Everything we have comes from books. While we all have varying opinions on the quality of different texts, literature has established a global understanding that the exchange of ideas is sacred. Whether it’s our media or our science, it all starts with the written word.
However, we’re now living in a time where public libraries are being closed by councils to balance the books. Campaigners fight on to reverse these decisions. Even should they fail, the love of reading will never fade.
Humbly championing the wonder of books from the sidelines is the Little Free Library. These small libraries look rather like bird boxes, but instead of housing our winged friends, they instead store books. A non-profit American organisation is the catalyst for getting Little Free Libraries set up around the world. However, people do set them up independently, too!
So, beyond their obvious charm, what else is there to love about the Little Free Library? How could they benefit you as a homeschooled student? Read on for more information.
The Spirit Of Giving
Much like ordinary libraries, Little Free Libraries have a rather generous rule system in place. However, there are some differences.
The books in ordinary public libraries are stocked by committee. Accession librarians might be charged with that task, or there might be a library board and directors who have final say over which texts make the cut.
By comparison, Little Free Libraries are kept stocked by their users. While it’s not mandatory to leave a book to take a book, most regular Little Free Library users abide by a ‘give and take’ system in the spirit of fair play. It keeps the catalogue evolving and the community thriving.
You don’t need a library card to take a book from a Little Free Library. There are no fines for late returns, either, as it’s not mandatory that you do return the book (though obviously it’s hoped and recommended that you do). The entire system is unsupervised and reliant on human kindness.
There have, of course, been reports of people ‘stealing’ (can you really steal something if it’s free?) from Little Free Libraries. After further investigation, however, many of these cases involved people who’d take the books from the library and distribute them in their retirement communities or schools. So, even then, it’s a win, as the texts are still being shared rather than sold.
Range Of Choice
Choice is vital for avid readers. It’s great that you can search through the catalogue of your local library online, but it’s not always ideal to have a long list of titles to wade through.
Little Free Libraries are admittedly quite small, hence the name. While the selection of books is limited day-to-day, the books on offer are always brilliant. People feel strongly enough about them to recommend them to their community. There’s a finite amount of space for offerings, too, so people won’t clutter it with sub-par or random texts.
A small selection means the books are on constant rotation, too. A total overhaul of the catalogue can be quite an exciting prospect and keep you on your toes as a reader. You may also feel more compelled to give a book a try if you also have the knowledge that it’s only there for a limited period.
As you might know already, public libraries also have offerings in film, music, and even books for those with dyslexia, for instance. Well, Little Free Libraries similarly have a range of other media to explore.
If you visit a Little Free Library, there’s a good chance you’ll come across free films, codes for free Audible audiobooks, and free music in the process. Obviously, the extent of the offering depends on what your community deems fit to share, but all the same, there should be a selection of stuff to peruse. Typically, the films and music shared will have some relation to a literary text. Still, even if you’re not the mood to read a book, Little Free Libraries still have something to offer.
Outdoor Reading
Who doesn’t love a spot of outdoor reading? In the warmer months, it’s practically an essential activity! Little Free Libraries are predominantly located outdoors. They can be found in all sorts of places, from the middle of walking trails to long-term mooring sites for canal boats. Some can be found in parkland, too, or beside beaches.
You don’t need to worry about the Little Free Library rotting away against the elements, or having gnarly bugs inside, either. The person who setup the Little Free Library is its designated volunteer steward, and it’s their responsibility to ensure everything is in excellent condition. Obviously, no one would setup a Little Free Library if they weren’t passionate about the concept, so they’re nearly always very well looked after.
Finding The Right Little Free Library
There are many Little Free Libraries dotted around the UK and elsewhere. However, only some of them may pique your interest. For example, there are dedicated Little Free Libraries for young children only. They all have unique painted designs and encourage little kids to read outside with their parent or guardians. They’re typically found near their schools and play parks. Still, if you have younger siblings, it may be a good idea to introduce them to Little Free Libraries!
However, other Little Free Libraries are geared more towards teens and adults, too. To find the one you’re looking for, you can download a free app that shows you the location of any Little Free Library in the world. There’s a web map too! If you find a little red pin at an area near you, then you should be able to find a Little Free Library at that marker. It’s also worth mentioning that Little Free Libraries are available to use 24/7. So, don’t worry about opening and closing times aligning with your schedule.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to love about Little Free Libraries. They foster a sense of community and ensure everyone has access to books and other media. It doesn’t matter how much time, money, or privilege someone has, or even what age they are – anyone can use them. For that, Little Free Libraries will always have a special place in the hearts of many!
