Advance excellent teaching with Annenberg Media.
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*** In the Spotlight for May ***
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- Webby Awards Honor "The Habitable Planet"
- Linking to Current Events
- Asian Pacific Heritage Month
- Connect Learning with More Special Days
o World Press Freedom Day
o International Day for Biological Diversity
o National Geographic Bee
o Teacher Appreciation Week
o World Trade Week
o Older Americans Month
- This Month on the Channel
- Telecourse/e-Learning Bulletin
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*** WEBBY AWARDS HONOR THE HABITABLE PLANET***
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences has announced the selection of The Habitable Planet as an Official Honoree for the Education category in their Annual Webby Awards. See <http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current_honorees.php?media_id=96&category_id=21&season=12>.
This distinction requires a score in the top 15% of all work entered, including nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries. Explore the rich resources available on this Web site at <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/envsci/index.html>. In addition to full video programs, you'll find an online textbook, interactive labs and a wide selection of images and simulations from the course.
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***LINKING TO CURRENT EVENTS***
With its extensive land mass and the world's largest population, China has been hard to ignore for decades-even before its economy started to overshadow world trade. Now its handling of demonstrations in Tibet has caused attention to shift from its promotion of its role as Olympic host to its less flattering history of human rights.
> Bridging World History, which looks at global patterns through time, offers a number of resources to help students better understand China's history and potential role in the future. Unit 2, "History and Memory," explores the ways historians, nations, families and individuals capture, exploit, and know the past. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/unit_main_2.html>
In "Order and Early Societies" <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/unit_main_6.html>, the rise of the Chinese empire is one of the case studies used in considering alternative political and social orders and related distribution of power and material resources. "Early Economies" further develops these themes as it looks at how societies assign value to land, labor and material goods. The commercial revolution in China illustrates the results of dramatic economic change. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/unit_main_8.html>
Mao Zedong is a primary figure in "People Shape the World" as it examines the impact of the individual (and collective action) in world history. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/unit_video_23-1.html>
The approaching Summer Olympics in China make an interesting case study for the themes examined in Unit 25 of "ridging World History." This program suggests that modern icons of "Global Popular Culture" reflect the intertwined cultural, political, and commercial dimensions of globalization. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/unit_main_25.html>
> The updated case study of Sijia in "Changes on the Chang Jiang," <http://www.learner.org/powerofplace/page9.html> from the series The Power of Place: Geography for the 21st Century, includes information on changing lifestyles in China and the development of township enterprises that contrast with the more familiar approach to economic development visible in Shanghai. In "Booming Maritime Edge," the updated case study of Guangdong addresses "Special Economic Zones" that include privately owned enterprises that, until recently, were a rare occurrence in communist China. <http://www.learner.org/powerofplace/page10.html> "Global Forces/Local Impact," Workshop 8 of Teaching Geography, uses a case study that also includes the Guangdong region in its investigation of the relationship between the global economy and local ecology. <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/geography/wkp8intr.html>
> "China Through Mapping," from Social Studies in Action: A Teaching Practices Library, demonstrates how to integrate world geography with the study of Chinese culture for K-2 students. <http://www.learner.org/channel/libraries/socialstudies/k_2/norton/index.html>
> The rise of East Asia, especially China, is a case study in "The Evolving World Economy." <http://www.learner.org/resources/series86.html>. This episode of Inside the Global Economy was updated in 2003.
> Human Geography: People, Places, and Change offers several programs that insight into the complexities of major socioeconomic change. As discussed in "Reflections on a Global Screen," many countries have feared that Hollywood would become the dominate cultural force. It is still a major player, but the globalization of the media is no longer a one-way street. Also consider "The World of the Dragon" as it examines the transitional network of the Chinese business world. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series85.html>
These programs can be viewed free of charge through Video on Demand. Visit our Web site <http://www.learner.org/faq/faq_broadband.html> for general instructions and technical requirements.
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*** ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH ***
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month-an excellent time to explore our resources that teach about the history, cultural legacy, and unique perspectives of Asian Pacific Americans.
> Bridging World History <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/unit_main_26.html> looks at Asian civilizations within the broader context of global developments. Unit 26, "World History and Identity," includes a segment about the Chinese diaspora.
> The Power of Place: Geography for the 21st Century <http://www.learner.org/resources/series180.html> surveys contemporary geography of several Asian Pacific countries.
> Consider the cultural exchange between Asian Pacific cultures and America through media and industrial globalization with Human Geography: People, Places, and Change <http://www.learner.org/resources/series85.html>.
