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QUIZ: How fast is Mbappé? Quicker than Nitro from Gladiators?

In a Champions League match between his team, Paris Saint Germain, and Real Sociedad, the French forward managed to run 100m in 10.9 seconds.




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Anti-Bullying Week: ‘United Against Bullying’

This week is the 19th annual Anti-Bullying Week, an event intended to raise awareness about bullying, and share advice about how children, teachers, parents and schools can all help stop it.




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Nasa finishes spacecraft for TRACERS space weather mission

It's hoped that TRACERS will help scientists better understand how the Sun influences our planet.




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Benicia Public Library

Intern (Youth Services) (Benicia--onsite)




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California State University, Los Angeles

Internship (Los Angeles--onsite)




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Peralta Community College District

Community College Librarian/Faculty Diversity Internship (Berkeley--onsite)




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Teacher Training -Grammar Based PPP

As an aside from my usual topics about using computers for language education, recently I am involved in a teacher training programme and would like to share an article I am working on to assist new teachers to plan a lesson.

As part of the course, trainees need to present evaluation lessons using a grammar based syllabus prepared with PPP.

I hope this will be interesting to other teacher trainers and helpful to trainees, and I would like to hear your comments and criticisms.




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Noam Chomsky Talks About Universal Grammar [Video]

In this video, Noam Chomsky talks about language at Google as part of the Authors@Google series.

In this question and answer session he discusses a number of topics, but the first is about universal grammar in which he provides an in-depth description of how his ideas on universal grammar have evolved over time.

Another interesting question he answers at the end of the session relates to the effect of email, instant messaging and the like on syntax and grammar (TXT Speak). Hear Chomsky's views on whether this is just a natural part of the evolution of language and how it's affecting our minds.




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English Mania

The world has a common language to solve its common problems. So says Jay Walker in the following video. Here he explains why two billion people around the world are trying to learn the world's second langauage, English.




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The linguistic genius of babies [Video]

At TEDxRainier, Patricia Kuhl shares astonishing findings about how babies learn one language over another -- by listening to the humans around them and "taking statistics" on the sounds they need to know. Clever lab experiments (and brain scans) show how 6-month-old babies use sophisticated reasoning to understand their world.




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Schematics and docs needed for communication systems of substation protective relaying system

Communication systems of electric utilities have become increasingly critical to electric system protection, operation, and maintenance. For fast tripping and clearing of system faults, communication-aided relaying has become a common protection scheme, particularly in line protection. Control centers depend on... Read more

The post Schematics and docs needed for communication systems of substation protective relaying system appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.





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Idioms- Furniture and Household Fittings (10 questions)

Title: Idioms- Furniture and Household Fittings
Topic: Idioms
Level: Advanced
Information: Choose the correct answer.
Link: https://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/576.html





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The art of determining the right cross-section of low voltage conductors

To be clear at the beginning of this article, determining the cross-section of conductors and cables is, for sure, not the most exciting part of electrical design. There are much more challenging and more exciting parts than staring at endless... Read more

The post The art of determining the right cross-section of low voltage conductors appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Twelve high voltage cable construction techniques used worldwide

This technical article discusses twelve different methods for laying high voltage cables. Out of the ten, four are deemed conventional and eight are deemed progressive. Many various utilities and companies all across the globe are making use of them, though... Read more

The post Twelve high voltage cable construction techniques used worldwide appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Family, data and power generation: A conversation with CPS Energy’s Melanie Green

Melanie Green is currently Sr. Director of Power Generation at CPS Energy in San Antonio, Texas.




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Blended Learning and Career and Technology Education - Part I: The Definition


In this four-part series, I’ll define blended learning, discuss the models of blended learning, the implications for career and technical education, and how the Curriculum, Assessment, and Digital Delivery (CADD) areas of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education can assist in the implementation of blended learning.

Technology has created a personalized access to the world where we can connect and learn… where we can create and share.  Almost every aspect of our lives have been changed by technology, except... education.

