Teacher Stevenson

Star Wars History

2012-02-18T04:24:00.000-08:00

Star Wars - Dawn of the Jedi: Force Storm is one long crazy title but it is also the new comic book series which explores the origins of the Jedi. Yes, Dark Horse are looking into the history of Star Wars once again. Fictional history is fairly important as it informs the understanding of real history and it's correlation with our present. This series illuminates this point by showing the similarities between the past and present as well as showing the "less developed" status or civilisation and technologies which help us associate, through fandom rather than true empathy, with this characters from the past. I recommend the series for Star Wars fans and those adventurous historians.

So ridiculously English!

2012-02-05T16:25:00.001-08:00

In 1940, an English golf club wrote rules explaining proper conduct should Nazi bombs suddenly fall.

No comment needed.

http://m.io9.com/5881261/in-1940-an-english-golf-club-wrote-rules-explaining-proper-conduct-should-nazi-bombs-suddenly-fall

Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Daily Deal

2012-01-30T13:06:00.001-08:00

Okay so the hyperlink below is a little ungainly but why not copy and past it and save the Kindle Dealy Deal in your bookmarks. Each day Amazon puts a Kindle book on sale for 99p. It often is a fictional book and the topic tends to have a historical topic or slant about a third of the time. Stories about personal triumph or scandal are popular but many appear to examine the 1930s or 1950s, like Call the Midwife. Check it out.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_161849367_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1000577623&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=right-1&pf_rd_r=1R833SVZK21W2D38V9N0&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=270713247&pf_rd_i=341689031

PistolFist - American Hero

2012-01-22T04:26:00.001-08:00

I've just read the preview available on the Comixology App and I was impressed with the facts in this fictional story. The costumes, language and setting seem to be quite accurate. Why not give it a try and downloads the preview at the Comixology app on Andriod or iOS.

The first artificial sweetener poisoned lots of Romans

2012-01-21T13:29:00.001-08:00

http://io9.com/5877587/the-first-artificial-sweetener-poisoned-lots-of-romans

Romans used an artificial sweetener, Sugar of Lead, to sweeten and preserve their foods without taking on additional calories. However it poisoned them. Many historians believe it might have even contributed to their downfall. I don't believe that but it could have damaged their health and contributed to developmental issues for a number of their children. Just a few years ago, American stores recalled a number of children's toys produced in China for that very reason. Perhaps what happened to one empire will occur again with a modern one.

@teacherstevo - Twitter (News, TV updates etc)

History & Video Games

2012-01-19T12:36:00.001-08:00

This podcast from the 1up Network allows me to indulge in two of my hobbies and recall an old one. I enjoy podcasts as I can be entertained and informed on a number of topics during downtime. History is of course my main passion. To explore the history of video games is a great nostalgia trip but you also get to see cultural differences in history through the prism of American, British and Japanese video games.

Allergies? Are you sure?

2012-01-13T13:16:00.001-08:00

Do You Have Food Allergies? Are You Sure?

http://news.discovery.com/human/food-allergies-120112.html

Do You Have Food Allergies? Are You Sure?

12 January 2012 20:32:43
Benjamin Radford)

A seven-year-old girl in Virginia recently died from a severe allergic reaction to a peanut. The truth is it was asthma. If one in 20 children have allergies then why do I have 5 students in a class of 30. This article sheds light on the associations we make and how they can often be wrong. It have me pause because it allowed me to view my form differently and also the associations and cause and effect judgments we often make as historians. It's often not that simple.

TV Time Travel - Supernatural

2012-01-12T23:51:00.000-08:00

Simple observation from stills from upcoming shows can give you a quick insight into the time period and possible story points. The inclusion of the tommy gun suggest gangsters and this was not the typical weapon of law enforcement. The 1940s setting might also relate to a spy ring. Perhaps Supernatural will try and integrate demons into both or more wisely choose one. The one thing that will be interesting to watch are the verbal anachronism the Winchester brothers are prone to making when in the past.

FilmToGo - Useful to History?

2012-01-12T12:37:00.001-08:00

Orange Customers can download the classic drama Becoming Jane, today only. Text FILMTOGO to 85060. Texts cost 35p, terms apply.

Historians often ignore period dramas because they are primarily seen as derivatives of literary works. If we do view them it is often with suspicion and a desire to spot inaccuracies and anachronisms. Perhaps we should re-examine this and trust the actors interpretation of 19th century life for the gentry. We can see what the characters view as important and how they spend their time. This is a useful tool when distinguishing the differences in the class and how the industrial revolution had a varying degree of impact on each class.

orange.co.uk/filmtogo

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Hitler is mentioned less?

2012-01-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

This simple app lets you scan Google Books and see how often a word of phrase appears in its library of thousands of books. It would appear despite fears of a Nazification of History in had his zenith during the war and saw a rapid decline. However, you could argue that he has remained in the limelight for over 50 years since that first declining stage.

