November 12th- 13th 2012 - International Education Week

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States. 

More: http://iew.state.gov/

English Club on "Real Life Heroes"

Topic: Real Life Heroes

Fun Fact of the Day: “According to some estimates, Americans are sitting on $30 billion worth of unredeemed gift cards” (www.funfactz.com). 

Starter Activity: Instead of regular introductions today, let’s get to know each other a little better!  Every person should tell a story about something from his or her pocket or purse (something sentimental or interesting).  If you do not have anything with you, please talk a little about your favorite possession or hobby.

 Topic:

 1. What is a “hero”?  What does this word mean to you?  How do heroes affect our lives?  Do you think that it’s important to have heroes?  Why or why not?  What is the difference between a “hero” and “superhero”?  Did you have any favorite superheroes growing up?

 2. Do you think that heroes can actually exist?  Are there “real life heroes”?  If so, who is your hero and why?  What characteristics and qualities make this person a hero?  What acts has this person performed that are truly heroic?

 3. What professions do you think can comprise of real life heroes?  Are there any jobs where the individual must be a hero to succeed?  Are these jobs typically dangerous?  Would you like to have such a job?

 4. Do you consider doctors and nurses as heroes?  How can their daily work be considered heroic?  What about scientists?  Teachers?  Lawyers?  Law enforcement personnel or military, etc.?  Is there one profession that you consider the most heroic?  What makes it so?

 5. Some people consider actors and actresses as their “heroes” or idolize them for their work.  Do you agree with this sentiment?  How do actors and actresses, or music artists for that matter, affect our lives?  Which qualities do you have to possess to pursue this work?  Is it easy?  Have you ever been truly touched emotionally by a film or song?

 6. Do you consider yourself a real life hero?  Why or why not?  Do you think you have an overwhelmingly positive or life-changing affect on anyone?  If you could increase your influence on others, would you do so?  How would you help others?  What could you do to become someone’s hero?

 Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box!

 Thursday, 01 November at 5:30

 Saturday, 03 November at 10:30

Open Access Week 2012

Event date: 22 Oct 2012 - 28 Oct 2012

Open Access Week 2012 - a global event, now in its 6th year, promoting open access as a new norm in scholarship and research - will take place all over the world between October 22 and 28. This year's theme is "Set the Default to Open Access".

More: http://www.eifl.net/events/open-access-week-2012

English Club with Michael Dixon

"A PRESENTATION TO АMERICA" or, the importance of a culture's contributions in a small world MICHAEL DIXON / United States Peace Corps in Ukraine 

INTERESTING FACTS 

• Ukraine is almost the same size as the US state of Texas but has almost twice the population: 

My photographic attempt to express the Ukrainian flag in the landscape 

UKRAINE - TEXAS 

Area 603,700 square kilometers -    696,241 square kilometers 

233,100 square miles  - 268,581 square miles 

Population 45,706,100 -  26,674,681 

• In Ukraine, the average farm size is 20,000 hectares (49,421 acres) while the average farm size in the United States is 188 hectares (467 acres). 

1. Why is there such a disparity between farm size in Ukraine and the United States? What can be done about it now? What is collectivization? 

2. Ukraine is rich in its cultural history. What are some traits of Ukrainian culture? How important is culture in defining a nation? 

3. How long does it take to create a nation? (thought provoking - no real answer, of course) When do you know that you are there? 

4. What is the value of knowing history? Consider this statement: If you don't know where you've been, you won't know who you are. (My variant of a quote by Cicero which is written above the entrance of the University of Colorado main library, "Who knows only his Generation remains always a child." 

5. What part of a municipal budget do you think should be spent on cultural enrichment (concerts, festivals) as compared to infrastructure (road improvements, hospitals, social services). Do you belong to organizations which promote Ukrainian culture? Do young Ukrainians continue traditions through song and crafts?

A very SPECIAL club, "A Presentation to America: The Importance of a Culture's Contribution in a Small World

A very SPECIAL club, "A Presentation to America: The Importance of a Culture's Contribution in a Small World

 Hi Everyone!

