Society and Culture
Home > Society and Culture > Resources > Resources
Search Site Reviews
Resource reviews are provided for teachers to support their teaching and learning programs.
The views expressed by reviewers are not necessarily those of the NSW Department of Education and Training. Copyright for reviews is held by the
NSW Department of Education and Training. Permission for reproduction of reviews in part or full for any purpose must be sought in writing. For
further information contact colleen.foley@det.nsw.edu.au
Sites are listed alphabetically by title. Those reviews which note links to other sites, especially as a major part of the site, will require additional exploration time by teachers to verify specific curriculum applications relevant to their classes. The USER LEVEL descriptor, Professional, is a pertinent reminder of such issues. Please note that changes happen daily on the Internet. Sites come and go. We cannot guarantee that the following sites are permanent or are structured as they were when they were reviewed.
Actnow.com.au
A diverse Australia
ADText
The Ainu Museum
American Black Journal
The Australian women’s register
The Authentic History Center: primary sources from American popular culture
The Bahai Faith: the official website of the Bahais of the United States
Belonging: a century celebrated
The Benevolent Society - index
CBOnline: the window to Australian Community broadcasting
China from the inside: an exploration of
China, her people, her past, and her present
Communitybuilders.nsw: working together to strengthen communities
Ecotown
The European Library
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, 2008
Global voices
Gov gab: your U.S. government blog
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Long journey, young lives: an online documentary
Magic carpet: world music in the heart of Europe
Maori organisations of New Zealand
NZEDGE.COM
Peter Murphys panoramic VR weblog
Planet society: exchange market of resources for a culture of peace
The Roseanne Beckett website
Search engine colossus: international directory of search engines
September 11: bearing witness to history
Te Ara: the encyclopedia of New Zealand
TIME.coms first annual blog index
Time Pacific
Virtual Finland
Warlpiri Media Association
Web Japan: gateway for all Japanese information
Worldometers: world statistics updated in real time
Youth radio
Actnow.com.au 
Providing an outstanding forum for teenagers concerned with contemporary life matters, this resource offers a plethora of interviews, commentaries
and discussions on current issues in Australia. The sites main topics are: Human rights, Education & work,
the Environment, Culture, Health, and Your community. The sites material
covers a wide range and it is very up-to-date. This easy to navigate website, with its arty layout and its strong focus on practical tools and
action, should appeal to adolescents in their quest to become active citizens. The site is also suitable for teachers investigating a range of
topics within HSIE K6. Teachers would need to check the opinionative content in the open forum. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
Professional
KLA: HSIE; PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Community & Family Studies Stage 6; Geography 710; HSIE K6; PDHPE 710; Society & Culture Stage
6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Civilisation; Community services; Consumer education; Education; Environment; Human rights;
Social action; Work
PUBLISHER: Inspire Foundation, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 18/12/06
[323] SCIS 1278353
A diverse Australia
Basically an annotated portal of government, community, and businessresources on cultural diversity, this site is a useful reference for related
studies. Hospitality students should find this site easy to navigate and useful in the information which it provides. They can access information
directly related to the Unit of Competency: Work in a socially diverse environment. Australian government policy supplies
the most useful information as it links to Multicultural Australia: united in diversity and
provides the four principles underpinning that policy, plus relevant statistics from the 2001 census. Living in harmony and
Diversity works suit investigation by Society and Culture students. Business Studies students following the path of
Business, Diversity works, and Marketing: international and domestic, will find some good case
studies for the study of global business. Diary of Australia is a calendar which identifies important cultural dates throughout
the year. K. Lissa
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Business Studies Stage 6; Hospitality Curriculum Framework Stage 6; Legal Studies Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage
6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Community life; Ethnology Australia; Multiculturalism
PUBLISHER: Dept. of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 01/11/06 [305.8] SCIS 1276709
ADText
