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============================================ Economics UPDATE The monthly Economics LTSN Email Newsletter ============================================ 7th June 2004 Welcome to the Economics LTSN Email Newsletter. This newsletter is intended to inform ECON-LTSN subscribers about our activities and to provide other information that may be of interest. Economics UPDATE will be distributed on the first Monday of each calendar month. ========== CONTENTS ========== 1. WHAT'S NEW Why Study Economics? New Case Studies 2. NOTICEBOARD Learning and Teaching in Economics Awards 2004 3. AND FINALLY..... When Play Money Becomes Real =============== 1. WHAT'S NEW =============== WHY STUDY ECONOMICS? What makes a luxury item such as a diamond more expensive than a necessity like water? Why should public transport be subsidised by the government? These and other questions are being posed to students as part of a nationwide initiative to encourage them to consider economics as an option for university study. This month sees the launch of a new resource offering advice and information on studying economics in higher education. With sections for school students, teachers and lecturers the site provides a comprehensive guide to understanding economics and what it can offer at degree level. From the frivolous (how should you split the bill?) to the serious (why are fish stocks declining in the North Sea?) the site aims to persuade prospective students that economics offers a unique insight into how the world works. The site has been jointly created by two organisations that seek to promote a better understanding of economics: the Economics Centre of the Higher Education Academy and the Royal Economic Society. The site allows potential students to: * Read the views of students past and present * See what jobs economics graduates get * Have their questions answered * Arrange to visit a university Teachers and lecturers can: * Get ideas on what their department can offer * Start to plan their own recruitment events * Keep up to date with the latest recruitment statistics The Web site is the first phase of an ongoing initiative that aims to keep students and teachers informed about studying economics at university: http://www.whystudyeconomics.ac.uk/ NEW CASE STUDIES The following case studies have been added to our Web site: Developing a PBL Course in Economics: A Sceptic's Diary http://www.economics.ltsn.ac.uk/showcase/piggott_pbl3.htm Incorporating Newspaper Articles into an Economics Course http://www.economics.ltsn.ac.uk/showcase/using_news.htm ================ 2. NOTICEBOARD ================ LEARNING AND TEACHING IN ECONOMICS AWARDS, 2004 A reminder that we are still inviting nominations from the economics community for our annual Learning and Teaching Awards. This is the 4th year that this national initiative has recognised exemplary practice across the following three categories: The Outstanding Teaching award is given in recognition of a UK-based academic that encourages students to develop and understanding of and interest in the study of economics. The Student Nominated award provides an opportunity for economics students to identify and honour excellent teaching practices in their department. The eLearning award (formerly Electronic Resource) is for UK-based academics or teams who have implemented eLearning successfully in the context of economics Higher Education. Self or peer nominations should include a statement of up to 500 words and address each of the five criteria listed below: *Innovative and student-centred *Inspires and encourages student interest *Integrated into other aspects of learning and teaching practice *Shows sound educational design and implementation *Has made a positive impact on the wider teaching community The closing date for nominations is 18th June 2004. The result will be announced on 1st July 2004. Winners in each category will receive GBP250 in gift vouchers. Additional information and on-line nomination forms are available on our Web site at: http://www.economics.ltsn.ac.uk/awards/ =================== 3. AND FINALLY... =================== WHEN PLAY MONEY BECOMES REAL The buying and selling of virtual currencies, weapons and other goods from multiplayer online games like EverQuest and Ultima Online is truly big business. This article examines the relationship between real-life and virtual economies: http://www.wired.com/news/games/0,2101,62929,00.html?tw=wn_story_page_prev2 ============ CONTACT US ============ If you have any suggestions, feedback or comments please contact: Bhagesh Sachania, Information Officer, Economics LTSN Email: [log in to unmask] Tel.:(0117) 928 7071