Over the last few years, I’ve entered into blended learning discussions with various people, including educators, and I’m always surprised at their perception of blended learning.  Many believe blended learning occurs when any type of computer-based learning takes place within the classroom.  In many instances, I would define what is occurring as technology-rich instruction, but there is a difference.

Blended learning is the combination of online learning and brick and mortar schools with teachers who enable students to learn at their own pace.  Why is this important?  Because many students learn in different ways and this allows each student to optimize their learning.  Quite simply, the purpose of blended learning is to take the best of traditional education and blend it with the power of online learning which allows for a more personalized and interactive learning experience.  Each teacher has the opportunity to review data, in the moment, and determine where the student is at and to form instruction for the next period or the next day.  Blended learning also puts the student in charge of their own learning which, to me, is a very valuable lesson in itself.

According to the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Education, blended learning “goes beyond one-to-one computers and high-tech gadgets. Blended learning involves leveraging the Internet to afford each student a more personalized learning experience, including increased student control over the time, place, path, and/or pace of learning.

The definition of blended learning is a formal education program in which a student learns:


at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace;




at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home;




and the modalities along each student’s learning path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning experience.”

See more at: http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-learning/#sthash.AWqDXtoh.dpuf

The key difference between blended learning and other forms of education is on its emphasis on personalized learning.  The International Association for Online Learning (iNACOL) defines personalized learning as, “Tailoring learning for each student’s strengths, needs and interests–including enabling student voice and choice in what, how, when and where they learn–to provide flexibility and supports to ensure mastery of the highest standards possible.” As you can see, the two definitions overlap, but blending learning adds online learning and leveraging the internet to personalize an individual’s learning experience.

Next- Blended Learning and Career and Technology Education - Part II: Blended Learning Models




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Blended Learning and Career and Technology Education - Part II: Blended Learning Models


In this four-part series, I’ll define blended learning, discuss the models of blended learning, the implications for career and technical education, and how the Curriculum, Assessment, and Digital Delivery (CADD) areas of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education can assist in the implementation of blended learning.

As I mentioned in the first post in this series, technology has created a personalized access to the world where we can connect and learn… where we can create and share.  Almost every aspect of our lives have been changed by technology, except... education.

I believe blended learning can have a profound effect upon career and technology education in many instructional ways which will be discussed in the next post.  There are certain elements of blended learning that already occur in CTE and some may be doing an excellent job as I write this, but I’m not aware of research that helps decide if one model works better with any certain occupational area (if you know of any research in this area, PLEASE SHARE!!).

The Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Education defines blended learning as “a formal education program in which the student learns:

(1) at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace;

(2) at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home;

(3) and the modalities along each student’s learning path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning experience.”

The Models 

The majority of blended-learning programs resemble one of four models: Rotation, Flex, A La Carte, and Enriched Virtual. The Rotation model includes four sub-models: Station Rotation, Lab Rotation, Flipped Classroom, and Individual Rotation.

1. Rotation model — a course or subject in which students rotate on a fixed schedule or at the teacher’s discretion between learning modalities, at least one of which is online learning. Other modalities might include activities such as small-group or full-class instruction, group projects, individual tutoring, and pencil-and-paper assignments. The students learn mostly on the brick-and-mortar campus, except for any homework assignments.

a. Station Rotation — a course or subject in which students experience the Rotation model within a contained classroom or group of classrooms. The Station Rotation model differs from the Individual Rotation model because students rotate through all of the stations, not only those on their custom schedules.

b. Lab Rotation – a course or subject in which students rotate to a computer lab for the online-learning station.

c. Flipped Classroom – a course or subject in which students participate in online learning off-site in place of traditional homework and then attend the brick-and-mortar school for face-to-face, teacher-guided practice or projects. The primary delivery of content and instruction is online, which differentiates a Flipped Classroom from students who are merely doing homework practice online at night.

d. Individual Rotation – a course or subject in which each student has an individualized playlist and does not necessarily rotate to each available station or modality. An algorithm or teacher(s) sets individual student schedules.