Jan 10's Historical Coincidence

2012-01-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

Whilst scanning through my first ever history app, This Day in History, I notice this coincidence. These two international bodies were set up after a world war in the hopes of furthering peace and bringing stability. The former obviously failed and the latter is still, over 65 years later still a work in progress. Perhaps the symbolism of replacing one with the other on the same day shows the continuation of the League's positive Commissions and other bodies. It also shows the UN as a clear replacement from the archaic bureaucracy and the ineffectual and selfish interests of the Leagues founders and members.

Five Years Ago Today, The iPhone

2012-01-09T14:05:00.001-08:00

This article got me thinking about forms of technology that we teach as focal points in history. Will historians look upon this digital age and talk about the app viewpoint of the web as a turning point. Just as Stephenson's Rocket was to transport and trade. Both inventions have spurred on various side industries and have seen billions invested and made from these technologies. Both were improvements and adaptions on existing designs and ideas. The iPhone has iterated itself far more rapidly that the steam engine but the comparison still holds firm here as both gained mass market appeal in their own way once the teething generations gave way to a user and commercial friendly equilibrium.

From AppAdvice.com:
http://appadvice.com/appnn/2012/01/five-years-ago-today-the-iphone-entered-our-lives-for-the-first-time/

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Get an A+ with Animoto

2012-01-07T09:22:00.001-08:00

Animoto is a great app and website. It takes your pictures, videos and short text and create interesting videos that match up to a variety of music from their or your selection. I use them as starters in my lessons and on my YouTube page as homework assignments. Students also make use of site in class and for homework.

Creating presentations are pretty standard in schools these days. Instead of taking those grueling hours to make sure the every transition is right and all the colors match, why not make an Animoto video instead?

http://animoto.com/blog/using-animoto/get-an-a-with-animoto/

@teacherstevo - Twitter (News, TV updates etc)

Manipulate Images

2011-12-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

I manipulate images on my iPhone during some free time to create starters and more. Check out the image for a sample.

Essay Introductions

2011-12-29T03:03:00.001-08:00

For Christmas, I was given a book of essays on one of my favourite shows, Supernatural. The one thing that has struck me and is useful from a literary and historical view is the start of each of these essays. I have seen children introduce their essays by simply describing what they are going to do next and I see in this book fan scholars doing the same. Some of them take the more historical essay approach of presenting their essay introduction as a structured approach which shows glimpses of the arguments present. Which is the correct approach? Are both acceptable? Is the historical approach an antiquated view?

Check out Warplanes: A History Of Aerial Combat

2011-12-26T15:10:00.001-08:00

Warplanes: A History Of Aerial Combat

Check out this application on the App Store:

Warplanes: A History Of Aerial Combat

Gameloft

Category: Books

Updated: 26 Oct 2011

10 Ratings

iTunes for Mac and Windows

Please note that you have not been added to any email lists.
Copyright © 2011 iTunes S.à r.l. All rights reserved

Christmas Day

2011-12-24T23:29:00.001-08:00

Photo Age is a silly app. Makes mistakes all the time.

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

Almost everyone knows Prince Albert brought over many traditions with him that turned from Germanic to Victorian. A number know the Romans gave the 25th Dec to us from their sun god. A wonder if a few will adopt the mostly US and Jewish only tradition of Chinese food on Christmas day. Even Superheroes are in on the act.

Amnesty Fundraising

2011-12-18T23:27:00.000-08:00

We managed to raise over £70 for Amnesty over a week. Over two weeks we have managed to send more than 200 messages of hope to protesters and prisoners.

Write for Rights: Day One

2011-12-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

Just getting the display up and asking for donations. I student has made a £5 donation and in return I've given her a Twilight Bag. The power of Team Edward. A raffle, guess the number of sweets and a cake sale tomorrow should drum up some cash and interest. Anyone who donated their time or small change will also get a sticker and a bookmark I created.

BBC: 200-year-old newspapers go online

2011-11-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

I saw this story on the BBC News iPad App and thought you should see it.

** 200-year-old newspapers go online **
I like how this can be searchable and that we can make these real sources usable in the classroom. Year 7 can search their birthday, their parent's birthdays or their grandparent's birthdays. Year 8 would be a stretch but we could look at the end of slavery and the abolitionist efforts. Year 9 could examine factory growth and health changes in the Industrial Age.

Four million pages of newspapers from the 18th and 19th Centuries are made available online by the British Library. < http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15932683 >

@teacherstevo - Twitter (News, TV updates etc)

Caveman Stalin

2011-11-27T15:08:00.001-08:00

Simple iPhone app lets me turn anyone into a caveman. Neolithic or Neanderthal? I'm no expert on cranial ridges that for sure but it sure is funny. I also discovered that 11-14 year olds did not know Stalin in caveman or regular form. Some thought he was Hitler. I wonder of World War Two is just getting to far removed in time and popular culture for most.