If you are interested in studying English or English Literature, Oxford Home Schooling offer you the chance to do so at a number of levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us.
How Family Photos Can Matter In Your Learning Journey
In the fast-paced world of 2024, where Snapchat, Free Prints and other digital photo apps continue to redefine the photography landscape, one timeless aspect remains unchanged: the importance of family photos in a child’s upbringing. While the digital era has ushered in an abundance of virtual experiences, there’s something irreplaceable about tangible memories adorning the walls of our homes. Let’s explore why these snapshots of moments past are more than just decorations—they’re essential tools for learning and development.
Memories Frozen In Time
In the digital avalanche of selfies and Instagram stories, physical photographs stand out as tangible relics of our personal histories. For younger people, these snapshots serve as portals to the past, helping them navigate their family’s narrative. Whether it’s a cherished vacation, a birthday celebration, or a simple day at the park, each photograph holds a story waiting to be told, fostering a sense of continuity and identity. Indeed, a Tulane University study found that children who saw photos of themselves have higher self-esteem than those who aren’t exposed to family portraits. Therefore, having family photos hanging up in your home can help you grow into more confident adults helping you achieve the best in life.
Language Unleashed
What’s happening in this picture? Who are these people? Where were we? The simple act of flipping through a photo album can ignite a flurry of questions and conversations between parent. Recounting the tales behind each image, you can not only sharpen language skills, but also expand vocabulary and expressive abilities. From describing facial expressions to narrating events, family photos provide a rich tapestry for linguistic exploration.
Emotions Captured, Emotions Understood
Beyond words, photos have a remarkable ability to convey emotions: laughter, embarrassment, love, excitement, surprise, to name but a few. By revisiting these emotional snapshots, you learn to recognise and understand a spectrum of feelings, fostering emotional intelligence and empathy, essential for emotional intelligence. It can also act as a springboard to engage in identifying your own feelings and finding ways to express yourself.
Picture Perfect Learning
Visual literacy is a skill set as crucial as reading and writing in the digital age. Analysing photographs hones observation skills, encourages critical thinking, and teaches you to decode visual cues. From deciphering facial expressions to interpreting the context of a scene, you learn to navigate the visual landscape of the world around you. So you can use family photos as a prompt to help infer, make connections and interpret moments, all essential skills for English.
Crafting Stories, Igniting Creativity
Every picture tells a story, but it’s the imagination that brings those stories to life. Armed with a treasure trove of family photos, you can utilise photos to come up with narratives, or use them as their muse for descriptive writing. Since the photos are personal, it might engage and inspire you on a deeper level than a random image which you have no real, personal connection with.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of photography, family photos stand as timeless treasures, anchoring us in our roots and nurturing vital skills. Beyond mere decorations, they spark conversations, hone language and emotional intelligence, and foster creativity. As snapshots frozen in time, they serve as windows to the past, prompting reflection and growth. So, amidst the digital avalanche, let’s cherish the power of family photos. Display them proudly, flip through them often, and use them as catalysts for connection and learning.
Enhancing Focus And Productivity
Do you listen to music whilst studying? Many of us, whether we’re studying, working, or simply trying to concentrate on a task, turn to music as a companion. But have you ever wondered why music seems to help us focus?
The Brain’s Love Affair With Music
Music has a unique ability to captivate our brains (hence you might get a jingle stuck in your head), but not all music is created equal in the eyes (or rather, ears) of our brains. Research by Dr Maria Witek, Associate Professor at University of Birmingham, suggests that there’s a specific spectrum of musical properties that the brain prefers, with a medium level of syncopation (a musical term that refers to the deliberate disruption or displacement of the regular, expected rhythm within a piece of music) hitting the sweet spot. This explains why certain types of music, like funky tunes, are more enjoyable and conducive to concentration than others.
Attention And Distraction
Our brains are equipped with two attention systems: a conscious one that we can direct, and an unconscious one that operates in the background. When we engage in tasks that require prolonged focus, the unconscious attention system remains active and can easily be distracted, especially if the task is perceived as dull or unpleasant (like washing up, revision etc). This is where music comes in handy, providing non-invasive noise and pleasurable feelings to neutralise distractions and keep us on track.
