While
studying at the Open University I became convinced by Jerome Bruner's
ideas on active learning. Since I began teaching history in 1978 I have
attempted to produce materials that enable active learning to take place.
This has included educational computer programs such as Attack on the
Somme, Wall Street and the Russian Revolution. The Internet provides
the best opportunity so far to make active learning a reality.
Over the last twenty
years I have written several history books including Ghandi (1987),
The Vietnam War (1988), Race Relations in the United States (1988),
Slavery: An Illustrated History of Black Resistance (1988), Hitler (1988),
Stalin (1987), The Roman Empire (1991), Making of the United Kingdom
(1992), Expansion, Trade and Industry (1992), The Medieval Village (1996),
The Norman Invasion (1996), etc.
In September, 1997
I established the Spartacus
Educational website and over the last three years I have produced
online material for the Electronic
Telegraph, the European
Virtual School and the Guardian's educational website, Learn.
In 2003 Simkin joined
Andy Walker in establishing the International
Education Forum.
John Simkin is also
a member of the European
History E-Learning Project (E-Help), which aims to encourage and
improve use of ICT and the internet in classrooms across the continent.
Wikipedia:
John Simkin
John
Simkin: Demopedia