A superb resource for a study of advertising and culture, the site has multiple uses within English syllabuses and for the study of communication, work, and popular culture within Society and Culture Stage 6. The resource is a well laid out collection of articles, described as units on advertising, from the journal Advertising & Society Review. The articles, linguistically pitched at a semi academic level, are interesting and accessible for a high school audience and so liberally illustrated with cross-cultural graphics that the meaning should be clear to most Stage 6 students. Material includes information and opinion on advertising and multiculturalism, children, ethics, creativity, and socio-economic targeting. Teachers examining What is advertising? can quickly assess this terrific resource’s viability in terms of content, tone, graphics and links. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: English; HSIE
SYLLABUS: English 7–10; English Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS:Advertising
PUBLISHER: Advertising Educational Foundation, USA
REVIEW DATE: 01/11/09 [659.1]SCIS 1422678
The Ainu Museum
The
Ainu are the indigenous people of northern Japan. This web site is a well laid out collection of straightforward, rather dry descriptions, clear
images, and comprehensive data, about their history, lifestyle, and beliefs. It promotes the preservation and understanding of an indigenous
culture through such sections as: Hunting ; Housing ; Religion ; and Sacred
Dances. Relevant for comparative studies in Aboriginal Studies and Society and Culture, the site may also be useful as a study of
animistic religions, and as a component for the study of music and ecology in Stage 6 Studies of Religion. C. Dorbis
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Aboriginal Studies 710; Aboriginal Studies Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6; Studies of Religion Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Ainu; Ainu History
PUBLISHER: Ainu Museum, Japan
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [305.89] SCIS 1033320
American Black Journal
The site is an archive of television shows run by and for African Americans, from the civil unrest of the 1960s, through Motown, to the changing
political scene of the 20th century. For educators categorises the shows into areas that will aid research by Society and Culture
students who are investigating change and continuity in the USA. Going down this path, students will appreciate the sites annotations. The sites
defined layout will also help students as they can quickly sift site material to access shows of interest, separating the interesting from the dry
and irrelevant. The show came out of Detroit, so cars and Motown are well represented in site material, and site material related to these popular
culture aspects will certainly extend the knowledge of Society and Culture students. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; HSIE
SYLLABUS: Music 710; Music Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: African Americans History
PUBLISHER: Michigan State University, USA
REVIEW DATE: 24/04/09 [305.89] SCIS 1405385
The Australian women’s register
Presenting biographical data on women and their organisations is the ever expanding brief of this site. It is a rich and immediately rewarding source of online images and audio. Senior students pursuing a line of research or an identity in and the Female Orphan Institution, and also to topics that are harder to find information on, such as female surfers at Manly in the early 1900s. The site is laid out in Explore themes and Browse. It can be helpfully searched by an A–Z list of occupations, events, artefacts and organisations. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: English; HSIE
SYLLABUS: English Stage 6: Extension 2; History 7–10; Modern History Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Women in Australia
PUBLISHER: National Foundation for Australian Women, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 15/03/10 [305.4] SCIS 1446548
The Authentic History Center: primary sources from American popular culture
The site provides an extensive collection of visual artefacts and sounds which illustrate the social consciousness of America from the pre Civil War era to the present. There is a large audio archive of speeches and news broadcasts. The site is well maintained and recent material supports the Society and Culture Stage 6 study of America as a selected country. The site’s topics of Early 1900s, WWI, 1920s, 1930s and WWII offer interesting support for the Modern History Stage 6 Option: USA 1919-1941. Period poster art may also prove a stimulus for students looking at how art is a representation of class, ideology, and events in Visual Arts. Teaching diversity with multimedia deals with the issue of racial stereotyping in advertising posters. The site’s wealth of visual and audio material on a broad range of social and political issues makes it a useful resource for schools. F. Campbell
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: CA; HSIE
SYLLABUS: Modern History Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6; Visual Arts 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS:History; United States – History
PUBLISHER: The Authentic History Center, USA
REVIEW DATE: 01/02/10 [973] SCIS 1392481
The Bahai Faith: the official website of the Bahais of
the United States
A rapidly growing and widespread faith, Bahai promotes strong belief in the equality of the sexes, the value of education, and the importance of