Choosing The Right Tune
While classical music is a popular choice for many, personal preference plays a significant role. Studies, for instance in “Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance” and the “Journal of Music Therapy”, suggest that genre you enjoy can enhance focus, while music you dislike may impede it. Another reason classical is often preferred is because instrumental music without lyrics does not tend to draw our attention away from the task at hand so much.
The Rise Of The Video Game Soundtrack
Perhaps surprisingly for some, one genre of music that’s gaining recognition for its concentration-boosting abilities is video game soundtracks! Designed to create immersive environments without distracting from gameplay, these soundtracks have been refined over decades to strike the perfect balance between stimulation and focus. This makes sense: if you are playing a game, trying to solve a problem, or complete a level – you want to focus!
Conclusion
Music isn’t just background noise; it’s a powerful tool that can enhance our concentration and productivity. By understanding the science behind music’s effect on the brain and choosing the right tunes for the task at hand, we can unlock our full potential and achieve greater focus in our daily lives. So, the next time you need to buckle down and get to work, consider putting on your favourite playlist, preferably without vocalisation, or diving into a video game soundtrack. After all, science has proven: silence is not always golden.
If you are interested in studying a Science, Oxford Home Schooling offer you the chance to do so, as listed below. You can also Contact Us here.
Expanding Horizons In The Digital Age
In an era marked by globalisation and digital interconnections, the concept of learning beyond borders has taken on new significance. It’s more than just a notion; it’s a transformative approach to education that transcends geographical limitations, embraces cultural diversity, and fosters global citizenship. From online tools that connect learners worldwide to international programmes like Erasmus, the opportunities for learning beyond borders are abundant and diverse.
Defining Learning Beyond Borders
Learning beyond borders is a holistic approach to education that goes beyond the confines of traditional classrooms and national boundaries. It encompasses a range of experiences, including:
Cultural immersion: Engaging with different cultures through travel, exchange programmes, or virtual interactions. Rather than just writing to a pen-pal, we can now have Zoom calls with students from all over, helping to bridge geographical gaps.
Cross-cultural communication and facilitating dialogue and understanding between individuals from diverse backgrounds: We can help students connect with others from different walks of life by going on trips to locales that they don’t typically visit. This will help dispel any prejudices or preconceived notions.
Global citizenship: Fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging to the global community. Rather than just thinking about their own communities and countries, students can think about the wider impact of their actions and behaviour, allowing them collectively to make a global impact.
International education: Accessing educational opportunities abroad, whether through study abroad programs or online courses, allows students to truly gain an education they really want, as well as to gain experience that will allow them into the global market.
Lifelong learning: To enable the desire to continuously seek new knowledge and experiences throughout one’s life; taking a growth mindset, so that students are continuously evolving and not stagnating.
How Can We Adopt Learning Beyond Borders?
Online Tools for Global Learning: The rise of digital technology has revolutionised education, making it more accessible and interactive than ever before. Online tools play a crucial role in facilitating global learning experiences:
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer a vast array of courses taught by instructors from around the world. Learners can explore diverse subjects, interact with peers from different countries, and access high-quality educational resources from the comfort of their homes.
Virtual Exchange Programmes: Virtual exchange programmes, such as the Stevens Initiative and Soliya, use online platforms to connect students from different countries for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. Through video conferencing, discussion forums, and collaborative projects, participants gain valuable insights into different cultures and perspectives.
Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone make language learning accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds. With interactive lessons, games, and multimedia content, these apps allow users to learn new languages at their own pace, connecting them with speakers of other languages around the world.
Online Communities: Social media platforms, forums, and online communities provide spaces for learners to connect, share ideas, and engage in discussions with people from diverse backgrounds. Whether it’s joining a Facebook group dedicated to a specific topic or participating in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), online communities offer opportunities for collaborative learning and cultural exchange.
Erasmus and International Programmes
Erasmus, the European Union’s flagship education and exchange programme, is a prime example of learning beyond borders in action. Established in 1987, Erasmus enables students, teachers, and staff from European universities to study, teach, or work abroad in partner countries. Through Erasmus, participants gain invaluable international experience, develop language skills, and build intercultural competence, all while contributing to the creation of a more cohesive and inclusive European Higher Education Area.