Batman's Family Tree

2011-11-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

Bruce Wayne is under threat by the Parliament of Owls, who appear to have a history with the Wayne family. It's cool that Alfred is the custodian of this knowledge. It's even cooler that he refers to Alan Wayne since that is my first and middle name.

Ebook on Comic Books

2011-11-19T13:48:00.001-08:00

I wrote a dissertation on the history of modern comics. I'm happy so many people have enjoyed it. Search for it on my ebook.

Fwd: Sir Robert Peel - Drunk?

2011-11-17T22:34:00.001-08:00

Next to Leicester Royal Infirmary there is a pub named after the creator of the modern police force. Is this ironic? There is a police parking bay just a 100 metres away.

Amnesty Against Stoning

2011-11-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Students got to paper-stone me in Amnesty club. Let's just say they managed to throw paper quite hard. It didn't hurt but it was very annoying. It was nice to do a fun thing about such a serious topic. It inspired the girls to be paper stoned too so I could use their images for Amnesty adverts and the Amnesty website. Surely some of my students would off wished it wasn't paper but thankfully only the nice kids come to Amnesty Club.

Time Travelling Movie Stars?

2011-10-25T23:50:00.000-07:00

A great meme online right now is Vampire Nicolas Cage and Time Traveller John Travolta.
These American Civil War 'photographs' are certainly very interesting. I wonder why Cage has to be a vampire though.

Comics & History

2011-10-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

This week I was impressed with the new comic releases which have a historical touch, whether biographical or fiction. Here is one that grabbed my attention.

Counter Factual - Apollo Mission

2011-10-21T10:53:00.001-07:00

Imagine if China landed on the moon with it's "Mao Missiles". Well this counter factual history might come true some forty plus years after the USA. China has timetabled a moon landing by 2020.

Half-Term Workload

2011-10-19T04:04:00.001-07:00

Many people say you have way too many holidays. Maybe so but I spend that time working too. I took Sunday off which is normally a half work day for me. However, Tuesday was spent creating a new overview for Year 8 and 9 lessons an marking books. This will continue on Thursday. Wednesday and Friday will be half days marking homework, drafting new assessments and creating new seating plans. Monday was my own one day holiday! At least I get to blog and tweet more often ;)

Tech History Today

2011-10-17T04:53:00.001-07:00

I have been enjoying this less than a minute podcast for a short while now and I admire how it sticks to the remit it gives itself from the title. In just under a minute the show is introduced and around three significant events are explored through text and images on screen and Tom's voice over. I wish I could have this playing during each registration of my class, but there is just no time. I wonder if an ICT teacher could find some use for it.

iOS Apps: World War II Great Songs

2011-10-08T12:27:00.001-07:00

History can be seen in different ways but we forget we can hear it in different ways too. I will forever be grateful to my music teacher in my middle school who had us sing us a bunch of different tunes from the era and prior. Let's hope in these troubling times we can take the free app and "Pack Up Are Troubles" and smile, smile, smile.

History in Pop Culture: Stargate SG-1

2011-10-08T07:39:00.001-07:00

History in Pop Culture found it's way into Season 2 of Stargate SG-1, in the episode called "Prisoners" on Sky One. The character Daniel Jackson remarked that the prison they found themselves in was like Botany Bay. A penal colony set up by the British once they discovered Australia, on the other side of the world.

Comics & History: RIPPED

2011-10-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

New graphic novel sees a college drop out, Alex, travelling through time and witnessing events such as the assassination of JFK.
The graphic novel is aimed at students on the mature side and always parental discretion is advised.

I just made a video at Animoto!

2011-10-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

I just made a video at Animoto!

Click the link to view the short 1min video of the Changes to Textiles.
I gave myself 15 minutes to create this video. I searched out relevant imagery to show the changes in textiles from the Cottage system to the modern day. I uploaded them to Animoto, rearranged them and selected the music. Animoto did the rest. I got the finished video some ten minutes later. Total time 25 minutes but only 14 actually creating it. Great site. 30 second videos are free!

The Oregon Trail on iOS for Free!

2011-09-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Trail (69p -> Free, 299.2 MB): Embark on an epic journey over the Oregon Trail in this updated version of the classic Apple II educational game. Before setting out on your journey, you must decide what equipment and supplies you need to bring along. As you travel down the trail, you'll need to make important decisions and hunt wild animals to ensure your party's safety. The game includes completely random events, eight mini-games, side missions, and more.

The Oregon Trail is available for free for a limited time. It has a 4-star rating with a total of 32589 ratings. BE AN AMERICAN SETTLER!

@teacherstevo - Twitter (News, TV updates etc)

Why Sucker Punch is History?

2011-09-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

This action fantasy dark adventure of 2011 by Zack Synder of the movie 300 fame is History due to it's period setting, fantasy settings and creative attitude.

The film appears to be set in a stylised 1950s. I take this as the time period due to the fashion choices of the protagonists outside of the mental institute. The language used appears to be anachronistic to today's audience. Perhaps even the niceties and pleasantries of the movie seem unusual today. I wish this was not true.