Art and literature resources add interpretive and personal perspectives:
> Explore issues of identity, race, tradition, and cultural adaptation through the writings of several Asian Pacific American authors in Teaching Multicultural Literature: A Workshop for the Middle Grades. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series203.html>
> The Expanding Canon: Teaching Multicultural Literature in High School <http://www.learner.org/resources/series178.html> offers material that high school teachers can draw upon in teaching the works of several Asian Pacific Americans. For example, read and hear the work of poet Russell Leong <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/hslit/session6/aw/work2.html>, whose poem "Aerogrammes" is discussed by Professor Beverly Chin of the University of Montana. The related lesson plan is also available online. <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/hslit/session6/lessonplans.html>
> American Passages: A Literary Survey <http://www.learner.org/resources/series164.html> considers the historical significance of the writings of Asian Pacific Americans, particularly in Program 12, "Migrant Struggle," and Program 16, "Search for Identity." Other materials include biographical sketches, including one of author Sui Sin Far (Edith Maud Eaton) <http://www.learner.org/amerpass/unit09/authors-5.html>, and an artifact archive containing photos, historical documents, and other artifacts related to Asian Pacific American history. <http://www.learner.org/amerpass/slideshow/archive_search.php>
> See painter Hung Liu's approach in commenting on the Last Emperor and his court-using historical photos, oil paint, and a blend of techniques-in A World of Art: Works in Progress. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series64.html>
> A number of the programs in Exploring the World of Music include traditional music from Japan that demonstrates how it serves as expressions of the culture.
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series105.html>
> Teaching Foreign Languages K-12, a video library that illustrates effective instruction <http://www.learner.org/channel/libraries/tfl/>, includes concepts of culture, comparisons, connections to students' lives, and the importance of community. Classrooms studying Japanese and Chinese are included, and the series Webpage includes a link to resources about the study of Asian societies.
<http://www.learner.org/channel/libraries/tfl/resources/gen_resources.html#Chinese>
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*** CONNECT LEARNING WITH SPECIAL DAYS ***
This year, World Press Freedom Day will be observed May 3.
> Draw on our newest program about the press: "War Stories: National Security & the News" <http://www.learner.org/series/ethics2/war_stories/index.html>. This program, new in 2007, is a part of Ethics in America II.
> Our original Ethics in America series <http://www.learner.org/resources/series81.html> is also relevant to current issues; see Program 10, "Politics, Privacy, and the Press."
> See how one middle school teacher addressed First Amendment issues with her students in Social Studies in Action: A Teaching Practices Library, K-12, Program 20, "Landmark Supreme Court Cases." <http://www.learner.org/resources/series166.html>
Examine the role that the Fifth Estate, the media, plays in Democracy in America, Program 10,"The Media: Inside Story." <http://www.learner.org/resources/series173.html>
> News Writing <http://www.learner.org/resources/series44.html> covers many aspects of journalistic writing, including ethical and legal issues. The series Website includes a link to interesting News Writing interviews with reporters from The Washington Post, National Public Radio and CBS News. <http://www.learner.org/catalog/extras/interviews/>
> Venture into the First Amendment vicariously through the discussions of former CIA director and secretary of defense James Schlesinger, former attorney general Griffin Bell, and other key figures. Watch The Constitution: That Delicate Balance <http://www.learner.org/resources/series72.html> Program 8, "National Security and Freedom of the Press."
International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22)
> See how scientists measure biodiversity, how it benefits our species, and what trends might cause Earth's next mass extinction in Unit 9, "Biodiversity Decline," of The Habitable Planet (new in 2007.) <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/envsci/unit/text.php?unit=9&secNum=0>
The series' rich Web site includes a collection of interactive labs. In one, you can build "your own ecosystem", and explore the effects of the complex and delicate interrelationship between species. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/envsci/interactives/ecology/> The Web site also links to a rich collection of images. A world map of "Biodiversity Hotspots," which cover a small fraction of Earth's surface but contain a particularly large number of species, is available at <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/envsci/visual/visual.php?shortname=hotspots>.
> Rediscovering Biology: Molecular to Global Perspectives Unit 12, "Biodiversity" <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/biology/units/biodiv/index.html>, discusses the vital importance of species diversity and the maintenance of complex ecosystems. Ever wonder what the Earth's most populous species is? See the pie chart at <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/biology/archive/images/1912_d.html>.
> Session 2 of Essential Science for Teachers: Life Science introduces a systematic approach to biological classification as a starting point for understanding the nature of the remarkable diversity of life on Earth.