Beyond Erasmus, numerous international programs and initiatives offer opportunities for students to engage in learning experiences abroad. Whether it’s participating in a Fulbright Scholarship exchange, joining a summer school programme in another country, or volunteering with a global organisation, these opportunities enable students to broaden their horizons, forge new connections, and develop a deeper understanding of the world.
Conclusion
Learning beyond borders is not just a concept; it’s a mindset—a commitment to embracing diversity, fostering dialogue, and seeking knowledge wherever it may be found. In today’s interconnected world, online tools and international programmes like Erasmus make it easier than ever for learners to explore new horizons, connect with people from different cultures, and become global citizens. So let us embrace the opportunities that learning beyond borders affords us, for the world is our classroom, and the possibilities are limitless.
Techniques For Managing Exam Stress And Thriving Under Pressure
As the exam season begins, many students find themselves grappling with a familiar foe: anxiety. The pressure to perform coupled with the uncertainty of the outcome can weigh heavily on even the most prepared minds. However, with the right techniques and strategies, it’s possible to navigate exam anxiety and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
1. Practice Mindfulness And Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help students calm their minds and bodies in the face of exam-related stress. Encourage yourself to set aside time each day for mindfulness practice, whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing before bed or a guided meditation session in the morning .By cultivating a sense of presence and awareness, you can reduce anxiety levels and improve their ability to focus and concentrate during exams.
2. Break Tasks Into Manageable Chunks
The prospect of tackling a mountain of study material can feel overwhelming, leading to heightened anxiety levels. Break down study tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and create a realistic study schedule that allows for regular breaks and rest periods. Make sure you take time to celebrate small wins, such as completing a task. By focusing on one task at a time and celebrating small victories along the way, you can build confidence and momentum as you work towards your exam goals.
3. A Supportive Environment
A strong support network can provide a much-needed source of comfort and encouragement during times of stress. Reach out to friends, family members or teachers for support and guidance. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help when needed and that you are not alone in your struggles; In a supportive environment, students can feel empowered to share their feelings and seek assistance when necessary.
4. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Negative self-talk can exacerbate anxiety and undermine confidence, making it difficult to perform at your best level. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations and self-talk. Remember your strengths, past successes, and resilience in overcoming challenges. By cultivating a positive mindset and reframing negative thoughts, you will can boost self-esteem and confidence, leading to improved performance in exams.
5. Prioritise Self-Care
In the midst of exam preparation, it’s essential for students to prioritise self-care and well-being. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals, getting regular exercise, and prioritising adequate sleep. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s spending time with friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking a break to relax and recharge. By prioritising self-care, you can enhance resilience, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being.
Empowering Students To Thrive
While exam anxiety is a common experience for many students, it doesn’t have to define it. By implementing these techniques for managing anxiety, you can cultivate resilience, confidence, and well-being, enabling yourself to face exams with courage and composure. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, break tasks into manageable chunks, foster a supportive environment, practice positive self-talk, and prioritise self-care. With these tools and strategies at your disposal, you can navigate exam season with grace and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
If you have any queries around this time of year, or may be interested in studying a course with Oxford Home Schooling at a future date, you can Contact Us for more information.
Social media is often dubbed as one big distraction for young scholars. Indeed, it can be, with many influencers and marketers tailoring content to engage people for as long as possible. The manner of constant attention can be toxic, and the content can be too. However, as with many things, how you approach and utilise social media can make a big difference to how it impacts your life. There are pockets of this online space that are not only safe, but highly informative too! Even your home learning pursuits can be better facilitated through an apt use of social media. But how? Well, we’ll give you a few ideas after the jump.
Mute Functions
As we mentioned, social media can be a huge distraction. Not everyone can avoid these pitfalls through their own willpower alone. Still, there’s no shame in that. If you use social media already, consider opening up a ‘studying’ account that’s separate to your personal one. After that, some social media platforms may have ‘mute word’ and ‘mute phrase’ functions that enable you to do just that!
If you tailor the content that comes through your feed, you have a stronger chance of staying focused for study. There are really great and informative social media accounts out there, but sometimes their good work can be buried under lots of spam or content that might appeal to you in your free time. Filter out the noise and get to the good stuff! You may even be able to venture into your settings and turn off direct messaging, muting your inbox on respective sites. Keep your studying account private, too, and you won’t get distracted by juggling multiple conversations.