Fantasy is history. Feudal Japan, Medieval Europe and a fusion of World War One and Two were three of the four fantasy settings the main character, Babydoll, escaped into. The Sci-Fi fantasy also carried the historical theme through with it's neo-industrial train and Hiroshima like climax. The framing device use Burlesque, which at first led me to believe a 1930s setting, but instead I believe that too was another fantasy drawing upon dark entertainment of a time not so far away, but enough for it to be seen as eschew.

The creative decision to be anachronistic with props engages the audiences to acknowledge and hopefully enjoy the combination of machine guns and samurai swords and mechs with rockets in dirt trenches.

Perhaps most striking is the choice to deprive the female characters of all the power and to give them all of it within their fantasies as this maintains the status quo of then and really now. The lack of change in attitudes towards women from the framing device and the actual period is startling and forces the audience to ask the question how much has it changed since? That is history. To measure and assess change. Does a woman of today have to be exploited to succeed or can she grab the power herself? That, hopefully is our future. That is still history.

@teacherstevo

WWI: a fake Paris to confuse German bombers

2011-09-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

Just prior to the end of World War I, French officials began constructing a Potemkin Paris outside of the real city to throw off German bombing raids. This tactic may seem unusual, but aerial bombing technology was still a bit of a novelty in 1917. Planes couldn't support massive payloads, and pilots didn't have the luxury of fancy navigational technology. This faux Paris was never finished, but as you can see the fake city's layout in this article from a 1920 issue ofThe Illustrated London News. This strategy was used in Africa and in England during World War Two.

Q. Fact #1: The Battle of Marathon

2011-09-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

Create a Mag Cover, Comics & Cartoons

2011-09-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some great websites that allow students to explore their creativity and knowledge of history. Some require registration and others can be used freely.

www.Bitstrips.com. A comic creation site
www.Domo.goanimate.com A child friendly version of the goanimate.com that has moderators and supervisors in place viewing the cartoon creations.
www.Magmypic.com allows you to make a fake magazine cover
www.Voicethread.com allows you to analyse an images by adding voice or text to it.

www.historyontv.co.uk - Historical TV Listings
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk - YouTube Channel

Decapitation

2011-09-17T23:33:00.001-07:00

Decapitation

As always a students will ask me if Charles I was still alive after his head was chopped off. I always tell them the truth. Probably. Well at least for around four seconds and only if the executioner made a clean cut.

The simple idea is electrical activity in the brain is a reading of our conscious experience. A detectable trace of that electrical activity has been found in the brain after the head has been removed from the body.

Quite disturbing and this was thought to be true for over two hundred years. Scientists during the French Revolution noted facial ticks from beheaded victims during The Terror and called for the end of the guillotine.

For a detailed article on the matter follow this link.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/extrasensory-perceptions/lucid-decapitation.htm

Listen to the podcast that explains it all.
http://podcasts.howstuffworks.com/hsw/podcasts/sysk/2011-04-26-sysk-decapitation.mp3

www.historyontv.co.uk & www.teacherstevenson.co.uk

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Elegance and Decadence: The Age of the Regency

2011-09-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

Elegance and Decadence: The Age of the Regency

Watch the series on the BBC iPlayer. Just click n the links below to view this new historical series by Lucy Worsley, the host of the great series, If This Wall Could Talk which is being shown on BBC2 on Thursday 15th September after it's successful run on BBC4.

Part 1 - Warts and All - Portrait of a Prince
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/bigscreen/tv/episode/b0140vb9/
Part 2 - Developing the Regency Brand
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/bigscreen/tv/episode/b014b7d2/
Part 3 - The Many and the Few - A Divided Decade
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/bigscreen/tv/episode/b014jbyr/

This series examined a time period which does not get a look in during history lessons. It is seen but often as part of the industrial revolution and not as an examination of the royalty of the time. This series examines both and looks beyond the social and economic history that many might have been taught and looks into the cultural and political change that took place.

www.historyontv.co.uk & www.teacherstevenson.co.uk

Help Save Troy Davis

2011-09-12T10:45:00.001-07:00

Join the #TooMuchDoubt Twitter campaign: Spread the word about this injustice by tweeting a "Doubt a Day" about Troy's story. Follow us@amnesty for tweets or use some of these 'doubts' in your tweets:

www.historyontv.co.uk

@teacherstevo

Amnesty Apps

2011-09-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

In this day and age of connectivity and instant gratification Amnesty International has created a few apps which meet both modern needs. Search Amnesty in the app store, install them and spend a few minutes to help change lives.

The Amnesty App focuses on the issue of Burma and has features a photographic petition.
The AiCandle App or Amnesty International Candle App is more featured and has news, petitions and links. Once logged in you can digitally sign various petitions with ease. These are emailed on your behalf.
The Bulletproof App has you blocking the bullets of a firing squad. Each level sees more bullets and more soldiers taking aim at you. This simple "game" is more of an awareness tool.