2. Flex model — a course or subject in which online learning is the backbone of student learning, even if it directs students to offline activities at times. Students move on an individually customized, fluid schedule among learning modalities. The teacher of record is on-site, and students learn mostly on the brick-and-mortar campus, except for any homework assignments. The teacher of record or other adults provide face-to-face support on a flexible and adaptive as-needed basis through activities such as small-group instruction, group projects, and individual tutoring. Some implementations have substantial face-to-face support, whereas others have minimal support. For example, some Flex models may have face-to-face certified teachers who supplement the online learning on a daily basis, whereas others may provide little face-to-face enrichment. Still others may have different staffing combinations. These variations are useful modifiers to describe a particular Flex model.

3. A La Carte model — a course that a student takes entirely online to accompany other experiences that the student is having at a brick-and-mortar school or learning center. The teacher of record for the A La Carte course is the online teacher. Students may take the A La Carte course either on the brick-and-mortar campus or off-site. This differs from full-time online learning because it is not a whole-school experience. Students take some courses A La Carte and others face-to-face at a brick-and-mortar campus.

4. Enriched Virtual model — a course or subject in which students have required face-to-face learning sessions with their teacher of record and then are free to complete their remaining coursework remote from the face-to-face teacher. Online learning is the backbone of student learning when the students are located remotely. The same person generally serves as both the online and face-to-face teacher. Many Enriched Virtual programs began as full-time online schools and then developed blended programs to provide students with brick-and-mortar school experiences. The Enriched Virtual model differs from the Flipped Classroom because in Enriched Virtual programs, students seldom meet face-to-face with their teachers every weekday. It differs from a fully online course because face-to-face learning sessions are more than optional office hours or social events; they are required.



Next- Blended Learning and Career and Technology Education - Part III: Blended Learning Implications for CTE




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Blended Learning and Career and Technology Education - Part III: Implications for Career and Technical Education


In this four-part series, I’ll define blended learning, discuss the models of blended learning, the implications for career and technical education, and how the Curriculum, Assessment, and Digital Delivery (CADD) areas of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education can assist in the implementation of blended learning.

Here are several ways that blended learning can have a profound effect upon career and technology education:

Personalized instruction – Blended learning allows for a more personalized and interactive learning experience by putting the student in charge of their own learning.  Taking the best of traditional education and blending it with the power of online learning will provide the teacher an opportunity to review data, in the moment, determine where the student is at and to form instruction for the next period or the next day.

Increased monitoring – The use of a student information, assessment, and gradebook systems that link to the LMS provides instant feedback on assignments and assessments.  This allows the instructor to spend time reviewing student data, adjust instruction, and provide additional classroom or individual instruction. 

Open entry/Open exit – Blended learning fits nicely with competency-based learning and the concept of open entry/open exit.  Personalized instruction and increased monitoring will allow the instructor to more accurately determine when tasks and competencies are achieved.

Increased enrollments – Depending on the blended learning model and the CTE program being offered, enrollments could potentially be increased.

Increased performance gains – “The Rise of K–12 Blended Learning - Profiles of emerging models” by Heather Staker profiles 40 educational entities. Not every school reported gains and some thought it was too early to verify results, but many posted positive gains when compared to the traditional classrooms within the same district.  For example:

“School of One - Students in summer 2009 acquired new math skills at a rate estimated to be
seven times faster than peers. Students in spring 2010 showed gains that, when
annualized, would equate to 1/2 to 2/3 of an additional year of gain. Students in
spring 2010 showed significant gains across all academic quartiles.”

Other potential benefits from this study include increased retention rates, an increase in teacher/parent contacts, increased course completion rates, a strengthening of curriculum offerings, and lower instructional costs.

As you can see, blended learning can have the potential to benefit the student, the instructor, and the parents in a careertech setting.  Again, I’m not aware of any research that helps decide if one model works better with any certain occupational area (if you know of any research in this area, PLEASE SHARE!!).




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Blended Learning and Career and Technology Education - Part IV: Implementing Blended Learning With Resources from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education



In this four-part series, I’ll define blended learning, discuss the models of blended learning, the implications for career and technical education, and how the Curriculum, Assessment, and Digital Delivery (CADD) areas of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education can assist in the implementation of blended learning.