Prolific Academics
It’s important to be mindful of who you interact with online and the types of content you consume. Safety is always the most important thing. With that in mind, there are also people who are worth heeding. For example, Professor Brian Cox has a Twitter account, as does NASA, and a multitude of many other smart, studious people. There are lesser-known experts online too, still highly credible voices in their field that are worth researching further.
Many of these social media profiles have links to encyclopaedic websites of their own. So, in that respect, their social media presence may just be a stepping stone for a wider and deeper learning journey, too, connecting you with huge quantities of research and data elsewhere. Prolific academics that are online may post various facts and data that may inspire you in your academics, and potentially, even eventual career aspirations. They may even publicly disclose personal anecdotes that motivate you. Some of them may even have been home learners, too! It can all help you feel encouraged!
Bookstagramming And Other Suggestions In Social Media
Social media can help. It just shouldn’t replace the tutoring role. In addition to a tool such as Mute Function, things like ‘bookstagraming’ (where people post pictures and thoughts on their favourite books on Instagram) may help. It’s not academic learning, but if you explore these digital areas for books on your reading list, you may encounter many fresh ideas that can contribute to your home learning success! Remember to use hashtags when searching for the most relevant content to your learning!
Platforms like Pinterest can also provide you with plentiful inspiration. It’s a more visual social media site, where you should encounter more than a few studying and revision tips. A new perspective on your learning could be just the ticket!
Blogs can also be a useful resource when learning from home (and we’re not just saying that for obvious reasons!). There are so many institutions and writers interrogating the subjects you’re studying, and they also update their pages when new information, including research and statistics, becomes available.
All parties on the home learning journey can benefit through using social media tools responsibly. Inspiration and education are always evolving, particularly through online spaces. So, it’s important to stay up to date. Try to keep a dialogue open with your tutor so that you can be transparent and trustworthy and ensure you’re both in agreement about how and when social media can be used in your study.
If you are interested in studying a course with Oxford Home Schooling, you can visit our Courses page, or Contact Us to speak to a student adviser and find out more.
What You Need To Know About AI: A Beginner’s Guide To What The Future Holds by Brian David Johnson
Artificial Intelligence is a bit of a big topic at the minute. A couple of years ago it was just a villain in science fiction, but now it seems like evil sentient robots are here and ready to take over the working world… and do your homework for you. For a lot of people it’s a scary topic because it’s something we see and hear about in the news and online but don’t understand what AI is. Is it really going to take over the world? Or is it actually going to help us achieve some really cool things? Well, artificial intelligence expert Brian David Johnson is on hand to help with his book, aimed at younger minds, What You Need To Know About AI. It’s a beginner’s guide to artificial intelligence, starting off with a very youth-friendly explanation of what it is (fortunately it is not a collection of sentient toasters looking to take over the world) and then dipping into what it can be used for and where it may help us in the future.
Reader-Friendly
As its title says, the guide helps you learn everything you need to know about AI, from how it helps us discover the epic stuff up in space or under the sea, to whether it will help you build your very own dinosaur, and why. It’s presented in short and easy bites of information, with some great little illustrations to go alongside. It’s not a big, long, boring essay full of words you won’t understand, but written in such a way that the understanding will come easily. You’ll probably understand things so well after reading it that you’ll be able to explain everything to somebody who’s never even touched a computer!
Over the course of the book, you’ll learn where AI came from, and how it’s already being used in the world of sport, space, medicine, animals and more. You will discover the amazing possibilities of AI, that might shape the future. Along the way, you’ll learn super cool facts, bust some myths, and gain a balanced and informed view on one of the the biggest topics of our time. Mixed in with it all is a message about how you can use AI positively and help engineer a better future. So if you or anyone you know is a little bit scared of what AI is, you can use this book to put those fears to rest!
Get Ahead Of The Trend
This book has been a great help to plenty of teachers across the world in understanding AI and is a great starting point for young, curious minds looking to the future and how the world might look when they’re older. It will be of great interest to those who might be thinking they want to work in computing or some other field of Science and technology when they’re older. AI will certainly play a an ever-increasing role within those sectors.
And no, artificial intelligence didn’t write this to try and fool you all. Prove it, you say? Chicken nuggets, Spider-Man. A robot wouldn’t write something daft like that now, would it?
If you are interested in studying a Science subject, English or English Literature, Oxford Home Schooling offers the chance to do so at a variety of levels, listed below. You can also Contact Us for further details by clicking on this link.