Just a few clicks can make a world of difference.

AMNESTY wants you to make some noise!

2011-08-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Emailing RBS or visit Amnesty to learn what else you can do.

Marriage Plan

2011-07-17T02:16:00.000-07:00

I can't help but think about all the traditions we now hold so dear to the marriage day are both ancient and modern.
The planning has taken up so much of my time and it will all be worth it. That's why my posts have been limited of late.

@teacherstevo

2011-06-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

Twitter feed has more History on TV news, education comments, historical images and interesting pictures and photographs.

iOS Apps I like: Waula

2011-06-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

This is a cloud storage service. It allows you to view a variety of files you have stored in cloud storage and those in a special drive on your home system. Waula is different to other cloud storage as you can provide them with storage on your own system so you can get more free storage.

The interface on the iOS devices and on the PC isn't very intuitive but the service is reliable.

iOS Apps I Like: Box

2011-06-19T12:09:00.001-07:00

This is the good online cloud storage service. It works on a variety of systems and with specific software for PCs, iOS etc. There is also access via the website on any browser. The service is very reliable but the web interface is a little clunky. The service does not have a desktop presence like Dropbox so it remains my back up option.

The interface on the iOS devices is easy and simple to use. You can view a whole host of files can be viewed. I've watched videos and listened to audio files. I have also used the app to see my PowerPoint presentations and PDF worksheets.

iOS Apps I Like: BBC News

2011-06-19T12:06:00.001-07:00

iOS Apps I Like: BBC News

This app is universal which means it works on iPads, iPods and iPhones. BBC News gives you access to the main BBC news feeds and allows you to select many others including education. You can move these selected channels to the front page. You can also watch the BBC News 24 channel live via wifi. I even tweet some interesting historical news through the simple social media interface. If Facebook is more your social paradiam then you can just as easily use that service.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

The DC Reboot is now a Relaunch.

2011-06-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

The DC Reboot is now a Relaunch. The characters will be de-aged a little but most relationships will stay intact.

This shows how comics truly are MODERN MYTHOLOGY as we can set these characters in any situation or we can tell a Superman story but allow for different variations of it. Heracles' stories were told differently by people in different regions of Greece and even transformed when retold by the Romans.

It is not the continuity that is important but the characters and their seminal moments. It is what historians and classicists can latch onto through the thematic and emotional context. There is still cultural and economic points for historians to examine when looking beyond the stories and towards the companies and the grander history.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

The DC UNIVERSE Reboots

2011-06-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

In the realm of comics this is very significant. For History it has a number or real world and unreal implications.
In the real world, Action Comics and Detective comics will lose their records of longest running titled in US History reaching in the 900s and 800s respectively. It is remarkable that a company will forsake such a position for the short term sales gain but perhaps long term alienation of it's established readership.
In the unreal world, this could mean a re-establishment of continuity which would bring characters origins up to date with more recent events and perhaps parallel real world chronology. This would mean that Superman never fought in World War Two. The image with the press release indicates younger characters which supports this notion. For more information for the link below:
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/DC-Universe-Reboot-Announcement-110531.html

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Shop for History at my Amazon store

2011-05-29T14:21:00.001-07:00

http://astore.amazon.co.uk/historyontv-21

L.A. Noire - Video Game (1947)

2011-05-26T16:04:00.001-07:00

L.A. Noire is a high profile video game release from the company responsible for the Grand Theft Auto series. Do not let this fact detract you from what is a great detective adventure game.

The game is receiving critical acclaim for it's story and gameplay and the use of actors real faces on digital characters. This new technology is the crux of the game as you need to 'read' the characters during their interrogations.

Besides it being a great game which has innovated the medium through technology and storytelling it has three compelling points which make it relevant for teachers.

The first point is the application of the interview or interrogation scenes in teaching teenagers with autism and Aspergers how to read emotional states of others through trial and error.

The second point, relates to the ability to play the entire game in black and White thus invoking the noire films it takes it's name from.

The third point is the historical backdrop of 1947 Los Angeles that allows you to explore a rich environment and experience it in an 'first hand' manner. You can step out of your car and enter the courtyard of a locally famous restaurant. This is the closest to a time machine we will ever get.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Pension - My 2p Worth

2011-05-25T15:31:00.001-07:00

Teachers are being asked to work longer until they can get their pension, pay more into the pension each month and get less once they claim the pension.

I accepted the two year pay freeze as I saw myself being in a privileged public service position. I believed I should bear some of the austerity measure due to the potential ongoing wage gains and the "silver" pension I believed I would receive.

It might still be a "bronze" pension in the end but it is still frustrating when you have accepted deferred salary and now in essence you are being asked to accept a reduced salary.

I am concerned for new teachers who might find the cost of living, loan payments and the expectations of a teacher will not match their salary.