social justice. The site is a clear articulation of these values and would be a fine resource for students and teachers of the syllabuses, Studies
of Religion, and Society and Culture. It is easily navigated and provides excellent information on Bahai core beliefs, history,
symbols, holy places, and sacred writings. Within Children & youth, older students can access study tools and resources in
Elearning. There is a link to the website of the Bahai House of Worship in Sydney. E. Searle
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: HSIE K6; Society & Culture Stage 6; Studies of Religion 710; Studies of Religion Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Bahai Faith
PUBLISHER: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of the
United States
REVIEW DATE: 16/07/07 [297.9] SCIS
1304084
Belonging: a century celebrated
A travelling exhibition for the centenary of Federation, this now archived resource explores how people did or did not experience belonging in Australia in the 20th century. The site has sections on People and Place, and subsections presenting a slideshow of images supported by quotations and sometimes audio and film clips. Topics include At work, Dressed to belong, Arrivals, Special places, Place in the world, and Not welcome. The latter has an audio of the White Australia dictation test for immigrants and it challenges students to take that test. The images include most aspects of Australian society, with a concentration on the working class activities that created a sense of community in 20th century Australia. There are Education kits for teachers and students K–12, and Sir William Deane’s transcribed opening speech for the exhibition is a worthy document in itself as an English Stage 6 Area of Study: Belonging resource. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: English; HSIE
SYLLABUS: English Stage 6; History 7–10; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Australia – Federation; Australia – Social conditions – 20th century; Australia – Social life and customs – 20th century
PUBLISHER: Centenary of Federation, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 25/03/10 [994.04] SCIS 1446539
The Benevolent Society - index
Focussing on helping disadvantaged groups, this charity offers useful information for the option, Family and societal interactions and the
core study, Groups in context , of the Community and Family Studies Stage 6 syllabus .Children identifies basic
components of programs related to Early intervention and Child protection. Womens health
includes information about domestic violence, issues for older women, and young isolated mothers. Ageing
explainsResidential care and Dementia care. Each section contains Our stories that are useful as
brief case studies. The Social leadership program in which a team of business leaders explores complex social issues, may be
useful as a discussion starter for students. This may assist in identifying issues and services as part of the depth study on Equality and
difference of the Society and Culture: Stage 6syllabus. J. Hawkes
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Community & Family Studies Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Social welfare New South Wales
PUBLISHER: The Benevolent Society, Paddington, NSW
REVIEW DATE: 16/06/04 [361.7]SCIS 1067975
CBOnline: the window to Australian Community
broadcasting
A wide range of educational content from community radio can be found on this website. Readable and easy to navigate, the site will be especially
useful for students and teachers investigating Resources. Here, the Social justice almanac is a multimedia collection of articles and audio files
on key moments in Australian history including womens rights, legal and Indigenous issues, Vietnam, Formation of the ACTU, Green bans, and The
freedom ride. In Resources, the Tool box will help English students with practical advice on writing for radio, and Audio content has some
excellent radio programs with classroom applications in several KLAs. In Indigenous hub, students can find out about Indigenous history, issues and
events, aided by a good search engine. The site is well worth teacher exploration. H. Cobban
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: English; HSIE
SYLLABUS: Aboriginal Studies 710; Aboriginal Studies Stage 6; English 710; English Stage 6; History 710; Legal Studies Stage 6;
Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Radio broadcasting; Television broadcasting
PUBLISHER: CBOnline, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 01/11/06 [384.54] SCIS 1272024
China from the inside: an exploration of China, her people,
her past, and her present
Clearly presented and fascinating information on China can be gleaned from this site. Written support for a PBS broadcast, the site describes each
of the four episodes with in-depth sections, an opinion piece, and a transcript of a discussion about the episode. The main topics in the episodes
are democracy, AIDS, the environment, water, population, freedom and justice, censorship, and an excellent profile of some leading female
activists. The sites topics are complemented by large photographs, interactive maps, and PDF lesson plans. There are helpful links for further