English Literature GCSE and IGCE
Improving What You Own
Your reading list probably asks you for newest editions of novels and textbooks. If you own some older editions of these texts already, you might think; ‘why do I need to rebuy something I already own?’ It can be an annoying question, particularly for your parent or legal guardian. After all, it’s their money! Due to cost-of-living pressures, many parents are now spending less on books for their kids. If you have an older sibling, it’s even possible your parents were planning on passing their books down to you. Unfortunately, it’s a plan that’s unlikely to succeed. So, why do you need to purchase the newest editions of books that you may already own? Well, we’ve tried to provide a few different answers to that question for you below.
Presentation for Curriculum Requirements
Over the years, the curriculums have changed. Studying is a lot more learner-friendly than it used to be. Let’s use English literature as an example. Textbooks for the subject would often present quite rigorous, factual questions, very much looking for answers that were distinctly ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. However, things began to change in the mid-1990s.
Some of the textbooks for English literature test pupils quite differently today. Now, schoolkids and home learners alike are tested on more interpretative questions, ones where your reading of the text is more important. You’re allowed to argue your points, and so long as they’re well-structured, well-written, and well-reasoned points, they’re generally marked favourably. It might seem tempting to get an older textbook for a more affordable price, but you’ll also be subjecting yourself to a different mode of learning when it comes to English literature. One that’s incompatible with modern curriculums! That difference likely extends to several other subjects as well.
The Condition of the Book
You might agree that, generally, many people don’t treat their books very well. Instead of arranging them neatly on a shelf at home, some of these books might live in bags or under furniture for months at a time, folded and creased. Others might doodle in their books, spill drinks on the pages, or even playfully use them as weapons against friends. They can also be rudely vandalised for a laugh. So, publishers quite understandably think that passing these texts down and around isn’t always a good idea. Older editions are bound to carry a few ‘battle scars’.
So, if your reading lists ask you for a new edition of a text, it possibly means the person curating it may be trying to evade some of these common issues. It’s not a guarantee – new editions of a text are typically released every 3-4 years with most publishers. Still, the newest edition of a text is harder to buy or borrow second-hand. It all means your learning is less likely to be interrupted, and you can enjoy the reading precisely as intended.
Author Changes
Many authors publish their books and insist the first copy is the final copy. They can get quite touchy about it, believing their integrity and reputation as a writer is on the line.
Others take a more relaxed approach when it comes to making changes. It’s still quite rare they do so, but it does happen! For example, Stephen King rewrote the ending of his 1978 novel, ‘The Stand’, revising the ending once in 1990, and then again for the 2020 TV miniseries adaptation. You’re unlikely to read a Stephen King text for study before university, but the larger point here is that even high-calibre authors do make changes, sometimes. The changes aren’t typically small, either. They can be so large that they fundamentally alter the message and mood of a text. So, in buying the newest edition, you can be sure that you’re grappling with the most relevant copy of a fiction.
Textbooks Can be Wrong
It’s easy to think of study as memorising bulletproof facts. Empirical information is presented to you with great authority, and your learning is rightly taken quite seriously. However, it’s not just authors that might like to change things around. It’s also true that so-called ‘factual’ textbooks can be wrong. After all, even long held scientific understandings about the age of the universe can later be questioned or even outright disproved. The knowledge of the human race is pretty ‘far off’ sometimes, and that’s okay.
This doesn’t mean everything you’re reading is redundant. However, it does mean that buying the latest edition of a text means that you’re more likely to engage with information that is accurate, up-to-date, and has been revised and amended as many times as possible. It also teaches you a valuable a lesson, too; that the learning journey never ends. Professional scientists and scholars are always experimenting and updating their knowledge, presenting incorrect answers to eventually find the correct ones. Equipped with that understanding, you may approach your own learning more comfortably and confidently. It’s okay to be wrong sometimes!
Bonus Material
Newest editions of a text often come with bonus material to make a purchase more enticing for consumers. Some of these add-ons can benefit you during your home learning. You’ll likely know what an appendix is. It’s a section of nonessential writing at the end of an academic text. It’s bonus material, featuring anything from quick notes to scanned letters and maps. Sometimes these are updated for newer editions of books and provide unique insights into the text you’re reading. However, appendices in older editions are not always reprinted for newest editions. It may vary on a text-by-text basis!