The government are taking unilateral action without consideration for the consequences it will have on teachers, schools, students and our nation's economy.

The savings they will make will be outstripped by the direct economic and social costs on teachers and the indirect impact on the services we use.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Yossel - A Comic set in the Warsaw Ghetto

2011-05-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Yossel is Joe Kubert's amazing graphic novel detailing the story of a young artist who is surviving and resisting the Nazi aggression within the Warsaw Ghetto during 1943. Joe Kubert is a living legend in the comics community. He has worked for both Marvel and DC comics on war and superhero comics in the past. He now works solely on creator owned works which feature significant events within modern Jewish history or personal stories which reflect on a theme. Yossel allow Kubert to do both.

Historians own it to themselves to pick this up even if they are not comic readers. Kubert tells the story through his emotive artwork and personal story within the historical context. This empathetic approach ensure that you will be moved by his works and perhaps even changed.

GCSE Modern World History Bitesize Last-minute Learner

2011-05-23T12:44:00.001-07:00

Check out this application:

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gcse-modern-world-history/id411674826?mt=8

I am very impressed with Apple creating a clear section in the App Store for GCSE Revision. I would have love having these tools when I was revising. There are tons of apps for all subjects and they approach revision in a variety of ways. Pearson has wisely included the ability to put your own noted into the app.

Good luck to GCSE students and their teachers!

www.Historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Run a Club!

2011-05-20T23:56:00.001-07:00

Today I want to tell you about my Glee club. Yes, a Glee club. I have been a fan since before the show it TV screens in the UK. I got Glee fever since trailers for the show aired in the USA and I waited knowing that students and teachers would catch it too when it hit E4.

I have had a solid core of 12 students who have worked on songs and routines all year and three of the students return from their senior school on a Friday so that they can relive their Year 9 Glee Experience!

I enjoy directing their performances, working on songs and choreographing their routines but what I enjoy the most is their enthusiasm, optimism and willingness to overcome their fears.

I spend almost two hours after work, hopefully making a difference in a non academic field and I am rewarded by their respect and their energetic performance. Sometimes I feel like I wish I could do more!

I encourage every teacher to run a club if some nature and for them to continue their efforts even if attendance is low; as they are making an impact no matter the number.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Random fact

2011-05-19T16:25:00.001-07:00

The only people whose likenesses adorn Pez dispensers are Betsy Ross and Paul Revere. Revolutionary heroes.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

News on Rwandan Genocide

2011-05-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

At a special UN tribunal in Tanzania, the former head of Rwanda's army, Augustin Bizimungu, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for genocide and crimes against humanity. He had ordered Hutu militants to kill Tutsis during the genocide of 1994, when some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus died.

Many films tell the story of the genocide but not one looks into the prosecution of the leaders. It is truly heartening when this action reaches the wanted conclusion.

www.historyontv.co.uk

www.teacherstevenson.co.uk

@teacherstevo

iOS Apps I Like: BBC News

2011-05-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

iOS Apps I Like: BBC News

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

iOS Apps I Like: Dropbox

2011-05-14T05:48:00.000-07:00

This is the best online cloud storage service. It works on a variety of systems and with specific software for PCs, iOS etc. There is also access via the website on any browser.

The interface on the iOS devices is easy and simple to use. You can view a whole host of files can be viewed. I use the app to see my PowerPoint presentations for my lessons of the day and the PDF worksheets I use. The service is very reliable.

Busy Day = Random Fact

2011-05-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

I hope to post at least three times a week. This week is too hectic for me. Here is a random fact to brighten your day.

Random facts: many people believe Royals have blue blood which is untrue but Lobsters do have blue blood.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

VLE for free!

2011-05-11T12:53:00.001-07:00

Many people have different views on want a VLE or Virtual Learning Environment is, as opinions vary on how to have or what is 'learning'.
For some staff they would like registration, seating plans and other administration tasks to be integrated into it. Others would like social features to be integrated or for it be more akin to typical blogs or websites. You can create a VLE by using a variety of free tools it just might not look the same as the paid option. There are free quiz engines, registration sites, blogs out there. It might be worth asking your ICT staff to investigate this. Tomorrow I will explore this in more detail but what I will say for now is EDUBLOGS.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Improving your VLE

2011-05-09T15:22:00.001-07:00

Here are some possible steps that you might be able to take with your VLE. Remember, every VLE is different so some of these steps might not be applicable.

Step 1: Create a homepage with simple links to the main functions you wish students to use. Do not have too many links and ensure the test/task link is easy to spot and use.

Step 2: Use images within your task as part of it or to break up the task. This will satisfied visual learners in this very digital literacy field.

Step 3: Create varied tasks of varying length. Some students will do multiple short tasks versus the same tasks in one long form. This seems counter intuitive at first but when you consider students attention spans whilst online and when playing games it makes sense.