research. A very useful resource when studying contemporary China in several syllabuses, the site will be particularly appreciated by Society and
Culture Stage 6 students investigating China in the Core: Social and cultural continuity and change, and by Geography Stage 6 students
looking at China within the Topic: Global challenges. The site is easy to navigate and material downloads quickly. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; Languages
SYLLABUS: Chinese K10; Geography 710; Geography Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: China Environmental aspects; China Politics and government; China Social conditions; Women
in China
PUBLISHER: PBS, USA
REVIEW DATE: 04/04/08 [951.06] SCIS 1344115
Communitybuilders.nsw: working together to strengthen communities
A portal for community networking, the site helps individuals and groups involved with social, economic and environmental change within NSW communities. It connects communities from around the state and provides information about how communities can find help and access information and project funding. The site is frustratingly vague with headings and content and about what actually happens, but perseverance and a look at Learn more under the home page blurb may help teachers find useful tools for community building. Teachers will find the Case studies section useful for the Geography 7–10 Focus Area: Changing Australian communities, and for the roles of community groups in the Topic: Issues in Australian environments. J .White
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Geography 7–10; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS:Community life; Social action; Voluntary work
PUBLISHER: NSW Premier’s Dept., Australia
REVIEW DATE: 01/02/10 [307] SCIS 1145578
Ecotown
Ecotown is an interactive program in the PowerHouse’s EcoLogic exhibition that illustrates sustainability indicators. A sustainability indicator is a community value that shows how far a community is from a set goal of sustainable development. Students select two indicators from choices within each of these three groups: Social indicators, Economic indicators and Environmental indicators. Using the Macromedia Flash 5 graphic of a town, students make their choices and create a virtual sustainable town. Navigation is an overly prescriptive path, and all choices cannot be investigated before commencing the design. There is no background material and instructions are audio only. Although these are well paced and melodic, they will need to be replayed for students to get the gist of what needs to be done, and why. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Geography 7–10; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Computer games; Ecology – Australia; Environmental policy – Australia; Sustainable development; Sustainable living
PUBLISHER: Powerhouse Museum, NSW
REVIEW DATE: 01/04/10 [338.9] SCIS 1447623
The European Library
Content from 48 major European libraries can be searched via this virtual library. Organisation is a good place to start as it explains the research concept employed on the site. Viewing the Video tutorial is also helpful for learning how to search the site. The resource connects the user to the Libraries websites, for investigation of their collections of digital books, maps, audio, video and photographs. This specific library search could be useful for the Society and Culture Stage 6 Topic: Social and cultural continuity and change in a selected country. Site users can also research across the libraries for these items, plus Manuscripts, Children’s literature, Journals, music and theses. The site has daily news about European library happenings and an emailed newsletter. These features and the online exhibitions, such as The Napoleonic wars, make the resource useful for regular syllabus content checks. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS:Catalogues; Governmental libraries
PUBLISHER: European Library Office, Netherlands
REVIEW DATE: 01/11/09 [027.54] SCIS 1426858
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue,
2008
In recognition of the great cultural diversity of peoples in Europe, this resource will raise awareness of the importance of intercultural
dialogue. The site introduces the Ambassadors from various countries and outlines the Agenda of the year. Focus areas for the year include: Culture
and the media; Education/science; Migration; Minorities; Multilingualism; Religion; The workplace and Youth. Statistics can be found in Press,
including a very comprehensive PDF entitled Statistical portrait of the European Union 2008. Australian students of European languages and those
studying Society and Culture may find this site interesting in both its ideologies and up-to-date information. C. Sly
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: HSIE; Languages
SYLLABUS: French K10; Italian K10; Modern Greek K10; Russian K10; Society & Culture Stage 6; Spanish K10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Cultural relations; Europe Race relations; Multiculturalism
PUBLISHER: European Commission, Luxembourg
REVIEW DATE: 15/07/08 [303.48] SCIS 1360085
Global voices
