For all the talk of Cubase and Reason and the massive price tags attached, when it comes to getting kids started with music Sony Acid Music Studio can be a great way to start.
A free limited version of this is available here and is called Acid Express. You will need to register, but this is free and quick to do.
Have a look on Amazon for educational copies of the paid version and then simply get hold of some sample CD's (or look round the web to download some (try http://www.acidplanet.com/ for some free loop 8 packs) and basic music creation is seconds away.
Although this program is great for begginers mixing loops, midi can also be easily introduced and with a decent mic and the right leads vocals and instruments can be recorded with very good quailty and easily be mixed and edited.
Other programs such as Fruity Loops, Reason, Nuendo, Cubase etc may also be worth looking at, can be much harder for the novice to work with. Different people want different things from music programs so you may wish to do some extra research on the web.
Sony also do a great video editing program called Vegas Movie Studio Search on the web for an educational licence if you think you might qualify, as these can be much cheaper.
Wednesday 9 December 2009
Resources for Learning Centres / Home Education
If kids or adults have got switched off from the core subjects then this will cause real problems with reintegration back into mainstream education.
One site I have used with a good deal of success is the edexcel test site. Level 1 in application of number and communication tests are worth 1/4 of a GCSE each and Level 2's Worth 1/2.
This is the link for some edexcel practice tests
The maths paper is a non calculator test, but candidates are allowed to use a pen and paper to help work out answers and this I believe is in some way key to building up the learners confidence. If the learner has a reasonable understanding of percentages, averages (mean, median, mode and range), fractions, ratios, area, scale and basic algebra then the level one test should be quite easy. If they do not but they do have a reasonable ability to work with numbers then it can be relatively easy to teach them the above concepts to a level needed to complete the level one test.
For the level 2 test a greater understanding of the above mentioned concepts are needed, but in working with the learner to solve problems with paper and pen that they previously thought to be unsolvable can be greatly rewarding for both them and you.
The beauty of the level 2 test is that problems appear quite tricky at times, but if broken down into a number of mathmatical stages, really are not too bad. In order to guide a student through learning the skills needed to complete one of these tests, to me it seems important to first have a good understanding of each question and an entusiasm for explaining how to solve it in the easiest way possible. Almost help the kids to feel like they are cheating by using your hints and tips.
With both testsget the learner to take their time to check each possible answer. They are multiple choice so getting them to look past the first answer they think is right and eliminate the others for sure can be tricky, but again is another life skill that is too good not too pass on.
I work hard with pupils to get them to realise that they are giving their brain a work out and are learning new skills that could change their future. It is often this enthusiasm and guidance that can tip the balance from them saying stuff is hard and they hate doing it to them becoming excited and motivated about the small measurable, achieveable, realistic targets (smart) that they are hitting.
U2Learn.com our free learning and revision site has plenty of other free and fun links to help inspire and guide learning. Please explore our site to find which resources out on the web could help you and your learners progress.
U2Learn
Change 2day43!
One site I have used with a good deal of success is the edexcel test site. Level 1 in application of number and communication tests are worth 1/4 of a GCSE each and Level 2's Worth 1/2.
This is the link for some edexcel practice tests
The maths paper is a non calculator test, but candidates are allowed to use a pen and paper to help work out answers and this I believe is in some way key to building up the learners confidence. If the learner has a reasonable understanding of percentages, averages (mean, median, mode and range), fractions, ratios, area, scale and basic algebra then the level one test should be quite easy. If they do not but they do have a reasonable ability to work with numbers then it can be relatively easy to teach them the above concepts to a level needed to complete the level one test.
For the level 2 test a greater understanding of the above mentioned concepts are needed, but in working with the learner to solve problems with paper and pen that they previously thought to be unsolvable can be greatly rewarding for both them and you.
The beauty of the level 2 test is that problems appear quite tricky at times, but if broken down into a number of mathmatical stages, really are not too bad. In order to guide a student through learning the skills needed to complete one of these tests, to me it seems important to first have a good understanding of each question and an entusiasm for explaining how to solve it in the easiest way possible. Almost help the kids to feel like they are cheating by using your hints and tips.
With both testsget the learner to take their time to check each possible answer. They are multiple choice so getting them to look past the first answer they think is right and eliminate the others for sure can be tricky, but again is another life skill that is too good not too pass on.
I work hard with pupils to get them to realise that they are giving their brain a work out and are learning new skills that could change their future. It is often this enthusiasm and guidance that can tip the balance from them saying stuff is hard and they hate doing it to them becoming excited and motivated about the small measurable, achieveable, realistic targets (smart) that they are hitting.
U2Learn.com our free learning and revision site has plenty of other free and fun links to help inspire and guide learning. Please explore our site to find which resources out on the web could help you and your learners progress.
U2Learn
Change 2day43!
Sunday 22 November 2009
A Level Sociology
Sociology.org provides fantastic A-Level revision materials
Check the U2learn GCSE Sociology Page for more great links
U2Learn
Change 2day43!
Check the U2learn GCSE Sociology Page for more great links
U2Learn
Change 2day43!
GCSE Sociology Links
Sociology Learning Support provides fantastic GCSE summary quizzes and jigsaws.
Check the U2learn GCSE Sociology Page for more great links
U2Learn
Change 2day43!
Check the U2learn GCSE Sociology Page for more great links
U2Learn
Change 2day43!
Make GCSE French Revision Easy
Saturday 21 November 2009
Be a Maths Genius
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Some people think they are rubbish at Maths and this can stop them learning.
If in doubt go back to basics try some KS3 Bitesize and if that is too hard move back to KS2
Another great site to test your skills and challenge your knowlege is the Edexcel level one and two tests in application of number. Level 1 is worth 1/4 of a GCSE and Level 2 is worth 1/2. Do these tests without a calculator, but use pen and paper to help you work them out. 40 multiple choice questions with a mark and feedback at the end. Great practice and a great mental workout.
Many people are happy to spend hours a day solving computer games. How about spending an hour a week cracking some maths problems?
Maths is simply addition, multiplication, subtraction and division. Master these foundations and then have some fun learning to solve problems using them.
The internet makes it possible for you to teach yourself. Use the links here on U2Learn to find out how!
If in doubt go back to basics try some KS3 Bitesize and if that is too hard move back to KS2
Another great site to test your skills and challenge your knowlege is the Edexcel level one and two tests in application of number. Level 1 is worth 1/4 of a GCSE and Level 2 is worth 1/2. Do these tests without a calculator, but use pen and paper to help you work them out. 40 multiple choice questions with a mark and feedback at the end. Great practice and a great mental workout.
Many people are happy to spend hours a day solving computer games. How about spending an hour a week cracking some maths problems?
Maths is simply addition, multiplication, subtraction and division. Master these foundations and then have some fun learning to solve problems using them.
The internet makes it possible for you to teach yourself. Use the links here on U2Learn to find out how!
Toddler Learning Games
Learning should be fun and can start at any age. Click here for some U2Learn toddler fun learning pages.
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