06/20/2002

News and Education - Cool and Useful Web Sites

Have you wondered what is really going on in Argentina? Or in the Middle East? Have you felt that the quality of news has declined in the last few years since the conglomeration of news media has reduced our information? Would you like more news sources for your articles, investigations, etc.?

There are two really cool sites I happened to stumble across recently. The first is an alternative media site that lists dozens of sources for news and views from around the world. It tells the stories behind the scenes. To expand your knowledge of contemporary issues, go to www.robertmcchesney.com/FavoriteMediaSites.html.

The second cool site is www.progressivesecretary.org. It describes itself as follows:

Would you like a cooperative way to get your voice heard in Washington?

It's free! Progressive Secretary sends out progressive email letters to Congress, the President, and other officials on peace, ecology, civil rights and other issues.

The letters are suggested by participants in the cooperative and are sent to you as a proposal. If you click "send," the letters are sent to your Congress people and others noted in the proposal over your signature and return address. A report is sent to you.

If you like, you can send the letters yourself. Letters are not sent without your specific OK. Your name and email are never given out except to recipients of your letters.

There is no charge for this. Participants volunteer their time because Jim and Pat, the founders of Progressivesecretary.org, are Quakers and long-time activists who believe in helping people make their voices heard on important issues. There are no advertisements or other annoyances. You can cancel at any time.

This is one more way that individuals can make a difference. Check it out!

Cool sites for parents and teachers who are looking for ideas and references for making curriculum modifications based on different student needs and learning styles:

• Curriculum adaptation: http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/policy/adapt/cc3.html
• Interdisciplinary Curricula: http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/a/m/amj8/curric2/
• Curriculum planning based on learning styles: http://www.proteacher.com/020017.shtml (this one is very practical and hands-on)
• Curriculum modifications: http://intranet.cps.k12.il.us/Lessons/Accommodations/CurrModIntroduction/
  currmodintroduction.html

Note: Search engines on the Internet can help you find information about almost anything. Two of my favorite search engines are: www.metacrawler.com and www.google.com Type a phrase into the search window that describes what you are looking for, click "search" and follow the leads from there.

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Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.