This site distils some of the more credible output of 100 million webloggers into an alternative global newscast. Hosted by the Harvard law school,
a team facilitates collecting, synthesising, translating and republishing blogs in 16 languages for the site. It aims to promote freedom of
expression and counterbalance dominant English speaking corporate media. North America and western Europe are not included. Navigation features
selection by area, country or themes. Maps indicate the numbers of articles from each country and related items appear as sidebars. Having more
credibility than most blogs, this site effectively utilises the internets potential to give voice to the voiceless. G. Spindler
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Economics Stage 6; Legal Studies Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Current events; Journalism; Social problems; Weblogs
PUBLISHER: Global Voices, USA
REVIEW DATE: 17/12/08 [361.1] SCIS 1382430
Gov gab: your U.S. government
blog
Through the use of a blog and its inherent conversationalist style, the US government effectively disseminates information on a myriad of
contemporary topics in this site. The blogs are readable informative and entertaining and they incorporate an enormous number of links to
concepts, events, terms, people and places. This makes the site an exceptional resource for the study of America in the Society and Culture Stage 6
Topic: Continuity and change in a selected country. Information ranges over broad areas of politics, travel, home and family, finance,
social media, health and consumer topics. The site is also an excellent model of website blogging. Well laid out and with a fast and efficient
search facility, the sites language, style and format are very suitable for student researchers. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: United States Politics and government; Weblogs
PUBLISHER: Office of Citizen services and Communications, USA
REVIEW DATE: 11/12/08 [320.973] SCIS 1385857
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
The website of this research charity presents findings and possible solutions to social problems. The relevant issues for teachers are child
poverty, parenting, neighbourhood situations, and drugs and alcohol. Research and policy takes users to child poverty information,
which includes articles describing how education can contribute to ending child poverty, and how playground play can develop social capital when
parents and teachers work together. There are also children's own perspectives on the concepts of poverty, inequality and social exclusion. This
material is useful for teachers exploring the role of the school in promoting social justice. It is also useful for the study of social justice,
equality, the family, and parenting, within the Community and Family Studies syllabus, and for students choosing to study England as the selected
country in the Society and Culture Core: Social and cultural continuity and change. A. Soutter
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: HSIE; PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Community & Family Studies Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Great Britain Social conditions; Social problems; Social welfare Great Britain
PUBLISHER: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, UK
REVIEW DATE: 30/04/07 [361.7] SCIS
1294569
Long journey, young lives: an online
documentary
Interactive features will make this rich collection of material on refugee children very appealing to senior students. Choices of
Homeland, Conflict, Journey, Detention and On reflection have
videos of refugees, aged 918 years, discussing their experiences. The site is especially useful for Community and Family Studies, in the IRP
section of the course and in lessons on the impact of culture and life experience on decision making and management. The resource is ideal for
students with varying learning styles and abilities, as information is provided in video and written format. It suits a self paced learning
activity, and contains vibrant, contemporary support material for both the current and future Area of Study in English Stage 6. It would be
advisable for teachers to preview the material in the light of their students backgrounds and sensitivities. C. Barlow
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: English; HSIE; PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Community & Family Studies Stage 6; English Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Australia Immigration and emigration Public opinion; Australia Race relations; Ethnic
groups Children; Immigration detention centres; Refugees
PUBLISHER: Australian Film Commission
REVIEW DATE: 04/04/08 [325.94] SCIS 1343711
Magic carpet: world music in the heart of
Europe
Music from Czech, Moravian and Silesian towns and villages is available on this site, an initiative of Radio Prague. The site showcases a wide
range of musical genres, from traditional to experimental, with valuable information for Music students on a specific artistic endeavour.
Broadcasts from Radio Prague can also be accessed from this site. Along with music, the site contains links to live and archived programs in
Current affairs, plus information on the arts, history, sports, and books. There are virtual tours of towns in the Czech Republic.