Please join us on Thursday at 5:30 for a very SPECIAL club, "A Presentation to America: The Importance of a Culture's Contribution in a Small World," by Michael A. Dixon! The presentation will focus on American impressions of Ukraine! It should be a great club and an interesting discussion.

Hope to see you there!

Mila

International Education Week 2012

As part of International Education Week 2012, the U.S. Embassy invites you to a 24-hour online EducationUSA Virtual College Fair for on November 13. This will be the largest online international college fair ever conducted. By participating in this fair, you can access more than 150 U.S. universities, plus seven informational webcasts. At the virtual fair, you can watch webinars and ask questions. 

A detailed list of participating universities,schedules of events, and registration information is available

at http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/br/EducationUSA_College_Fair.

Webcast sessions with education experts and admission representatives include:

-- Discover U.S. Higher Education (14.00-15.00)

-- International Students Share Their Experiences (15.00-16.00)

-- Graduate Admissions and Funding (16.00-17.00)

-- Undergraduate Admissions and Funding (17.00-18.00 GMT)

-- Understanding Community Colleges (18.00-19.00 GMT)

-- The U.S. Student Visa Process (19.00-20.00)

-- Choosing a U.S. University (20.00-21.00)

To register, go to http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/br/EducationUSA_College_Fair

New eJournal USA, "Entrepreneurs: The Next Generation

New eJournal USA, "Entrepreneurs: The Next Generation," Now Available in Easy English

The latest issue of eJournal USA, featuring text specially crafted for intermediate students of English, explores the world of opportunities available to young entrepreneurs. 

"Entrepreneurs: The Next Generation" features profiles and voices of young successful entrepreneurs from around the world and debunks common misperceptions about starting and running one's own business. It includes a checklist for budding entrepreneurs, a mini graphic novel about the beginnings of Google and a glossary of vernacular words and terms related to entrepreneurship. This issue is designed to teach young people what it takes to pursue their aspirations in business, and to expand their English vocabularies.

This issue of eJournal USA now available online in html and PDF formats at http://photos.state.gov/libraries/amgov/30145/publications-english/EJ_20121018_EntrepNextGen_DGW_English.pdf

CO.NX Upcoming Program Guide

Kimberley Process Reforms: Discussing Conflict Diamonds with KP Chair Gillian A. Milovanovic 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

09:00 EDT (13:00 UTC)

Webchat URL: http://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy (Short URL: http://goo.gl/KYacl) 

Viewing only URL: www.ustream.tv/conx 

Description: Do you have questions about conflict diamonds and the international system for managing trade in rough diamonds to exclude those that fund conflict? If so, join Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic for a live online discussion about conflict diamonds and the Kimberley Process. Ambassador Milovanovic serves as Chair of the Kimberley Process, the United Nations-initiated program certifying the origin of rough diamonds from sources that are free from conflict-funded diamond production. 

Format: This program will be a video webchat in English. Please click on the URL above to participate. Follow the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtags #KPChair and #KimberleyProcess.

The U.S. Election: A Bi-National Dialogue – NEW!

Friday, October 26, 2012

09:30 EDT (13:30 UTC / 17:30 Moscow)

URL: https://conx.state.gov/russia (Short URL: http://goo.gl/cGUBM )

Description: The U.S. Embassy in Moscow invites you to join us for a live U.S.-Russia videoconference moderated by Professors Andrew Bennett, from Georgetown University, and Tatiana Shakleina, from Moscow State University of International Relations (MGIMO). This discussion will feature a lively exchange of perspectives on the upcoming U.S. presidential elections and the future of the U.S.-Russia bilateral relationship from the vantage point of American and Russian international affairs graduate students.

Format: This program will be an interactive videoconference in English and Russian. Please click on the URL above to participate.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Female Face of Faith – NEW!

09:00 EDT (13:00 UTC)

URL: https://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy/ (Short URL: http://goo.gl/cvdDr )

Description: In honor of International Religious Freedom Day, join us for a special online discussion on religion and foreign policy with Suzan Johnson Cook, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. She will highlight significant developments in U.S. foreign policy and civil society cooperation related to international religious freedom and its impact on women. 

As part of the State Department’s ongoing commitment to support and protect civil society around the world, Secretary Clinton launched the Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society in February 2011 to elevate U.S. engagement and partnership with nongovernmental organizations. Join us in discussing its progress.

