What is a "second generation" microLESSON?
It is a PowerPoint based lesson that fulfils one or two specific objectives and encourages higher order thinking/skills, e.g. decision making, hypothesis testing, collaborative work, role play, etc. Very often, such lessons will launch external files (Word documents, interactive Excel spreadsheets, Java or javascript enhanced HTML files, web pages, etc) to enhance the learning experience.

There are no sample microLESSONS for the subject that I shall teach. Can you put some up on the website in future?
Ideally there should be a sample for each subject. But this is not practical nor necessary.

The samples put online serve to illustrate the ideas or approaches that may be used in producing a microLESSON. Having an example of various approaches for each subject is time- and space-consuming. Instead, you can apply the ideas from a sample into any microLESSON that you design and construct. You may also combine ideas or come up with your own.

Can I use FrontPage to produce a microLESSON (i.e. create web pages)?
No, microLESSONS are PowerPoint based. However, you may produce HTML files to support your microLESSON.

Why are microLESSONS PowerPoint based?
PowerPoint is a common tool in schools and most teachers are familiar with it. Teachers can easily modify microLESSONS to suit their needs. Many teachers do not know how to produce or edit web pages. (Not yet anyway.)

Can I prepare my microLESSON with PowerPoint 2000?
Yes, but remember to save it in a format that PowerPoint 97 can read. (Note that some projects prepared in PowerPoint 2000 are larger than if prepared in PowerPoint 97.)

Can I use scanned images from a text/reference book?
No, the images belong to the publisher of the book and are therefore copyrighted. This also applies to any magazine, newsletter, postcard or even pamphlet where the publisher is stated.

What can I scan? What alternative sources of images are there?
You may choose to scan your own photographs, drawings or even 3-D objects. You may use the MS clip art collection that comes as a standard with MS Office. You may also use the numerous clip art and photo CD-ROMs that NIE has bought (look for them in ECL 1 and 7). You may use your own clip art CD-ROMs if you wish but remember to state the publisher of the CD-ROM. If you decide to use images or clip art from the web, remember to check the terms of use at that web site (ask the webmaster of that site if in doubt) and acknowledge the site in your microLESSON.

Can I photograph or scan logos or labels?
These items are trademarks and should not pose a problem. (If anything at all, they provide free advertising for the company or organsation!) However, you may opt to blur, smudge or pixelate the brand name if you do not want to create a bias. An alternative to this is to create fictitious names for shops or naming items Brand X and Brand Y.

I have a question that is not addressed here. How can I get help?
First make sure that you have read the information in the other sections of this website. Next approach your tutor for advice. Finally you can e-mail the Project Officer (Mr Wan Fareed) or the Principal Investigator (A/P Philip Wong).

I would like to join the team of project editors. How do I do this and what requirements are there? Can you provide details about what the editors do?
E-mail the Project Officer and indicate your interest.

Ideally, a project assistant should be a teacher or teacher trainee who has a good sense for design and an eye for detail. It helps if you are creative and take pride in your work. You should be competent with the standard MS Office software and one image editing program (e.g. Adobe Photoshop). That aside, it is more important that you are committed, willing to learn and able to interact well with workmates.