Photo courtesy of the Clayton Christensen Institute
Blended learning is a shift to an online instructional delivery for a portion of the day to make students, teachers, and schools more productive, both academically and financially.  We all know there’s no single right approach to building the “perfect” model for blended learning as communities have different resources, classrooms, computers, schedules, and many other unique needs.  A school doesn’t always have the resources or the expertise to select and purchase a learning management system (LMS), design lessons, or write assessments, but there are available resources.

Did you know that the Curriculum, Assessment, and Digital Delivery areas of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education can assist in the implementation of blended learning?  The National Technology Plan acknowledges the challenges of raising college and career-ready standards without a significant investment of new funding so check out our online catalog and search the following links for additional information and see how we can assist you in blending digital and teacher led instruction to personalize learning for each student.







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Six methods to control the flow of harmonic currents and decrease harmonic distortion limits

The first technique to control harmonic-related problems in the industry involved substantial use of single-tuned filters to offer a low-impedance path to harmonic currents. Interestingly, it is not difficult to find harmonic-producing loads in the megavolt-ampere range in the industry... Read more

The post Six methods to control the flow of harmonic currents and decrease harmonic distortion limits appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Practical design knowledge in harmonics distortion and power factor correction (PFC)

Nowadays, if you do not consider harmonics distortion when designing a new network, you missed the whole point of the network design. Yes, really. The sooner you realize that harmonics problems are on the rise, the better. Modern power networks... Read more

The post Practical design knowledge in harmonics distortion and power factor correction (PFC) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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7 energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in lighting system

There are a lot of opportunities to optimise lighting system in (almost) any industrial facility. Seven practical energy-efficiency opportunities to reduce energy use cost-effectively are given below: Lighting controls Replace T-12 tubes by T-8 tubes Replace mercury lights with metal halide or... Read more

The post 7 energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in lighting system appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.









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Tricks in designing and analyzing schematics and diagrams of high voltage substations

High voltage power substations are complex networks of power and control connections, represented by design elements like- Single Line Diagrams, layout and block diagrams, schematics, logic diagrams, schedules, and so many more. Wiring diagrams and schematics, in a sense, are... Read more

The post Tricks in designing and analyzing schematics and diagrams of high voltage substations appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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11 factors that significantly influence the transformer price (Be careful when specifying)

The majority of utilities are normally extremely well aware of the economic aspects and savings that can be obtained at all stages of the transformer’s life cycle. This is because the purchase of a transformer involves a very high capital... Read more

The post 11 factors that significantly influence the transformer price (Be careful when specifying) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Six energy efficiency improvement opportunities in fan systems

Efficiencies of fan systems vary considerably across impeller types. The average energy saving potential in these systems in the U.S. manufacturing industry is estimated at 6%. For optimal savings and performance, it is recommended that a systems approach is used.... Read more

The post Six energy efficiency improvement opportunities in fan systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Eleven energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in compressed air systems

Instrumentation consumes large amounts of compressed air at many individual locations in a textile plant, but these uses are susceptible to leakage. Most such leaks are at threaded connection points, rubber hose connections, valves, regulators, seals, and in old pneumatic... Read more

The post Eleven energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in compressed air systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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In Front Of The Third Electrical Systems Revolution in United States

A dizzying array of new energy technologies are reaching or nearing the marketplace. Newer choices to generate electricity include fuel cells, wind turbines, solar cells and microturbines. Energy storage is approaching practicality, for example through reversible fuel cells and flywheels.... Read more

The post In Front Of The Third Electrical Systems Revolution in United States appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Five telecommunication systems embedded in smart grid applications and services

Power utilities use telecommunication systems either as a support for grid assets’ operation or as the enabler for voice communications among operating staff. The main objective of utility telecommunications is to connect remote premises and staff with central premises and... Read more

The post Five telecommunication systems embedded in smart grid applications and services appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Major steps in designing generation and power evacuation in large hydropower plants

Hydropower plants, one of the major sources of energy in countries with an abundance of water resources, have unique generation and power evacuation characteristics. From mere kilowatts to thousands of megawatts, they come in every shape and size. In this... Read more

