Learning

Insight magazine - September/October 2008

Summary: Insight magazine issue seventeen - focus on technology. Helping children and young people live and learn with sight loss.

• In this issue – September / October 2008
• Contents
• In the next issue
• Past issues

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In this issue – September / October 2008

Welcome to issue 17 of Insight magazine. Our theme for September and October is Technology. We take a look at making electronic whiteboards accessible and finding electronic children's books, and discuss the future opportunities for technology provision in schools.

Read two free articles online:

• New horizons: Beth Seale speaks to Insight about her eleven year old son's new-found love of sailing following a serious accident three years ago.
• Whiteboard access: Adrian Farnsworth outlines practical strategies for improving the accessibility of electronic whiteboards in the classroom.

Contents

News

• Baa Baa Braille Sheep takes part in Capital of Culture celebrations
• Blind Football academy opens
• New work experience materials from RNIB Cymru and Careers Wales
• First anniversary of Haggeye Youth Forum.

Letters

• Getting hold of scientific equipment
• Invitation to comment on Early Years Foundation Stage review
• Finding local music therapy groups
• Introducing Sarah Holton - RNIB's new Curriculum Access Officer: Complex Needs.

Technology

Whiteboard access

• Whiteboard access: Adrian Farnsworth outlines practical strategies for improving the accessibility of electronic whiteboards in the classroom.

Learning Platforms- opportunities for all?

• By 2008 every primary and secondary school in England and Wales will have its own Learning Platform - but what exactly is a Learning Platform? And how accessible and usable are they?

Moving Music

• Find out how Soundbeam technology enabled a group of children to express themselves musically without having to play or hold an instrument.

Hide and Seek

• Librarian Jon Hardisty considers how easy it is to find e-books and helps readers navigate through the often confusing array of formats and suppliers.

Early Years

Touch typing for tinies

• Linda Hubbard updates us on the touchtyping progress of two students we first met in 2006.

ICT in the Early Years

• How can ICT contribute to learning in the early years? Julie Jennings highlights recommendations from the Early Years Foundation Stage.

16 plus

Finding a job - my success story

• "It's wonderful to be in employment," says Rachael Anne Donnelly, but we find out how long the process towards finding a job has been.

Getting where I am today

• A recent graduate and newly qualified teacher describes the vital role of the Transcription Service in supporting her through her studies.

Education

Pool Piece

• We hear more about a residential approach to theatre which is delighting children with complex needs.

Boxfit - a multisensory approach to fitness

• We read how trying their hands at a new sport has raised motivation and fitness levels for students in Leeds.

Book Review

• GCSE Level Mathematics in Large Print, Books 1 and 2.

Curriculum and examinations update

• The rules on disapplication.

Health and wellbeing

In perspective

• Our regular columnist, Optometrist Maggie Woodhouse, on the impact of televisions and computers on sight.

Echolocation - the parents' view

• Parents of three blind and partially sighted children share their views on echolocation following intensive training sessions by Daniel Kish, a leading advocate of this approach to mobility and orientation.

Families

A Dad’s view

• Insight's regular columnist Mike Walker with a call for perspective when considering how technology can revolutionise lives.

Off the shelf

• Children's Librarian Hazel Sharrock looks at the latest trends in children's reading.

New horizons

• New horizons: Beth Seale speaks to Insight about her eleven year old son's new-found love of sailing following a serious accident three years ago.

Curriculum Bitesize

Mathematics

• Bitesize looks at Mathematics for children who are blind or partially sighted, including tips for teaching the subject, and an overview of the attainments targets in Key Stages 3 and 4, the National Numeracy Strategy and Accreditation at the end of Key Stage 4. We also look specifically at the teaching of Prime Factors.

In the next issue

The November / December issue of Insight will focus on Music including musical tips for circle time, features on notation and composition as well as practical ideas for parents.

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Past issues

You can buy past issues of the magazine through our online shop. Further information about articles and resources is available via our past issues page.

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Content author: insightmagazine@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 05/01/2009 15:12