A window to experiencing the wonderful music and culture of a much admired European country, the site is thoughtfully presented and contains a
wealth of artistic creations. Presented in six languages, it is a brilliant example of the internet being utilised to exhibit a culture to the
world. C. Sly
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: CA, HSIE
SYLLABUS: Music 710; Music Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Folk music
PUBLISHER: Radio Praha, Czech Republic
REVIEW DATE: 02/09/08 [781.62] SCIS 1374689
Maori organisations of New Zealand
Containing
a wide range of areas explaining Maori customs, art, current events, history, music, and Myths and legends, this regularly updated
web site is useful for students in a range of KLAs, with depth of content and plenty of follow up links. Material is visually appealing, detailed,
and interesting to explore, so students working on a focus question will use the site most productively. The resource presents solid information
for students undertaking comparative studies in Aboriginal Studies, including a vibrant Virtual whare tour. Music students can
view and listen to dance and songs in Maori performing arts. English students may read a mythological based fantasy story,
Kura. C. Dorbis
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: CA; English; HSIE
SYLABUS: Aboriginal Studies 710; Aboriginal Studies Stage 6, Geography 710; History 710; HSIE K6; Society & Culture Stage
6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Maori
PUBLISHER: Kupenga Maori, NZ
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [305 89] SCIS 1033433
NZEDGE.COM
Created to laud the identity and international role of New Zealand and its people, the site is a well written and visually appealing collection of
fascinating material. Heroes contains stories of high achievers such as designers, athletes and scientists who have made their
mark on world culture. Features has stories and comments on contemporary issues. The site is a fine resource for the study of New
Zealand within the Society and Culture Stage 6 syllabus, and for the study of design and textiles in Visual Arts and TAS syllabuses. Textiles
students will be inspired by material in the Style index, within Top 10. There is a multitude of material for
young artists and social scientists on the site, and students of New Zealand culture, art and design should find this site extremely interesting
and useful. R. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: CA; HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Society & Culture Stage 6; Textiles & Design Stage 6; Textiles Technology 710; Visual Design 710; Visual
Design CEC Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: New Zealand; New Zealanders
PUBLISHER: NZEDGE, NZ
REVIEW DATE: 24/04/09 [993] SCIS 1395559
Peter Murphys panoramic VR
weblog
From the premiere of Matrix Revolutions in November 2003 to the launch of streetradio.net in March
2004, Peter Murphys virtual panoramic photographs provide a wonderful set of images relating to current and popular issues. Updated on a regular
basis, the thumbnail pictures are links to larger Panoramic images, accessible with QuickTime. Text accompanying the
pictures has links to other sites, including news articles and Murphys own personal leads. These have many potential uses for Society and culture
students, and English students. Photography and computer students could find some useful links in My vr theory blog in virtual
reality computer software. My other website contains more panoramic pictures and links to articles on virtual
reality modelling languages (VRML). L. Pratt
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Information Technology Stage 6; Photography, Video & Digital Imaging Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6;
Software Design and Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Earth Pictorial works; Voyages and travels Pictorial works
PUBLISHER: P. Murphy, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [910.22] SCIS 1168018
Planet society:
exchange market of resources for a culture of peace
A UNESCO initiative, as part of the International decade for a culture of peace and non violence for the children of the world
(20012010), this resource contains clearly written and comprehensive documents, brochures, images, and explanations specifically for
teachers. The material includes: How to take part, Who is involved, Information exchange, and UNESCO activities. As with all
initiatives designed for a worldwide audience, there are adaptations to be made in meeting NSW curriculum requirements. This should not preclude
the use of material as there are many opportunities for use across a number of KLAs. Information is multilingual, some as pdf downloads,
and material is copyright free for educational use. This positive and worthwhile site promotes peace and contains valuable knowledge about human
rights and the potential of children in a world free from violence. C. Dorbis
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History 710; HSIE K6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Peace; UNESCO
PUBLISHER: UNESCO, France
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [327.1] SCIS 1178613
Search engine colossus: international directory of search engines
The site is a collection of search engines, laid out in theme, language, and country divisions. Themes include the school relevant Music, Art, Sports and Literature. In the extensive country list, Australia has 24 entries with a brief description of each search engine. A main benefit of the country list is that it directs users to search engines within a specific country. Australia crawler and Web wombat, for example, narrow searches to Australian content only. The site is a very useful and time effective tool to find websites without the international clutter, and the country list could be beneficial for students researching the Topic: Social and cultural continuity and change in a selected country, for Society and Culture Stage 6. The site is a great resource for making comparisons and experimenting with unfamiliar search engine formats. C. Bennett
