Learning Materials
Scran Learning Materials
Case Study
1. Author details
| Name: | Alistair Young Aonghas MacNeacail |
| Job title: | Senior Applications Specialist Poet, broadcaster and scriptwriter |
| Institution: | UHI Millennium Institute @ Sabhal Mòr Ostaig |
About the authors:
Alistair Young is a senior software developer with extensive systems and web programming background.
Aonghas Dubh Macneacail has been a poet for around 40 years. It’s a long time since he learned that the poet is best prepared who has an intimate knowledge of the poetry of others. To that end he has been reading a diverse range of poetries for many years.
He has, naturally, had a particular interest in the poetry of his own Gaelic tradition, as it appears on the page and as it strikes the ear. He sees no reason for measuring differently the poem which is constructed on the page and the song composed to be sung: if the essence of poetry is traceable in the finished work, he believes that should be the measure of its value.
MacNeacail has published three collections of poetry to date, one in English and two in Gaelic, and three poetry pamphlets. His second Gaelic collection, “A Proper Schooling” won the “Scottish Writer of the Year” award in 1997. He also writes songs, some of which have been recorded by Capercaillie, among others, and he has provided librettos for two operas, “Sgathach: and “The Journey”, both of which have been staged. He has written drama scripts for radio, television and film: he also works as a broadcaster.
2. The materials
A general interest compendium of Gaelic literature in the 20th century, delivered through the works of eminent Gaelic writers, poets and dramatists. No previous knowledge is required. Fluency in Gaelic is essential as there isn’t an English translation.
Why did you want to create these materials?
To provide a previously unavailable critique of the subject, gathering together bibliographical lists that were difficult to obtain on the web.
How will your materials benefit learners?
By placing well known and not so well known Gaelic figures in their contemporary 20th century setting.
How will they improve on previous methods of teaching this topic?
Extensive bibliography and the fact that the text is in Gaelic.
3. Creating the materials
The text was written by Aonghas MacNeacail and the site was built by Alistair Young.
What tools did you use?
Macromedia Dreamweaver, Paint ShopPro.
What are the main skills required in creating materials like this?
Web design and graphics manipulation knowledge.
What hints and tips would you offer to a colleague planning to create a similar resource?
Get a web designer to help!