Newer editions of a text may also feature better quality, brand-new, and more frequent illustrations, graphs, and other visual spectacles too. It may seem like a small thing, but these additions can break up an overwhelming wall of text and make it more engaging to engage with as a result.
So, there you have it. In reading the points above, we hope you’ve come to understand that newest editions of books bring you, as the reader, ‘closer’ to the text. You can more easily understand and relate to what’s written and the people who wrote it, which should benefit you greatly on your learning journey!
Oxford Home Schooling offer the chance to study a range of subjects at a number of levels. You can see which are available by scrolling to the top of our Home page here. You can also speak to an adviser to get more details. To find out how to Contact Us, click here.
Taking place on on the 29th of September, Home Schooling students may be interested to hear about the Home Educator Day that it is to be put on by Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, located in Halifax, Yorkshire.
Below you can see what to expect from the day, get access to more information via Eureka’s own website, and access links for booking a place.
From Eureka!…
We’re excited to let you know that our next Eureka! Home Educator Day is less than one month away and we’d love for you to join us!
On Friday 29th September we won’t take ANY school bookings and our team will be running additional learning activities – JUST for Home Educator families!
Please note that the museum is still open to the general public on this day. However, we are restricting visitor numbers to ensure that you can still have the best possible experience.
You will be able to book online for the following science show…
? Nature’s Superpowers! (5yrs+) ?
Times: 35mins sessions at 10:30am, 11:15am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm
Join us as we dive into the captivating world of Nature’s Superpowers. In this exciting show we’ll explore the incredible links between your favourite superhero powers and the wonders of the natural world. It’s time to unlock the extraordinary in the ordinary because in the natural world, superpowers are not just the stuff of legend; they’re all around us! Get ready to unlock your inner superhero too and be inspired to explore, learn and protect our incredible planet!
Plus special guest workshops will be available to book on the day on a first-come, first-served basis…
? The World of Honeybees (5yrs+) ?
Times: 10:30am, 11:45am. 1:30pm, 2:45pm
Our friends from Springfield Park Bees will be running 45min long workshops where families can learn more about honeybees and other pollinators. We’ll be looking at full frames of capped honey. This is a special process the bees work on to make the honey ready for them and for us to eat. We’ll also be trying on bee suits and gloves/gauntlets to show how a beekeeper dresses, and we’ll be trying some fresh extracted honey. Limited availability.
As well as the below much-loved drop-in sessions…
? Eureka! Explorers (All Ages) ?
Times: Various pop-ups throughout the day
Watch out for the Eureka! Explorers who have a variety of artefacts for you to touch, hold and learn about.
In addition to the bookable science show, workshops and drop-in sessions, you will have our 4 large galleries to explore (plus 2 galleries just for the under 5’s) with tons of interactive exhibits.
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The Emergence Of Influencer Culture In Education
The world has changed drastically in the last decade and the way people communicate and interact with one another is no exception. With the rise of social media, new forms of communication have emerged such as influencer culture. Influencer culture involves people with a large online presence, who have the power to influence the thoughts, opinions and behaviours of their followers. This form of communication has become increasingly popular due to its potential to reach a large audience and create an impact on society.
In the education sector, influencer culture is starting to shape the way students, teachers and school administrators interact with one another. For example, many universities and colleges are utilising influencers to promote their institution and create an atmosphere of excitement amongst potential students. Influencers are also being used to promote certain courses, create student engagement and encourage students to participate in activities such as sports, clubs and societies.
Developing Skills In Tech And Communication
In addition, influencer culture is being used to promote the development of leadership skills amongst students. Influencers are being used to deliver motivational speeches and seminars on topics such as communication and teamwork. This can help to cultivate a culture of collaboration and innovation among students and equip them with the skills necessary to become successful leaders themselves.
Furthermore, influencer culture is being used to help students connect with each other and with their teachers. They often engage with students and teachers through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, creating a more personal and interactive learning experience. This can help to create a sense of community among students and foster meaningful relationships between students, teachers and administrators.
Finally, and perhaps most obviously, the culture of influencers is being used to promote the importance of technology in education. They can demonstrate the power of technology in the classroom, helping to show students how best to use it, promoting it as a tool, and equipping them with the skills necessary to stay ahead of the digital curve.
Trending Up
In conclusion, influencer culture is having a significant impact on the way education is being delivered. If used effectively, this culture will help to create an increasingly interactive and engaging learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