Format: This program will be a video webchat in English. Please click on the URL above to participate. Follow the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #FaithToday 

History of Heavy Metal – NEW!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

18:30 EDT (22:30 UTC)

URL: https://conx.adobeconnect.com/mexico (Short URL: http://goo.gl/yShLb)

Description: Do you love heavy metal music? Then join U.S. Consulate Ciudad Juarez for an interactive Spanish-language webcast on the origins of heavy metal and rock n’ roll! Tune in to learn about a uniquely American genre of music and how it reflects American society, economics, and politics.

Format: This program will be an interactive video webcast in Spanish. Please click on the URL above to participate.

Elections 2012: Spanish-Language Webchat on the Path to the White House

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

13:00 EDT (17:00 UTC)

URL: https://conx.adobeconnect.com/argentina (Short URL: http://goo.gl/DrIs4 )

Description: Election Day is almost here! After the final presidential debate and just six days before U.S. voters head to the polls, U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires will follow up on the recent Elections 2012 Regional Webchat Series with a Spanish-language discussion on the latest developments in the election campaigns and an overview of the U.S. electoral process. Join this online Q&A featuring Alexis Ludwig, Political Counselor at U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, and moderators Belen Quellet, Social Media Specialist at U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, and Sarah Sumadi, Press Intern.

Format: This program will be a video webchat in Spanish. Please click on the URL above, select the option “Entrar como invitado”, and sign in to participate. Follow the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag#Voto2012.

SAVE THE DATE! Stay Tuned for More Upcoming Programs:

Combating Corruption and Violence Using Social Media – NEW!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

13:00 EST (18:00 UTC)

URL: https://conx.state.gov/wha (Short URL: http://goo.gl/0mfCR )

Description: 144,000. That’s the estimated number of homicides that take place in the Western Hemisphere each year. Gang violence, drug cartels, organized crime, government corruption and delinquency have weakened the rule of law and robbed communities throughout the hemisphere of a sense of security and confidence in local authorities. How can we combat this corruption and violence through social media? Join a webchat in Spanish to learn how social media can be used to empower civilians to counter local security threats, encourage transparency, and reduce regional violence.

Format: This program will be a video webchat in Spanish. Please click on the URL above to participate. Follow the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #noviolencia.

A Latin American Entrepreneur in Silicon Valley: Webchat with Wences Casares – NEW!

Friday, November 16, 2012

13:30 EST (19:30 UTC)

URL: https://conx.state.gov/wha/

Description: Are you interested in technology and starting your own business? If you had the chance, what would you ask a famous entrepreneur from Silicon Valley? Participate in an interactive Spanish-language webchat with Wences Casares, founder and CEO of Lemon.com. Described as “Argentina’s internet guru” by Forbes Magazine, Wences is an accomplished entrepreneur, technologist, and philanthropist. Wences will talk about his experience in Silicon Valley and answer your online questions! Jose Power, community manager of the Iniciativa Emprende Facebook community, will moderate the discussion.

Format: This program will be a video webchat in Spanish. Please click on the URL above to participate.

CO.NX Program Archive On-Demand, 24/7: Our past programs are now more accessible and shareable than ever. Simply visit the CO.NX Portal's Media Archive section for a complete list of on-demand recordings. Full CO.NX programs are also available on YouTube and for download on iTunes Audio and Video podcasts.

Trainings on "How to Make Presentations": Day 5

An Instructor: Maryna Lysun.

English Club on 'Developing Vinnytsia'

Introductions

• What was your favorite subject when you studied at school or university? Why do you like this topic so much? 

• Imagine that you had the opportunity to change your work for one year, and that you could work anywhere in the world that you want. Where and what would you do?

Discussion Topic: Developing Vinnytsia

1. What do you think about the idea described in the article? Would you like to visit this place if it were built? Would it be good or bad for Vinnytsia? 