<http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/essential/life/session2/index.html> Materials on the series Website include "bottle biology" projects and ideas for addressing students' preconceptions in your teaching.
> Channel your enthusiasm for biodiversity (and that of your students) into Journey North <http://www.learner.org/resources/series127.html>, a classroom based investigation of cyclical wildlife migration and seasonal change. The Journey North Website <http://www.learner.org/jnorth/> offers many resources for studying natural phenomena at the local level, and explains how to get your students involved in the discovery.
National Geographic Bee (May 20-21)
Each year, the National Geographic Bee's annual nationwide competition tests the world geography knowledge of students in grades 4 through 8. While the competition is going on in Washington, D.C., you can hold your own geography bee right where you are. Our resources can serve as a rich source of reference material.
> Expand your knowledge with the documentaries of The Power of Place: Geography for the 21st Century <http://www.learner.org/resources/series180.html>. Find maps, standards, and more on the series Website at <http://www.learner.org/powerofplace/>.
> Observe effective teaching at the middle and high school levels, with an eye to meeting national standards, in our Teaching Geography workshop <http://www.learner.org/powerofplace/>. Lesson plans, transcripts, maps, interactive slideshows, and other resources are available on the series Web site <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/geography/>.
> Our Biography of America Website <http://www.learner.org/biographyofamerica/> includes a large number of maps of the U.S. at different periods in its history. Simply use the search tab and search for "maps."
> Human Geography: People, Places, and Change <http://www.learner.org/resources/series85.html> examines geography within the rapidly expanding context of media and economic globalization.
To find out where you stand geographically, try the online GeoBee Challenge <http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/>, a daily quiz composed of ten questions from the National Geographic Bee.
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8)
We appreciate teachers! We exist to support excellent teaching in America's schools. If you haven't taken one of our teacher professional development workshops, take a look at the extensive list of available workshops at <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/workshop_list.html>. Perhaps you can work one in this summer. You can view workshop videos at your convenience, without charge, using Video on Demand.
World Trade Week (May 19-23)
> Go back in time to the early beginnings of global trade with Bridging World History Unit 15, "Early Global Commodities" <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/unit_main_15.html>. Unit 8, "Early Economies" <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/worldhistory/unit_main_8.html>, may also be of interest.
> For an historical look at the development of world trade within the context of increasing interactions between Native peoples, colonizers, and other groups in the Americas-leading to the Columbian Exchange-watch "Mapping Initial Encounters," Unit 2 of our series America's History in the Making. <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/amerhistory/units/2/> The page offers written material as well as video.
> For ideas of how to introduce world trade topics to your students, watch The Economics Classroom: A Workshop for Grade 9-12 Teachers. <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/economics/> Program 5, "Trading Globally," is particularly relevant. <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/economics/workshop5.html>
> See Economics U$A <http://www.learner.org/resources/series79.html> for exercises and simulations of global economics. Program 27, "International Trade" discusses aspects of international trade such as tariffs and quotas versus free trade, and how legal issues are handled. The program was updated in 2002.
> Inside the Global Economy <http://www.learner.org/resources/series86.html> covers many aspects of global economics and international trade.
> "Artisans and Traders," Program 3 of our archaeology/anthropology series Out of the Past <http://www.learner.org/resources/series45.html>, looks at economic systems-their diversity, history, and social functions. Learn how the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia developed symbols for economic record keeping purposes-and how these symbols led to the creation of alphabets and writing systems-in Program 4, "Signs and Symbols." Program 2, "The Hearth," and "Program 5, "Power, Prestige, and Wealth," also relate to the topic.
> Learn about the impact of global economic trends on rural communities with "Rural Communities: Legacy & Change" <http://www.learner.org/resources/series7.html>, Program 6, "Think Globally."
Older Americans Month
The theme for Older Americans Month this year is "Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities."
> Discovering Psychology, "Program 18 "Maturing and Aging," covers psychological theories and studies about aging, current societal attitudes toward aging and older people, and how the challenges of aging can be met effectively. Test yourself on the myths and realities about old age at <http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/18/e18expand.html>.
> Growing Old in a New Age <http://www.learner.org/resources/series84.html> takes a candid look at the aging process and dispels myths about the limitations and experiences of older people. The series features 75 elders who talk about different aspects of life from their own perspective.
> Watch our lifespan development series Seasons of Life. <http://www.learner.org/resources/series54.html> Program 5, "Late Adulthood (Ages 60+)," interviews several members of the "young old"-those who continue to live actively and pursue dreams well into their later years.