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS:Directories; Internet; Search engines
PUBLISHER: B. Strome, Canada
REVIEW DATE: 01/11/09 [025.5]SCIS 1419660
September 11: bearing witness to history
The site is dedicated to the preservation of a wide range of objects, images, and stories related to the terrorist attacks within the USA on 11/09/01. It displays pictures and information on artefacts and memorabilia recovered from the scenes of the plane crashes. As noted in comments About the collection, each article in the collection is a piece of a larger story. A wide range of Stories about collecting and Stories about specific objects in the collection are provided in written and audio format. They operate as excellent primary source documents for the study of terrorism in the History 7–10 Elective: Thematic studies and for the study of the USA as the selected country in the Society and Culture syllabus. C. Sly
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History 7–10; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS:September 11 Terrorist Attacks – Personal accounts
PUBLISHER: National Museum of American History, USA
REVIEW DATE: 01/02/10 [303.6]SCIS 1428047
The Roseanne Beckett website
The site highlights the perceived injustices that Roseanne Beckett (previously Roseanne Catt) faced at the hands of the judicial system. Beckett,
charged with attempting to murder her husband, subsequently spent 10 years in gaol. The site contains a variety of scanned documents, including
selected Media reports, Judgment excerpts, and a Letter from DPP, that may be of interest to
those studying the Stage 6 Legal Studies Topic: Crime, if used in conjunction with further impartial information. The site could also be of
interest to teachers who wish to demonstrate the effect of gender based power and authority, both for and against Beckett, in the Society and
Culture Depth Study: Equality and difference. The site is fairly amateurish in nature and there are some broken links. J. Alvarado
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Legal Studies Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Victims of crimes Autobiography
PUBLISHER: R. Beckett, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 04/04/09 [362.8] SCIS 1383744
Te Ara: the encyclopedia of New
Zealand
Well written entries and appealing graphics make this site a pleasure to browse. Specific research is impeded by some clumsy cross referencing, but
Stage 6 Society and Culture and Aboriginal Studies students who persevere will find much of interest. For the Society and Culture Core: Social and
cultural continuity and change, this resource supports students investigation of heritage, gender, values, and identity in another country.
Maori in New Zealand in brief ably supports the study of contemporary New Zealand within the Aboriginal Studies
syllabus Part 1: Social justice and human rights issues. Following the references in Related stories from Te Ara is fruitful, and
links such as Society and Urban marae will reward student research. In New Zealand peoples, HSIE
K6 students can explore a large and vibrant collection, including an extensive look at the role of Australians. For young
students, Get the short story provides a useful summary. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Aboriginal Studies Stage 6; HSIE K6; Society & Culture Stage 6
PUBLISHER: Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ
SCIS SUBJECTS: New Zealand Encyclopedieas
REVIEW DATE: 09/12/05 [993.003] SCIS 1211713
TIME.coms first annual blog
index
Students will connect with the transient and real time conversationalist nature of these blogs, and they can participate in a range of discussions
on several blog sites. Of particular use for schools are Web 2.Oh..really?; the environmentalist observations in
Treehugger; PostSecret, a community art project; and The sartorialist, a visual blog on street
fashion. The blogs are critically annotated by the highly respectable magazine Time and the site allows teachers and students to quickly
access some of the best and most popular blogs in the world. The site would be useful for students interested in current events and specialist
topics, and for those involved in blogging. It would be a useful site for teachers requiring examples of how blogs and Web 2.0 technologies may be
developed and used within ICT contexts. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; English; HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: English 710; Society & Culture Stage 6; Textiles Technology 710; Visual Arts 710
SCIS SUBJECTS: Weblogs
PUBLISHER: Time, USA
REVIEW DATE: 15/11/08 [006.7] SCIS 1391880
Time Pacific
Dedicated to current and recent articles from Time Pacific magazine, this resource includes a range of social, economic and health issues
from Australia and the Pacific region. Time archive allows minimal access, without subscribing, to the major articles in
TimePacific over the past six months. Links to other Time web sites that focus on other major regions of the world are
provided. Currently, Photo essays unseen Australia, Time tunnel and Haunt of heroes offer
interesting insights into the Australian identity and would be particularly suitable when studying Stage 5 History Topic 8: Australias social
and cultural history in the post-war period. Current information and data is relevant for other KLAs. This web site is a useful tool for
gaining current perspectives on a range of issues in the Pacific region. F. Campbell