2. Could there be any bad consequences from building such a place? 

3. What do you think should be done with 'festival5 island? 

4. Can you think of any other places that should be improved to make our city a better place? 

5. If the mayor asked for your suggestions for the future of the city, what would you suggest? 

6. Do you think that we have enough parks and greens spaces in our city?

Group Contest

Our Schedule 

Thursday, October 25 - 17-30
Saturday, October 27 - 10-30
Visit Our Group on www.Facebook.com - English Club in Vinnytsia 

English Club Blog - www.woavinnitsa.blogspotcom

English Club on Censorship, Freedom, and Human Rights

Topic: Censorship, Freedom, and Human Rights

Fun Fact of the Day: “The average American spends a third of their overall time online playing games and using social networks” (www.funfactz.com).

 Topic:

1. Have you ever heard of “banned books week”?  Generally, this “campaign celebrates the freedom to read, draws attention to banned and challenged books, and highlights persecuted individuals.”  Based on this definition, what do you think about this movement?  Do you think it’s important to spread knowledge of such initiatives?

2. What other “freedom” movements are you aware of?  What is freedom?  What basic freedoms do you think that all individuals should possess?  Are you an advocate of any such movements (like the “banned books” campaign, or others)?

3. Does censorship alter basic freedoms?  Do you think that censorship is generally a good thing or bad?  What controls do you think there should be over the media?  Do you think that violent content on TV or in video games, for example, affects individuals negatively, and thus should be censored?   

4. Do you think that the Internet should be censored?  What kind of information can individuals find on the Internet?  What percentage of this do you consider harmful? 

5. In contrast, what mediums do you think should never be censored?  How do you imagine our world without censorship?

6. How are “human rights” considered to be basic freedoms?  What examples of these rights can you think of?  Do you feel like society generally has all rights needed, or are there areas for improvement?  How do notions of “equality” relate to human rights?  Are you aware of any human rights movements?  If so, do you think they have been successful?

7. Based on this discussion, in your opinion, what is the most important “freedom” in our lives?  How can we protect our rights and freedoms?  How do you see similar movements and initiatives changing over the next 10, 25 or 50 years? 

 Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box!

 Saturday, 20 October at 10:30

Thursday, 25 October at 5:30- Special presentation by Mike!

Перша в Україні виставка «Освіта у США»

3 листопада 2012 року вперше в Україні відбудеться виставка вищої освіти у США. Організатори виставки: мережа EducationUSA в Україні за підтримки Посольства США в Україні.

На виставці відвідувачі матимуть унікальну нагоду поспілкуватися з представниками американських вищих навчальних закладів щодо можливостей отримання та переваг американської освіти, стипендій та ґрантів для навчання та проведення досліджень.

Перша в Україні виставка «Освіта у США» 

відбудеться 3 листопада 2012 р. 
з 14:00 до 18:00 у готелі «Русь» (м. Київ, вул. Госпітальна, 4).
Організатори виставки: мережа EducationUSA в Україні за підтримки Посольства США в Україні.

Вхід на виставку безкоштовний.

Попередня реєстрація: http://www.educationusa.info/fairs/kyiv2012/

ПРОГРАМА ВИСТАВКИ:

14:00 - Початок роботи виставки
14:30 - Урочисте відкриття та вітальне слово від Посольства США в Україні
18:00 - Закриття роботи виставки

ПРЕЗЕНТАЦІЇ ПІД ЧАС РОБОТИ ВИСТАВКИ:

15:00-16:00 «Студентські візи в США». Лекцію проводить представник Консульського відділу Посольства США в Україні.
16:00-17:00 «Якщо ви бажаєте навчатися в США - Процес подачі документів та фінансування вашої освіти». Лекцію проводить представник Київського консультативного центру мережі EducationUSA.

УЧАСНИКИ ВИСТАВКИ:

Посольство США в Україні
Американські Ради з міжнародної освіти: ACTR/ACCELS
Програма імені Фулбрайта в Україні
Рада міжнародних наукових досліджень та обмінів (IREX)
Освітній проект “Всесвітні студії” (WorldWideStudies)
ETS Global (тести TOEFL, GRE, TOEIC тощо)

Florida Institute of Technology

Foothill and De Anza Colleges

Green River Community College

Hawai'i Pacific University

John Cabot University

Northern Virginia Community College

Pace University

Portland Community College

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Savannah College of Art and Design

Stephen F. Austin State University

University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

University of Kentucky

University of Northern Iowa

West Virginia University

На виставці відвідувачі матимуть унікальну нагоду поспілкуватися з представниками американських вищих навчальних закладів щодо можливостей отримання та переваг американської освіти, стипендій та ґрантів для навчання та проведення досліджень.

