Teachers have a new magazine - InteracTive - dealing with educational IT in the classroom. Editor Mark Sealey, formerly of Educational Computing and Technology, says it is being aimed squarely at classroom teachers and IT co-ordinators: “It will show how technology can make learning more effective and be fun at the same time.” Launched in July, InteracTive will publish nine issues a year and a subscription costs Pounds 26. More information from The Questions Publishing Company Ltd, 27 Frederick Street, Hockley, Birmingham B1 3HH. Tel: 0121 212 0919.
Another new magazine, the monthly Parents and Computers (Pounds 1.95, IDG Media), is aimed at bridging the gap between parents and the world of computers. The magazine has gone the Hello way by using glossy pictures and editorial to look at how a high-profile celebrity family copes with computers. The first edition featured Crimewatch presenter, Sue Cook and her family and includes easy to understand advice on buying and using hardware and software. IDG Media, Media House, Adlington Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4NP. Tel 01625 878888. (A Computers Update focusing on the home and education markets will be published by The TES on October 20.) Paul Phoenix, a community worker from Catford, London, is a passionate believer in children’s abilities, especially those youngsters written off by teachers. His latest drive involves helping “disaffected” students use art and information technology to build up their confidence while learning about social issues like drugs. From a tiny shopfront in Catford Mews shopping precinct he runs the Okra Theatre Arts in Education project where, every Saturday morning, students pay Pounds 3 for six hours of tuition in information technology and animation, using equipment borrowed from other projects and sponsors like British Telecom.
Okra Theatre Arts in Education, Unit 26 Catford Mews, Winslade Way, Catford, London SE6 4JU. Tel 0181 690 6438.
For teachers who haven’t quite got around to “surfing” on the Internet system of international computer networks, but don’t mind getting wet now and then, BT has published a 52-page guide to coincide with the launch of its CampusWorld on-line education service. Called Teaching and Learning with the Internet, the Pounds 3 booklet gives guidance on the classroom use of the Internet for teaching and learning.
Further information on Teaching and Learning with the Internet is available from BT’s Education Service helpline on 0800 622302.
Following years of campaigning by teachers Tony and Philippa Atwood, more than 100 pages of materials dedicated entirely to teachers of dyslexic children are now available at Research Machines’ Internet site. The couple’s company, Multi-Sensory Learning, has put up materials including worksheets, games, and reading, spelling and memory cards. These can all be copied free of charge.
Organisations involved in dyslexia are invited to add to the pages by contacting Dyslexia Internet by email on: firstand@rmplc.co.uk Web address: http.www.rmplc.co.ukorgsfirstand Or contact Multi-Sensory Learning, 32 Nene Valley Business Park, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4HJ. Tel 01832 274714.