The post Major steps in designing generation and power evacuation in large hydropower plants appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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SF6 Gas Monitoring and Alarming Practices in Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Systems

This article provides guidance on how to conduct gas monitoring and explains the various alerts that can be set. The many sorts of defects that might lead to partial discharges are discussed, and various partial discharge measuring techniques are described,... Read more

The post SF6 Gas Monitoring and Alarming Practices in Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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The true art of control, monitoring and protection provided by Substation Automation Systems

The Substation Automation Systems, often known as SASs, are responsible for a tremendous variety of tasks. These include some extremely important actions, such as clearing faults in a timely manner in order to maintain the physical condition of power system... Read more

The post The true art of control, monitoring and protection provided by Substation Automation Systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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The Challenging Job of an Electrical Commissioning Engineer (Activities and Real World Examples)

This article aims to cover the activity of electrical commissioning. Such a task in its entirety would be immense. Commissioning can mean many things in different instances. This article aims to give a philosophical and high level conceptual overview of... Read more

The post The Challenging Job of an Electrical Commissioning Engineer (Activities and Real World Examples) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Mechanical Check, Visual Inspection and Electrical Test of the Substation Grounding System (1)

Substation earthing, or grounding, is essential for electrical safety and reliability in substations, which are critical nodes in the power distribution network. Proper earthing ensures safe dissipation of fault currents into the ground, preventing dangerous voltage build-ups that could cause... Read more

The post Mechanical Check, Visual Inspection and Electrical Test of the Substation Grounding System (1) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Dos and don’ts in site testing and commissioning distribution and transmission plants

The objective of the site inspection and test plan for testing and commissioning is to establish a comprehensive framework for conducting site testing and commissioning activities. It’s as simple as that! The site testing and commissioning of a transmission or... Read more

The post Dos and don’ts in site testing and commissioning distribution and transmission plants appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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The essentials of power-generation systems you MUST know in the middle of the night!

When we talk about the power system, there are dozen of essential terms and definitions. One of the most important is for sure that any AC power system begins with a generating source. Electric generators are devices that convert energy... Read more

The post The essentials of power-generation systems you MUST know in the middle of the night! appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Top ten courses on EEP Academy for electrical engineers, technicians and students

Learning and studying have never been easier than nowadays. Since we started the EEP Academy, there are thousands of electrical engineers, students, technicians, and many others who are literally hungry for knowledge and experience. This is where EEP’s contribution comes... Read more

The post Top ten courses on EEP Academy for electrical engineers, technicians and students appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Mechanical Check, Visual Inspection and Electrical Test of the Substation Grounding System (2)

At the beginning of my career in 2005, I had the opportunity to work at a 500kV substation with the National Transmission and Dispatch Company in Pakistan. During this time, I was introduced to various tools and techniques that were... Read more

The post Mechanical Check, Visual Inspection and Electrical Test of the Substation Grounding System (2) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Mastering Distance Protection and Calculations Part 1: Advice and Serious Warnings

In 2004, I embarked on an intensive nine-month training program in protection and instrumentation. This experience laid the foundation for my deep understanding of substation protection systems, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The first protection scheme we delved... Read more

The post Mastering Distance Protection and Calculations Part 1: Advice and Serious Warnings appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Synchronization and Reactive Power Control in Power System

In the world of power systems, synchronization and reactive power control are crucial to maintaining stability, efficiency, and reliability. Synchronizing various power sources, such as generators and grids, ensures they operate in harmony to meet the demand and support the... Read more

The post Synchronization and Reactive Power Control in Power System appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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The Magic Tree Screening

Film Education is pleased to offer you FREE tickets for a school's screening of 'The Magic Tree'




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The King's Speech Screening

Followed by Q&A with actor Colin Firth and director Tom Hooper




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Africa United Online Resource

Online resource featuring activities based on film stills and clips, suitable for KS3 English & Media, Geography, Citizenship and PSHE.




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Miral Screening

Book FREE tickets for a school's screening of 'Miral' in association with the BFI London Film Festival