Step 4: Use the VLE in your lesson. This will expose students to the technology and user interface and make you aware of any difficulties by simple observation.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Pupils thoughts on a VLE

2011-05-06T10:10:00.001-07:00

"I can do my other homework like I do my maths homework"

"It's too complicated and it is so hard to move around in"

I am part of a working group examining homework issues at my school. I asked some students, who have problems doing and handing in homework, some questions in regards to their homework and the VLE was one of the focuses.

I was surprised that most students, in this somewhat narrow group, did not see any advantage in doing their homework on the VLE. It is clear some focus for us as a school in showing the uses of the VLE is needed for staff and students. However, access is still a significant hurdle as we do not have 1 to 1 laptop deployment and some students will always face socio-economic difficulties. It is our role as teachers to overcome these issues to the best of our abilities and allow the students to broaden their approaches and their aspirations.

Mymaths might give us an entry point into students online homework behaviours and actions. The first student was very positive about the idea and stress how easy it was to use. I think the speed of log in, activation of task and its completion in a stressless manner is essential in this students attitude towards MyMaths. Whilst the infrastructure of the VLE might be fixed we as staff can take simple steps to create that stressless environment. Every VLE is different therefore, It is up to the department or school as a whole to decide what these steps might be. One step that seems universal is the use of the VLE in lessons beyond ICT.

www.historyontv.co.uk
www.teacherstevenson.co.uk
@teacherstevo

Free Comic Book Day on the 1st Saturday in May

2011-05-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Free Comic Book Day on the 1st Saturday in May is now becoming a tradition. Comics are trying their best to introduce the buying public, in general, and children, specifically, to the joys of comic reading.

As a teacher I believe it is my responsibility to increase the literacy of my students and I see comic books as a great way of doing so. Some students will never enjoy reading long form books due to their very fast pace consumerist life. Comics give them access to enjoyable and interesting reads in a shorter and certainly graphic form.

Students tend to enjoy reading comics as they contain characters that they are familiar with from television and film. After introducing them to comics and getting them interested in their chosen genre, often superhero, then you can give them a comic from a different genre.

Please be careful when selecting a comic for yourself or others, as comics can be all ages but they can be designed for teenagers or adults and it isn't always obvious. There are over thirty comics to choose from this saturday. The image only shows some of the comics on offer.
15+ audience can check out 2000AD, Baltimore and Civil War Adventures,
Kids can enjoy Captain America & Thor and Atomic Robo
The youngster might enjoy Bongo.

Animoto make your images into a Trailer'

2011-05-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

I really love this site and the fact that it provides educators with a code that give 50 students for fellow teachers a chance to get a FREE paid account. I use it to create videos and animated slideshows that you can find at my YouTube page. Check it out and apply for a teacher account or get a free basic account and try the 30 second trailer maker.

Thor: Superhero and Viking?

2011-05-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

People tend to forget that Thor is more than a superhero and even if they remember he is the God of Thunder they don't consider what that means.

Just as the stories within religious text of modern faiths guide millions of followers the Norse religion guided the society of several nations. Thor gives us an insight into how these people saw their relationship with nature and how relationships between father and son might be. The film examines the last part ever so lightly but it does show Thor's odd relationship with his father, Odin and step-brother, Loki.

Encourage reading, buy a comic here!

QR Codes

2011-04-30T07:57:00.001-07:00

QR Code have been around for a while and have been in regular use since the first camera phones. Posters for films and products had the codes on them which offered interesting facts and info on them or offers for customers. It's almost a hunt for information like an archaeological dig or expedition.

Apps on modern smartphones allow for more complex offerings and easy creation. Perhaps I could create my own 'hunt'.

This QR code is for my historyontv website.

www.historyontv.co.uk

@teacherstevo

Royal Wedding App

2011-04-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

Weakest Link: Royal Wedding Edition (Free, 14.4 MB): Find out if you are the Weakest Link in this Royal Wedding edition of the popular British quiz show. It features 10,000 general trivia questions, 1,000 Royal Wedding questions, and 25 simulated players.

Weakest Link: Royal Wedding Edition is available for free today only (04/29). It has a 3.5-star rating with a total of 10 ratings.

There are apps for everything and I will try and give you some of my top picks once a week. I am also working on a full list of the iOS hardware and software that I use for home and work.

Languages raised from the Dead

2011-04-27T15:04:00.001-07:00

I love how you find crazy historical references in places you least except them. i09.com has an interesting article on how people use comparative linguistics to uncover the words and sounds of long dead languages.

http://io9.com/5796225/how-to-raise-a-language-from-the-dead

www.historyontv.co.uk & www.teacherstevenson.co.uk

Pupil Propaganda

2011-04-26T03:50:00.001-07:00

NFL v NFLPA* = Henry VIII v Catherine of Aragon?

2011-04-25T06:28:00.001-07:00

I like to think that History can teach us lessons about our present and future. On occasion, History has a more tenuous link to our current situation. The NFL's CBA negations and litigation with the NFLPA* is certainly falling into the latter when you make the Henry VIII connection. That's right, Henry VIII. The connection is not that clear at first but give me a moment. Henry VIII was perhaps the most controversial royal in his dealings with religion and legal proceedings, but these actions can be seen somewhat similar to the NFL's situation.

