenboom says he's been in the industry 25 years. At this website, he provides a place where you can submit a question and he'll send out an answer. As nice as that is, the site is set up so you can easily scan the recently asked questions. Plus, there's a way to search the archive of questions narrowed by category or the whole shebang.
Seems like an excellent resource.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Interested In Wireless Networking?
Connecting to the Internet via a wireless connection is becoming quite common. We've had wireless access at school for a couple years. In some parts of the country there are cities trying out wireless access in some neighborhoods. And we all see more and more wireless access
being offered in places like McDonalds and Starbucks.
The technologies that make wireless systems work are continually evolving and, in particular, getting faster and faster.
The article "New Zip for Networking" by Sean Captain in today's New York Times Circuits section spells out some of the changes and improvements underway.
being offered in places like McDonalds and Starbucks.
The technologies that make wireless systems work are continually evolving and, in particular, getting faster and faster.
The article "New Zip for Networking" by Sean Captain in today's New York Times Circuits section spells out some of the changes and improvements underway.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Too Good To Be True?
Wouldn't it be great if we could access our high-speed broadband ISP by simply plugging our computer into a standard electrical wall socket?
Sounds like this scenario is now a distinct possibility. Take a look at "Is Broadband Out of a Wall Socket the Next Big Thing?," written by James Fallows and published July 11 in the New York Times.
I-n-t-e-r-e-s-t-i-n-g.
Sounds like this scenario is now a distinct possibility. Take a look at "Is Broadband Out of a Wall Socket the Next Big Thing?," written by James Fallows and published July 11 in the New York Times.
I-n-t-e-r-e-s-t-i-n-g.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
OneLook and Over Six Million Words
As I'm clicking and clacking away on e-mail or word processing, I've gotten more and more in the habit of nabbing definitions or checking spelling online. Not long ago I discovered that, among the many other things it can do, Google can give you short, succinct word definitions. All you have to do is type in the search field "define:" [no quotes] followed by a space and the word you want defined. For example, type "define: miscellanea" [again, no quotes] and in a split second you'll get a concise definition of miscellanea and a link to the source of that definition. Kind of a handy feature right there in our familiar search engine....but.....
Consider checking out OneLook. This is like an online meta dictionary. Like meta search engines, which sends out your search string to multiple separate search engines and brings back the separate results, OneLook sends out the word you want defined to multiple online dictionaries. The results are listed by specific dictionary.
OneLook says "6,097,226 words in 970 dictionaries indexed". That's quite a lot of words to explore!
But there is more: OneLook also offers translations and a "reverse dictionary" feature. Check out their About OneLook page which does a good job of laying out the tools they offer.
OneLook may not be the answer to all your questions about words, but I think you'll discover, as I have, the more you use OneLook the more you'll like it and find it useful.
Consider checking out OneLook. This is like an online meta dictionary. Like meta search engines, which sends out your search string to multiple separate search engines and brings back the separate results, OneLook sends out the word you want defined to multiple online dictionaries. The results are listed by specific dictionary.
OneLook says "6,097,226 words in 970 dictionaries indexed". That's quite a lot of words to explore!
But there is more: OneLook also offers translations and a "reverse dictionary" feature. Check out their About OneLook page which does a good job of laying out the tools they offer.
OneLook may not be the answer to all your questions about words, but I think you'll discover, as I have, the more you use OneLook the more you'll like it and find it useful.
Monday, July 12, 2004
Nothing Is Much Better Than The Word.....FREE!
Seeing the word "Free" attached to something always catches my eye, I must confess. But I've also been around the block enough to know that the promise of getting something for nothing rarely turns out as, well, price-less as the word "free" tempts one into believing.
Still, the allure of the label "free" continues to lure us in.
In the world of computers programs and utilities, there are many talented and generous-minded creative minds out there creating handy things we can use on our computers. They often are in the freeware/shareware slice of the online world out there.
I've come across a site that has a range of free and not-too-expensive support sites. The main page features a listing of the 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities. In addition to that you'll find links to handy shareware (programs that are not free but often inexpensive) and sites where you can get answers to support questions.
I want to explore the site more thoroughly, but, like I said, that word FREE gets my attention every time.
Still, the allure of the label "free" continues to lure us in.
In the world of computers programs and utilities, there are many talented and generous-minded creative minds out there creating handy things we can use on our computers. They often are in the freeware/shareware slice of the online world out there.
I've come across a site that has a range of free and not-too-expensive support sites. The main page features a listing of the 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities. In addition to that you'll find links to handy shareware (programs that are not free but often inexpensive) and sites where you can get answers to support questions.
I want to explore the site more thoroughly, but, like I said, that word FREE gets my attention every time.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Fiery and Spectacular!
I know it's a little on the late side for the 2004 celebration of July 4th, but I came across this site called Kaboom! that I couldn't resist. Actually fireworks displays take place more often than just the 4th of July (I've seen them at a Mariners game and, heck, even at Seattle Opera [indoors no less]), so this fascinating information is relevant many times of the year.
