The main purpose of this site is to stimulate discussion about the physical nature of money and how it influences your life.

Please have a look around all the site before introducing it to the class. As it is important to think digitally I have included some relevant digital downloads to the left of the screen. While they may not link directly to the area of digital money I hope they will illustrate the connectivity of the digital world a sit relates to sharing information and ideas .I have also included some money learning resource sheets.

Special Education Support Service Links

The main section of the site is the interactive poll on whether digital money is a good idea or bad idea.

Before voting it is important to discuss the various pro and cons of using digital money. This can be done by visiting the YES and NO sections of the site.

From class experience it is very important not to get bogged down in the mechanics of how digital money would work. For example, the children thought at first that the mobile phone would contain their money. It would not not contain any money. The mobile phone would allow them to log on in a secure manner to gain access to their account.

Special Education Support Service Resources

Another point to consider is that the children will initially focus on how they would get pocket money. The example I give is getting their credit renewed over the phone.

Also, while digital money would have severe implications for the sale of illegal drugs, I would steer any conversation away from this area. While the prevention of drug abuse is part of the SPHE curriculum, I stick to the example of under age buying cigarettes. Digital money would stop this as it would not allow for the payment of cigarettes as the card holders age would be known to the computer.

http://www.teachingmoney.co.uk/

Expect children to be dismissive of the idea initially. Children are by nature quite conservative and traditional in their thinking.

However, I have found the children can be open to persuasion. They very much enjoy discussing the pros and cons of the ideas. I have found that they will come back to you and bring it up in conversation, which shows that it must have made an impression.

Link for Blank Project A4 Sheets from Teachnet History Site.

I have included a Task section which you may also find useful. This includes various worksheets, handouts and mini web-quests. There is also a webquest section also.

Math Resource Studio

If possible, ask the children to respond to the blog. Remind them that blogs are very public and at no stage are they to include any personal details.

Finally, if you have any suggestions on how to improve this project I would be most grateful.

Mile Buiochas
John Farrell
Holy Family BNS
Askea
Carlow.

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