За подальшою інформацією звертайтеся до Консультативного центру мережі EducationUSA в Києві: (044) 289-3952/53 | edusa@americancouncils.org.ua | www.americancouncils.org.ua | www.facebook.com/EducationUSA.Ukraine

Training 4. Delivering Presentations.

Training 4. Delivering Presentations

The participants of trainings could present their own presentations making a feedback on specific aspects of   their performances. An instructor: Maryna Lysun.

English Club on Risks and Dangers

Topic:

Fun Fact of the Day: “A Native American tribe in South Dakota collects bottle caps left by campers, using them as currency. Several banks in the area now recognize the caps as legal tender” (www.funfactz.com).

Topic:

1. What is a “risk”? What different kinds of risks do we most commonly face in our lives? Can we always anticipate the risks that we will confront on a common basis? What risks are the most unpredictable?

2. What is the biggest risk you have ever taken in your life? Why did you choose to take this risk? Were you subsequently rewarded for your actions? Is there any specific risk that you would like to take in the future? If so, what would you do and why?

3. Is there a difference between a risk and “risky behavior”? What common examples of risky behavior can you think of? Who tends to participate in these activities? What may motivate a person to develop risky behaviors?

4. What is a “danger”? Are dangers more often natural or human-made? What is the difference between a natural and human-made danger? Do you tend to worry about dangers that may arise in our daily lives? If so, what worries you the most?

5. What is the most “dangerous” situation you have ever been in? What happened and how did you solve this problem? Do you like participating in potentially dangerous activities or going to dangerous places?

6. Do you consider the following as a risk or a danger: hitchhiking, couch surfing, skydiving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, camping, ice skating (outdoors), underwater diving, etc.? Would you ever try any of these activities?

7. Can we ever fully stay away from danger? If so, how? If not, how can we best protect ourselves from dangers that may arise at any moment?

Schedule: Thursday, 18 October at 5:30, Saturday, 20 October at 10:30.

Two American scientists won the 2012 Nobel Prize for chemistry

Two American scientists won the 2012 Nobel Prize for chemistry on Wednesday for research into how cells respond to external stimuli that is helping to develop better drugs to fight diseases such as diabetes, cancer and depression. 

More: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/10/us-nobel-chemistry-idUSBRE8990EN20121010

English Club on Social Characteristics

Fun Fact of the Day: “The United States has paved enough roads to circle the Earth over 150 times” (www.funfactz.com).
Topic:
1. What are “social characteristics”? What categories exist for dividing individuals into social groups? Do you think these are valid and important divisions or rather inconsequential? How do social characteristics affect us on a daily basis?
2. Do you have any social characteristics that you are particularly proud of? Is there any social trait that you identify yourself with more than others? Why do you think you stress this particular characteristic or trait?
3. On the contrary, are there any social characteristics that you do not like to think about or are maybe even ashamed of? Is there anything that you would like to change about yourself or your position in life? If so, what would you change and why?
4. How do the following social characteristics help create our identities: marital status, gender, social status, financial status, belonging to certain groups (maybe religious or cultural), etc.? Which of these categories do you think people tend to identify with more than others? Why might they do so?

5. How are stereotypes and prejudices sometimes related to social characteristics? What common stereotypes might be associated with the social characteristics mentioned in the previous question? How can we help combat these prejudices?

6. Do you think that social characteristics will further define and help create personal identities in the future, or do you think that their importance will diminish over time?
Do you think that our society can ever really function without labeling individuals as members of certain groups or social identities? Why or why not?
Schedule: Saturday, 13 October at 10:30, Thursday, 18 October at 5:30. 

English Club on Learning Styles and the Written Word

Fun Fact of the Day: "The United States has 845 motor vehicles for every 1,000 people" (www.theburningplatform.com).

