RESOURCE REVIEWS

The following Testimonials have been received from users of Our Dreamings.

"We felt that it would be a valuable resource for our curriculum, South Australian Curriculum, Standard and Accountability Framework, especially in the Arts learning area. We believe that it is most suitable for the Middle and Senior years of school but the examples could be used for Primary as well. The information and images presented would be most valuable for teachers teaching units on Aboriginal Perspectives that incorporated Aboriginal art and aspects of the Dreaming. Support materials in the form of web links, artist's biographies, their works and history enable learners to pursue a particular avenue or interest.

The artists presented are good stimuli for learners and but more of them would be an extremely useful resource. The "live" presentations enable learners to obtain information as if it was "in situ" instead of static.

If the cd can be networked within a school then more learners would have "just in time" access to a most valuable, efficient and effective learning resource.

Though the information is specific for an area of Australia, Walpiri, and a couple of artists are shown, creative teachers will able to build upon what is there to expand the opportunities for learners and the curriculum"
John C. Sloan
Research Librarian
Aboriginal Education Unit
NT Dept Education and Children's Services (DECS)

"The information, pictures, stories and graphics contained on these CD's would make a valuable contribution as an educational tool for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in our many schools"
Shane Williams
Manager
Indigenous Education Policy Branch
Indigenous and Transitions Group
Dept of Education Science and Training
www.dest.gov.au

"The scope and quality of the content of the CD would make it a valuable asset as a learning tool for all students"
Aileen Hawks
Curriculum Officer (LOTE)
Curriculum Council
Govt of Western Australia

"Teachers viewing the material thought it was an excellent resource and made the following comments
"beautiful/colourful visuals and animations of aboriginal life, art and culture."
"Sound, voices and music to complement and enhance visuals".
"Relevant to current curriculum trends and their focus upon learning about the arts of different times, cultures and places"
They also felt that the CDROM has a variety of audiences predominantly years five to ten and also that there was a market in the senior levels and with overseas educators."
National Curriculum Services

".A new CD-Rom aims to change the way people look at acrylic desert art and help people understand the true meanings behind the artworks of two Warlpiri artists. Malcolm Jagamarra and Janet Nakamarra are the two artists featured on the fully interactive CD-Rom 'Our Dreamings'. The disc combines traditional music, art and photographs to unveil an entertaining, interactive and educational look at the art and culture of the Warlpiri people of Central Australia. 'Our Dreamings' provides many possibilities to explore the art and the artists. The extensive menu allows you to choose the following options
Learning Pathway, Paintings, Artist's painting, artist story, iconography, dictionary, art history, and video"

Koori Mail
10th July, 2004