USER LEVEL: Stage 4Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Business Studies Stage 6; Economics Stage 6; Geography 710; History 710; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Current events Periodicals
PUBLISHER: Time, USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [079.9] SCIS 1181798
Virtual Finland
Providing an abundance of information on Finland, this outstanding site will be enjoyed by students focusing on this country. From general facts
and figures to deep studies of visual arts, literature, poetry, music, and theatre, the site will engage students. Information covers Finnish
society, the environment, and history. Exceptional graphics, colour photographs and maps complement the easy to read language. A web cam provides
up-to-the minute images of Helsinki. The style and format is suitable for middle and senior school students. It is an excellent site for the
Society and Culture Stage 6 Topic: Social and cultural continuity and change in a selected country. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: CA; English; HSIE
SYLLABUS: English 710; HSIE K6; Society & Culture Stage 6; Visual Arts 710
SCIS SUBJECTS: Finland
PUBLISHER: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland
REVIEW DATE: 15/07/08 [948.97] SCIS 1357859
Warlpiri Media
Association
Technology allows us to view the wonderful work that is being produced by the Warlpiri Media Association in Yuendumu, one of the most isolated
communities in Australia. Over 20 years ago the WMA began making videos for local broadcasting, and this has blossomed into a website full of
entertainment and information. This excellent website shows many video trailers and profiles a range of musicians actively using a variety of
Aboriginal languages. Visual and audio clips highlight the work done by the television and radio networks, with the Bush mechanics
being the star attraction. A. Playford
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: CA; English; HSIE; Languages
SYLLABUS: Aboriginal Languages K10; Aboriginal Studies 710;
Aboriginal Studies Stage 6; English 710; Music 710; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Radio broadcasting; Television broadcasting; Video recording and reproducing
PUBLISHER: Warlpiri Media Association, Australia
REVIEW DATE:18/12/06 [384] SCIS 1283717
Web Japan: gateway for all Japanese
information
A variety of reliable information on Japan, including culture, history, society, industry, economy, geography, religion, sport, science and
technology can be found on this site. Facts about, and trends in Japan, including pop culture and street style, are detailed with colourful images
complementing the easy to read text. Free subscriptions for online magazines are available. The site is easy to navigate with a variety of
strategies to undertake searches using title, category or keyword. Younger students should access Kids web Japan as it contains simpler language
and format. A wonderful resource for studying Japanese society and cultural diversity, this wide ranging site supports both CUS1.3 and CUS1.4 in
HSIE K6 and has relevance for the study of Japan within Society and Culture Stage 6. The language can be changed from English to Japanese, which
would be useful for students of Japanese K10 and Japanese Stage 6. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; Languages
SYLLABUS: HSIE K6; Japanese K10; Japanese Stage 6: Beginners; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Japan
PUBLISHER: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
REVIEW DATE: 02/09/2008 [952] SCIS 1298514
Worldometers: world statistics updated in real time
Part of the international Real time statistics project, the site is a dynamic display of world statistics, as, onscreen, rapidly changing numbers show what is happening in the world right now. Statistics are listed under sections of: World population; Government & economics; Society & media; Environment; Food; Water; Energy and Health. There is a strong connection to sustainability education. Especially useful for HSIE subjects, the site’s numbers’ display will create interested discussion in classrooms. IWB display will have great visual appeal and impact on students. It would be fascinating to compare fast and slow number changes in different categories, and to then discuss reasons for and effects of the varying speeds observed. About us is useful and FAQ is very useful, with a great set of links and information on how the statistical data is accessed and presented. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; Mathematics
SYLLABUS: Geography 7–10; Geography Stage 6; HSIE K–6; Mathematics 7–10; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Statistics
PUBLISHER: Worldometers.info, USA
REVIEW DATE: 01/04/10 [310] SCIS 1447816
Youth radio
A dynamic resource that will engage students in learning, this contemporary site provides much interesting discussion on issues relevant to
Australian students. The areas of Web radio, Music, Science and technology and Youth
culture will probably be most useful for students. Topics are very interesting in content and effectively presented. They are spaciously
laid out, annotated for ease of research, and include videos, audio and graphics. Web radio runs live music and commentary, and
Music has a featured artist, original music and video interviews. Podcasts, vodcasts and RSS feeds are available. Comments can be
made and discussions may ensue; the quality of discussion is fairly high. Site content is run by youth trained in the technical aspects of
broadcasting. The site will be very useful for students examining America within the Society and Culture Stage 6 Topic: Continuity and change
in a selected country. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: CA; HSIE
SYLLABUS: Music 710; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Mass media United States; Radio broadcasting; Radio stations; Young adults
PUBLISHER: Youth Radio, USA
REVIEW DATE: 12/12/08 [384.54] SCIS 1385878
|