Topic:

1. What learning method do you like the most? Are you an "auditory" (listening) learner, a "visual" (reading) learner, or a "tacticle" (feeling) learner? Do you think that it is important to incorporate all of the above to really retain knowledge? How important are listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills for us?

2. Which of these skills do we use in our club? How do they help you improve your English? Are there any methods that you would like to add to our club activities? How are clubs and group settings helpful in sharing  knowledge? How important is "shared" learning to you?

3. Do you teach yourself anything at home? How effective is "self-learning"? Compared to group or "shared" learning, do you think that a person can learn more or less in a private or hom setting?

4. What can zou learn from the "written word", i.e. anything printed? Do you like pleasure reading, for example? Do you find literature inspiring? What are your favourite books or poems and how have they affected you?

5. How often do you consult the modern "mass media" for increasing your knowledge or awareness? What forms of media do you use the most? Do you tend to learn more from watching news programs on TV, for example, or from reading newspaper or Internet aticles. Do you think that the media helps us or can it be too invasive and biased?

6. Do you believe in "freedom of speech"? Do you think that it can ever truly exist? Is it important to allow individuals to express their opinions, even if this greatly offends others? Should there be regulations? Do you think that people sometimes abuse this notion? How does this "freedom" affect learning methods and the quality of the written word?

Schedule: 

Sat. 06 October at 10:30, Thu. 11 October at 5:30.

CO.NX Program

Upcoming Program Guide

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Academic Study & Teaching Opportunities in the USA 
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
08:30 EDT (12:30 UTC)
URL: https://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy  (Short URL: http://goo.gl/8AX60 )
 Description:  Do you know any high school students who want to study in the United States?  Are you a high school teacher interested in teaching in the U.S.?  If yes, then join Robin Lerner, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange, for an online discussion about academic study and teaching opportunities in the USA!  She will talk about the J-1 visa programs that bring students and teachers here.
For members of State Alumni, join the conversation via: https://alumni.state.gov.  For all non-Alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, tune in at: https://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy
Format:  This program will be an interactive video webcast in English with an audio-only option.  Please click on the URL above to participate.  Follow the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #StateAlumni.

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Webinar for English Teachers:  Teaching Young Learners  – NEW!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 17:00 EDT (16:00 Peru / 21:00 UTC)
Friday, October 12, 2012 at 09:30 EDT (08:30 Peru / 13:30 UTC)
URL: https://conx.adobeconnect.com/peru
Description:  Are you an English teacher for students of English as a second language (ESL)?  Then join a free online webinar on teaching English to young learners, organized by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) for the Andean Region at the U.S. Embassy in Lima.  Engage with other English teachers and chat live with Michaela Lucey, an English Language Fellow who currently works with U.S. Embassy Bogota to promote their English Language Programs in Colombia.
Format:  This program will be a video webchat in English.  Please click on the URL above, select the option “Entrar como invitado”, and sign in to participate.

October GoodReads: Deciding What to Read Next

Here's a monthly invitation from Goodreads — giving you a chance to read the latest and greatest books connecting with people through reading! 

More: http://www.goodreads.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=2012-10&utm_content=logo

Cloud Computing

Here's How Larry Ellison Invented Cloud Computing

businessinsider.com

Most of the time, Salesforce.com's Marc Benioff is credited with inventing the new cloud model for delivering software via the Web. But Larry Ellison, who once famously denounced the term "cloud computing," is now standing up...

Центри "Вікно в Америку": Використання нових стратегій і технологій

Семінар для керівників центрів "Вікно в Америку" та директорів бібліотек організований Посольством США в Україні 3-5 жовтня, 2012 р. Тема зустрічі передбачала розробку нових стратегій і технологій функціонування центрів. Відкриття семінару розпочалось із звернення Еріка Джонсона, радника з питань преси, освіти та культури Посольства США в Україні. Дуглас Морроу, заступник атташе з питань культури, та Валентина Пашкова, директор Центру інформаційних ресурсів Посольства США в Україні, після привітального слова і визначення мети і завдань зустрічі розпочали триденний семінар. 

У програмі першого дня семінару:

(1) Мілена Жердій, директор Америкаської бібліотеки, ознайомила з ефективним та інтерактивним веб-сайтом програми "Вікно в Америку".