If you've ever wondered what makes fireworks tick (and then explode!), you'll love this site sponsored by NOVA and PBS.
If you've ever wondered what makes fireworks tick (and then explode!), you'll love this site sponsored by NOVA and PBS.
More About Copying and Copyright -- This Time With DVDs
As a sort of follow-up to yesterday's post about copyright and fair use, here's an article reviewing some of the issues involved in the debate about the legality -- again an aspect of the fair use doctrine in copyright law -- in people being able to copy DVDs they own.
DVDs come with anti-copying protections built into the disks but programs have been written and distributed that over-ride those protections and allow the DVDs to be copied.
Lawsuits have been filed and decisions rendered. Programs making the copying possible have been outlawed; new programs (many free and available for download via the 'net) have been produced to continue to make copying DVDs possible.
Difficult to know how this will utlimately play out. It's clear that the major movie studios are pressuring hard to keep the anti-copying protections in place. It's also clear that a number of people are feeling that, if they own the DVD (just like with their audio CDs), they should be able to make a back-up copy in case the kids mess up the original or if they want to view a movie they bought on their laptop without schlepping around the disks.
I suspect we'll hear more about this as the battlelines get drawn.....
DVDs come with anti-copying protections built into the disks but programs have been written and distributed that over-ride those protections and allow the DVDs to be copied.
Lawsuits have been filed and decisions rendered. Programs making the copying possible have been outlawed; new programs (many free and available for download via the 'net) have been produced to continue to make copying DVDs possible.
Difficult to know how this will utlimately play out. It's clear that the major movie studios are pressuring hard to keep the anti-copying protections in place. It's also clear that a number of people are feeling that, if they own the DVD (just like with their audio CDs), they should be able to make a back-up copy in case the kids mess up the original or if they want to view a movie they bought on their laptop without schlepping around the disks.
I suspect we'll hear more about this as the battlelines get drawn.....
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Copyright and the Classroom
Getting a grip on the state of copyright law in the digital age is one great big challenge. Teachers, students, administrators, and parents have to be aware of the basic tenets of the actual law in the form of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act of 1998.
Ah, but there's more. All of us also have to get well-acquainted with the concept enshrined in the DMCA called "fair use". Intended to allow for access to material in the furtherance of research and education, and also to provide a mechanism for copyrighted work to be "transformed" (as in commented on or parodied). Much information about fair use can be found such as the Copyright and Fair Use Overview at Stanford University.
One way to test your own knowledge of the implications of educational fair use and your teaching and your students' research is to take a quick online quiz by Hall Davidson. You may be surprised at the results! (Quiz answers available here.)
As educators, we have the obligation to know the law and to model the proper use of copyrighted materials. Some of the resources I've included here can help you figure out how to stay within that ethical framework.
Ah, but there's more. All of us also have to get well-acquainted with the concept enshrined in the DMCA called "fair use". Intended to allow for access to material in the furtherance of research and education, and also to provide a mechanism for copyrighted work to be "transformed" (as in commented on or parodied). Much information about fair use can be found such as the Copyright and Fair Use Overview at Stanford University.
One way to test your own knowledge of the implications of educational fair use and your teaching and your students' research is to take a quick online quiz by Hall Davidson. You may be surprised at the results! (Quiz answers available here.)
As educators, we have the obligation to know the law and to model the proper use of copyrighted materials. Some of the resources I've included here can help you figure out how to stay within that ethical framework.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Yeah Spiderman!
I don't know about your household, but ours has been quite excited of late with the opening last Wednesday of Spiderman 2. Its arrival was the number one priority of our 5-year-old and, yes, we went to see it on opening day.
The theatre (the Cinerama -- what a great movie theatre!) was sold-out. The movie was great. We had a wonderful time. And it's a hit!
Now the challenge is to not break the bank by going back too often!
The theatre (the Cinerama -- what a great movie theatre!) was sold-out. The movie was great. We had a wonderful time. And it's a hit!
Now the challenge is to not break the bank by going back too often!
Monday, July 05, 2004
Filtering Web Access? No Easy Answers
The decision handed down by the Supreme Court at the end of the '03-'04 term that kept in place an injunction blocking enforcement of the Child Online Protection Act (COPA) "until its validity can be resolved" has brought to center-stage the question of what is the best way to offer our students online access while, at the same time, protecting them from the dangers and inappropriate content out there.
As a member of the adult community in a school that does not currently filter any of the online access provided to students or adults -- and especially as a member of the technology team -- we have struggled, especially in recent years, with how to balance what some might view as academic freedom or freedom of speech with the responsibilities we have, as faculty and staff, to provide protection for the students who are in our charge.
Three articles from the New York Times form a fairly good summary both of the case, the issues, and some thoughts about the effectiveness (or not) of filters. The article about the court case can be found here, a more general look at the challenges of writing a law such as the COPA that must meet the test of free speech as laid out in the US Constitution is here, and some thoughts on filtering can be found here.