> "An Ounce of Prevention," Program 13 of The World of Abnormal Psychology <http://www.learner.org/resources/series60.html>, takes a look at Austin Groups for the Elderly in Austin, Texas, which can serve as a model for effective inter-organizational cooperation to support the health and wellbeing of older people.
> The Mind: Teaching Modules <http://www.learner.org/resources/series150.html> Program 16, "The Effect of Aging on Cognitive Function: Nature/Nurture," looks at how lifestyle can contribute to individual differences in the aging process. Program 17, "Aging and Memory," discusses what scientists are learning about aging from studies of changes in memory functions.
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Visit our Web site for information about our FREE Video on Demand and other viewing options.
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*** THIS MONTH ON THE CHANNEL ***
The following series begin this month on the Annenberg Channel. Be sure to scroll down on the pages linked below for specific broadcast dates and times. Consult the full broadcast schedule <http://www.learner.org/channel/chnnl_schedule.html>
for many more programs and partial series airing in May.
ARTS
> American Cinema (college/high school) <http://www.learner.org/resources/series67.html>
> Art of the Western World (college/high school) <http://www.learner.org/resources/series1.html>
> Connecting with the Arts: A Workshop for Middle Grades Teachers (middle school) <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/connectarts68/>
> A World of Art: Works in Progress (college/high school) <http://www.learner.org/resources/series1.html>
FOREIGN LANGUAGE & ESL
> "Connect With English" (college/high school) <http://www.learner.org/resources/series71.html>
> "Teaching Foreign Language K-12"
<http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/tfl/>
EDUCATION
> Looking at Learning...Again, Part 1 (K-12) <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/lala/>
> Looking at Learning...Again, Part 2 (K-12) http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/lala2/>
> The Learning Classroom: Theory Into Practice (K-12) <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/learningclassroom/>
> The Whole Child: A Caregiver's Guide to the First Five Years <http://www.learner.org/resources/series59.html>
LITERATURE & LANGUAGE ARTS
> Developing Writers: A Workshop for High School Teachers <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/hswriting/>
> In Search of the Novel (middle/high school) <http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/isonovel/>
> Engaging With Literature: A Video Library, Grades 3-5 <http://www.learner.org/channel/libraries/engagingliterature/>
> Making Meaning in Literature: A Video Library, Grades 6-8 <http://www.learner.org/channel/libraries/makingmeaning/>
> News Writing" (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series44.html>
> Signature: Contemporary Writers (college/high school) <http://www.learner.org/resources/series55.html>
> Teaching Reading K-2 Workshop
<http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/teachreading35/>
> Teaching Reading K-2: A Library of Classroom Practices <http://www.learner.org/channel/libraries/readingk2/>
MATHEMATICS
> Learning Math: Patterns, Functions, and Algebra (K-8) <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/learningmath/algebra/index.html>
> Learning Math: Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability (K-8) <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/learningmath/data/index.html>
SCIENCE
> The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science college/high school) <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/envsci/index.html>
> Planet Earth (college/high school)
<http://www.learner.org/resources/series49.html>
> Science K-6: Investigating Classrooms <http://www.learner.org/resources/series116.html>
> Teaching High School Science (high school) <http://www.learner.org/resources/series126.html>
SOCIAL STUDIES & HISTORY
> America's History in the Making (middle school/high school) <http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/amerhistory/>
> Out of the Past (college/high school) <http://www.learner.org/resources/series45.html>
> Human Geography: People, Places, and Change (college/high school) <http://www.learner.org/resources/series85.html>
> Ethics in America (college/high school) <http://www.learner.org/resources/series81.html>
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Be sure to download the Channel Program Guide <http://www.learner.org/channel/chnnl_programguide.html>, available in PDF format. The Guide contains satellite and signal information, plus daily and month-at-a-glance program schedules.
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Don't forget to send in your winter/spring 2008 enrollment numbers. Direct them to <nwilliams.learner@gmail.com>. Visit <http://www.learner.org/telecourses/> to check out the new Fall, 2008, Intent to License form.
Making a case for Annenberg Telecourses? An attractive flier detailing what makes Annenberg Media unique is available in PDF format at <http://www.learner.org/telecourses/flier.pdf>. Answers to most questions about Annenberg Media telecourse/e-learning offerings are available in our FAQ at <http://www.learner.org/telecourses/index.html>, which includes a list of courses and licensing forms.
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