Henry VIII opened negotiations with his wife in his attempts to have an annulment or divorce. He sort a dispensation from the Pope and when this was not granted he went to universities trying to gain credence to his argument that the marriage was invalid, based on the line in Liviticus which has no man marrying his brother's wife. The NFL are currently pursuing the argument that the decertified NFLPA did not decertify correctly so therefore the current legal proceedings against them are invalid. Just like Henry VIII the current legal action might be overturned by the actions of a different organisation or legal body. Henry VIII set up an ecclesiastical court to eventually enact his divorce. Whilst the NFL cannot take this action they do have a more friendly circuit-court or the federal body perhaps siding with them.

The public image issues both sides are facing are also relatable to Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII situation. She was very popular and was seen as a very pious figure by the majority of the court and the common people. In fact Henry VIII's treatment of her along with his denunciation of the Catholic Church led to an almost disastrous uprising in the north of England. For now the NFL like Henry VIII, appears to be using it's every means to not allow the self-interests of already rich individuals seem the main motivator behind their actions. Instead the rights of owners and fans, building the game, making it sustainable and occasionally hiding behind legal proceedings appear to be their weapons. Perhaps just like Henry VIII they too can exert their will and take every legal avenue available to them to gain their wanted outcome? Or perhaps the will of the many and what some see as just will win out? I hope that we find out soon.

www.historyontv.co.uk & www.teacherstevenson.co.uk

Dunkirk Weds-Fri 9pm on Yesterday

2011-04-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

1/3 Dramatised account of the World War Two evacuation of Allied forces from France.

Thursday 2/3 - The Royal Navy begins to help in the evacuation of thousands of frustrated Allied troops from the French coast.

Friday 3/3 - British troops fight to hold back the German advance long enough for the evacuations to continue.

Alliances in World War One

2011-02-25T13:36:00.000-08:00

Teacher Stevenson

Star Wars History

So ridiculously English!

Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Daily Deal

PistolFist - American Hero

The first artificial sweetener poisoned lots of Romans

History & Video Games

Allergies? Are you sure?

http://news.discovery.com/human/food-allergies-120112.html

Do You Have Food Allergies? Are You Sure?

12 January 2012 20:32:43 Benjamin Radford)

TV Time Travel - Supernatural

FilmToGo - Useful to History?

Hitler is mentioned less?

Jan 10's Historical Coincidence

Five Years Ago Today, The iPhone

Get an A+ with Animoto

Creating presentations are pretty standard in schools these days. Instead of taking those grueling hours to make sure the every transition is right and all the colors match, why not make an Animoto video instead?

Manipulate Images

Essay Introductions

Check out Warplanes: A History Of Aerial Combat

Warplanes: A History Of Aerial Combat

Christmas Day

Christmas Traditions

Amnesty Fundraising

Write for Rights: Day One

BBC: 200-year-old newspapers go online

Caveman Stalin

Batman's Family Tree

Ebook on Comic Books

Fwd: Sir Robert Peel - Drunk?

Amnesty Against Stoning

Time Travelling Movie Stars?

Comics & History

Counter Factual - Apollo Mission

Half-Term Workload

Tech History Today

iOS Apps: World War II Great Songs

History in Pop Culture: Stargate SG-1

Comics & History: RIPPED

I just made a video at Animoto!

The Oregon Trail on iOS for Free!

Why Sucker Punch is History?

WWI: a fake Paris to confuse German bombers

Q. Fact #1: The Battle of Marathon

Create a Mag Cover, Comics & Cartoons

Decapitation

Elegance and Decadence: The Age of the Regency

Help Save Troy Davis

Amnesty Apps

AMNESTY wants you to make some noise!

Marriage Plan

@teacherstevo

iOS Apps I like: Waula

iOS Apps I Like: Box

iOS Apps I Like: BBC News

The DC Reboot is now a Relaunch.

The DC UNIVERSE Reboots

Shop for History at my Amazon store

L.A. Noire - Video Game (1947)

Pension - My 2p Worth

Yossel - A Comic set in the Warsaw Ghetto

GCSE Modern World History Bitesize Last-minute Learner

Run a Club!

Random fact

News on Rwandan Genocide

iOS Apps I Like: BBC News

iOS Apps I Like: Dropbox

Busy Day = Random Fact

VLE for free!

Improving your VLE

Pupils thoughts on a VLE

Free Comic Book Day on the 1st Saturday in May

Animoto make your images into a Trailer'

Thor: Superhero and Viking?

QR Codes

Royal Wedding App

Languages raised from the Dead

Pupil Propaganda

NFL v NFLPA* = Henry VIII v Catherine of Aragon?

12 January 2012 20:32:43
Benjamin Radford)