One resource mentioned in the article that seems well worth taking a good long look at is called GetNetWise. In the brief look I was able to give it, there are obviously many very helpful tools and information that can help us as parents and teachers as we try to navigate these unclear waters.
As a member of the adult community in a school that does not currently filter any of the online access provided to students or adults -- and especially as a member of the technology team -- we have struggled, especially in recent years, with how to balance what some might view as academic freedom or freedom of speech with the responsibilities we have, as faculty and staff, to provide protection for the students who are in our charge.
Three articles from the New York Times form a fairly good summary both of the case, the issues, and some thoughts about the effectiveness (or not) of filters. The article about the court case can be found here, a more general look at the challenges of writing a law such as the COPA that must meet the test of free speech as laid out in the US Constitution is here, and some thoughts on filtering can be found here.
One resource mentioned in the article that seems well worth taking a good long look at is called GetNetWise. In the brief look I was able to give it, there are obviously many very helpful tools and information that can help us as parents and teachers as we try to navigate these unclear waters.
Friday, July 02, 2004
Selling Soap.....I mean....Electing a President
Although things haven't really gotten fired up -- what with the fall-out from the primaries determined long ago and the Republican and Democratic conventions yet to happen -- but pretty much everyone is aware that a presidential election is happening.
One place where it's pretty difficult to escape the convention, even now these months before the election, is on the tube. Both the Kerry and Bush campaigns have been spending big bucks on political commercials trying to demonize the other guy and/or reinforce their own proximity to perfection.
An online site that enables us to not only look at the current crop of commercials, but to take a look back at presidential politic polemics, at least through the view of the tv screen and political advertising.
The site is called The Living Room Candidate and is part of the American Museum of the Moving Image.
I'm still back looking at the commercials used during the Eisenhower/Stevenson and Kennedy/Nixon eras, but they have them, as I said, right up to the present campaign.
By the way, you can view them by campaign year but also by categories (biolgraphical, fear, documentary, commander-in-chief, etc.) or by issue (civil rights, taxes, war, welfare, etc.).
One amazing source that gives us a look at the political process and cultural change, not to mention the change in television as a medium and advertising as an "art."
One place where it's pretty difficult to escape the convention, even now these months before the election, is on the tube. Both the Kerry and Bush campaigns have been spending big bucks on political commercials trying to demonize the other guy and/or reinforce their own proximity to perfection.
An online site that enables us to not only look at the current crop of commercials, but to take a look back at presidential politic polemics, at least through the view of the tv screen and political advertising.
The site is called The Living Room Candidate and is part of the American Museum of the Moving Image.
I'm still back looking at the commercials used during the Eisenhower/Stevenson and Kennedy/Nixon eras, but they have them, as I said, right up to the present campaign.
By the way, you can view them by campaign year but also by categories (biolgraphical, fear, documentary, commander-in-chief, etc.) or by issue (civil rights, taxes, war, welfare, etc.).
One amazing source that gives us a look at the political process and cultural change, not to mention the change in television as a medium and advertising as an "art."
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Spyware? Should You Care?
The installation of "spyware" and similar programs that can record activity (keystrokes, web site visits, etc.) on your computer has, no doubt, already happen unbeknownst to you.
More and more of this category of invasive computer "malware" is getting added to people's machines as they click around the Internet. Again, unless you have a program installed on your computer to counter (and delete/destroy) spyware, you have no idea that this stuff is getting placed on your computer.
Like most things, the best place to start in becoming able to combat spyware and keep it from reporting things about your computer activity, not to mention slowing down your computer's performance, is knowing what you're up against.
Mike Emery, of New Philadelphia City Schools, has written a very good summary that describes what we are all up against. He also includes some excellent and practical advice on how you can minimize or completely avoid these invaders. This description is well-written and well-worth the time to read.
Mike's document is called: Spyware, Malware, and Adware (this is a .pdf file)
If you would like to really dive into the whole question of adware, spyware, and maintaining your computer's security and integrity, you might want to read Removing Spyware by Michael Horowitz. Mr. Horowitz goes into a great deal of detail and is also quite fascinating.
More and more of this category of invasive computer "malware" is getting added to people's machines as they click around the Internet. Again, unless you have a program installed on your computer to counter (and delete/destroy) spyware, you have no idea that this stuff is getting placed on your computer.
Like most things, the best place to start in becoming able to combat spyware and keep it from reporting things about your computer activity, not to mention slowing down your computer's performance, is knowing what you're up against.
Mike Emery, of New Philadelphia City Schools, has written a very good summary that describes what we are all up against. He also includes some excellent and practical advice on how you can minimize or completely avoid these invaders. This description is well-written and well-worth the time to read.
Mike's document is called: Spyware, Malware, and Adware (this is a .pdf file)
If you would like to really dive into the whole question of adware, spyware, and maintaining your computer's security and integrity, you might want to read Removing Spyware by Michael Horowitz. Mr. Horowitz goes into a great deal of detail and is also quite fascinating.
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