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LSHTM: striking images
round unexpected corners |
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
THERE’S A MISSIONARY ZEAL about the work of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) which is admirably reflected by its internet presence. The smart, unfussy site juggles an enormous quantity of information on the School’s research (including studies into London’s Great Smog, featured in this month’s HERO) without feeling oppressive, although the sheer scale is spectacular.
Like many practical sites that meet the needs of a modern HE institution there is a preponderance of dry information, but in this case the site is well balanced with more intriguing features. Attention is obviously paid to the art programme at the School, which is highlighted in a well-maintained section covering exhibitions. Stunning images related to public health pop up in unexpected places around the site, giving the place a robust feel, and persuading the visitor that this is an imaginative, leading-edge organisation with fire in its belly.
Learn for Life – The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
“Keep it wet, keep it wild – your survival depends on it.” This new educational site was ‘soft launched’ earlier this year, but will be fully operational in March 2003, and already boasts a wealth of interactive features and resources for teachers.
Briefing packs on a variety of wetland-related issues, including biodiversity and sustainability, will be of interest to primary school teachers, as will a number of lesson plans designed for Key Stages 1 – 3.
Probably the best part of the site is devoted to a series of educational animations, all of which download quickly (even on non-broadband connections). Here you can practise your virtual birdwatching skills, build a wetland and explore the water cycle, complete with the sound of thunder and flushing loos. It’s just not fair – where was the internet when I was at school?
durham21
Deserved winner in the NUS media awards, durham21 is a slick, satisfying webzine treading the not-too-much, not-too-little line with aplomb. As an independent, not-for-profit outfit, there’s a nice balance between the necessary advertising (which is unobtrusive) and the thoughtful features. A host of internet-specific items, such as a virtual tour of Durham town centre and tongue-in-cheek online polls, give the site a distinctive feel, though like any good publication (virtual or otherwise) the proof is in the writing, which is consistently sparky and intelligent.
Of course, much of the site’s content (some pictures of inebriated clubbers, some more pictures of inebriated clubbers) will only be of interest to local students, but as an example of how to publish student media online, this is second to none.
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changeourminds.com: putting the message across |
The Samaritans
A fresh site to accompany the new-look Samaritans, this is a smoothly-designed, accessible gateway to one of the world’s most famous support services. The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to anyone in emotional crisis, and the launch of online services (including the choice of e-mailing rather than calling by phone) further builds on their reputation.
The non-judgmental approach pioneered by the organisation’s founder Chad Varah in 1952 was way ahead of its time, and has inspired university ‘nightlines’ all over the UK. Although the Samaritans believe in reducing the number of suicides, they specifically respect the individual’s right to choose.
The latest campaign is called Change Our Minds, and much like Mind Out for Mental Health’s 1 in 4 exhibition (featured in last month’s HERO) it aims to educate people about the dangers of bottling up emotional issues. There is a fine sister site to promote this initiative, which is also well worth visiting at http://www.changeourminds.com.
Charlie Peverett
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