(2) Програма "Велике читання" і реалізація даного проекту у Вінниці. 

(3) Засідання "Шляхи розширення доступу до електронних книг в бібліотеці" (Директор Кіровоградської ОУНБ ім. Д.І. Чижевського розповіла про власний досвід роботи з електронними книгами, рідерами).

(4) Грунтовним та професійним став виступ про Шлях електронної книги у бібліотеці Тетяни Ярошенко, директора Бібліотеки Національного університету України "Києво-Могилянська академія".

Наступний день семінару запропонував засідання: Волонтери у бібліотеці. Модератором зустрічі став Марат Кюрчевський, Корпус Миру США, директор проекту "Розвиток громад", який презентував проект, як розпочати і вести волонтерську програму. Своїм досвідом роботи з волонтерами поділились Херсонська обласна бібліотека для дітей, Кіровоградська ОУНБ та ЦМБ м. Керч. Цікавою виявилась презентація волонтерки Корпусу Миру США К. Граф (м.Керч, Крим), яка визначила критерії успішної роботи з волонтерами із врахуванням культурних відмінностей, розкриваючи стратегії можливої співпраці. Доцільним став і її виступ: Реклама і поширення інформації: стратегії та засоби.

Останній день передбачав найбільш активну роботу самих учасників, оскільки розглядались питання організації ефективного доступу до електронних книг у бібліотеці: проблеми та  пропозиції щодо їхнього вирішення у рамках чинного законодавства та діючих правових норм. Модератори В. Пашкова та О. Васильєв запропонували учасникам презентувати власні проекти, які вони готували протягом усіх днів семінару, та подискутувати, обговорюючи почуте:  (1) Питання обліку. Як поставити на облік електронні рідери та iPad-и? Як обліковувати електронні книги та електронну книговидачу? (2) Механізм придбання електронних книжок для центрів "Вікно в Америку" та для бібліотеки. (3) Профіль (політика) комплектування електронними книжками конкретної бібліотеки та центру "Вікно в Америку". (4) Примірні правила користування електронними рідерами та iPad-ами. 

INTERNATIONAL GAMES DAY @ YOUR LIBRARY

http://ngd.ala.org/about/

Learning Styles and the Written Word

Topic: Learning Styles and the Written Word 

Fun Fact of the Day: "The United States has 845 motor vehicles for every 1,000 people" (www.theburningplatform.com).

Topic:

1. What learning method do you like the most? Are you an "auditory" (listening) learner, a "visual" (reading) learner, or a "tacticle" (feeling) learner? Do you think that it is important to incorporate all of the above to really retain knowledge? How important are listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills for us?

2. Which of these skills do we use in our club? How do they help you improve your English? Are there any methods that you would like to add to our club activities? How are clubs and group settings helpful in sharing  knowledge? How important is "shared" learning to you?

3. Do you teach yourself anything at home? How effective is "self-learning"? Compared to group or "shared" learning, do you think that a person can learn more or less in a private or hom setting?

4. What can zou learn from the "written word", i.e. anything printed? Do you like pleasure reading, for example? Do you find literature inspiring? What are your favourite books or poems and how have they affected you?

5. How often do you consult the modern "mass media" for increasing your knowledge or awareness? What forms of media do you use the most? Do you tend to learn more from watching news programs on TV, for example, or from reading newspaper or Internet aticles. Do you think that the media helps us or can it be too invasive and biased?

6. Do you believe in "freedom of speech"? Do you think that it can ever truly exist? Is it important to allow individuals to express their opinions, even if this greatly offends others? Should there be regulations? Do you think that people sometimes abuse this notion? How does this "freedom" affect learning methods and the quality of the written word?

Schedule: 

Sat. 06 October at 10:30, Thu. 11 October at 5:30.

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Freedom to Read

September 30−October 6, 2012. Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. Banned Books Week 2012 marks its 30th anniversary. 

Thousands of participants across the United States take part in Banned Books Week each year. In 2012 the Office for Intellectual Freedom delivers the 50 State Salute to Banned Books Week. It consists of videos on how each state celebrates the freedom to read. For more information: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek.