======>> S I T E - F I N D E R ======>> Welcome to Volume 1 Issue 3 of the e-mail companion to the 'Sitefinder: Adventure and Experiential Education Directory' Editor: Roger Greenaway roger@reviewing.co.uk Copyright 1998 Roger Greenaway, Reviewing Skills Training THANK YOU for signing up for this free monthly newsletter. If this copy is forwarded to you by a friend, you may wish to subscribe direct - by visiting the SiteFinder Directory. If you change your mind at any time simply follow the UNSUBSCRIBE instructions at the foot of this page. WHAT KIND OF NEWS? Each issue aims to include news of: • the latest new entries to the SiteFinder Directory • site reviews and awards (and how you can contribute) • searcher-friendly improvements • other directories of 'experiential' web sites   CONTENTS (TOP) ====>> S T A T I S T I C S . & . P R I Z E S   TOTAL ENTRIES = 68 TOTAL SUBSCRIBERS = 118 Thank you for subscribing to this ezine - and thank you again if you have passed on the news. Remember that this (and other helpful activities) entitles you to enter the prize draw. Details on site (and in the last ezine).   You choose the prize you would like when you enter the draw. There are three books on the current prize list. Draws will take place on 1st October, 1st December, 1st February, etc. The first prize will be announced in the next issue of this newsletter.   CONTENTS (TOP) ========>> M A I N   F E A T U R E   >>> A review of three web sites in the SiteFinder Directory <<<   CONTENTS (TOP) ====>> W h a t ?   N o   r o p e s   c o u r s e !   What do the Grand Canyon, yachting and 'Hacky Sacking' have in common?   I'll spoil the suspense and tell you. They are all sources of inspiration for 3 distinct 'approaches' to active learning. Each 'approach' also has a place on the web where you can find out more. 'Approach' is an understatement - the experience, thinking and track records of each way of working/living is truly impressive.   • Daniel Botkin's 'Footbag Peace Initiative' • Dick Pohl's 'LeadYourShip' • 'The Creative World of Coleman Wheeler'   The educational philosophy of each site is very different. The variety spans community work, leadership training and youth development. So across these 3 web sites, there's something for everyone!   All 3 sites convey a strong sense of energy, idealism and mission. Their visions of a less violent and more caring world are rooted in practice. All are doers, and all give inspiring accounts of *what* they do, *how* they do it and *why* they do it.   It may at first seem as if there are 3 ready-made recipes on offer. It is true that you will find sample programmes, but these are simply examples of what is possible. In all three cases, learners influence, shape and develop what happens rather than following a pre-set journey laid out by an 'experience provider'.   Yes, there are connections between these 'approaches'. But these are 3 highly individualistic sites. Each site describes 3 very DIFFERENT ways of engaging people in developmental experiences, making use of ... • The vastness of the Great Outdoors • The tight metaphors of work simulation on a boat • The street appeal and intensity of a Footbag work-out   What these 3 kinds of experience appear to have in COMMON is that: • they are intrinsically rewarding • they are out of the ordinary • they inspire a renewed sense of commitment to self, others and the world.   All 3 websites are worth a visit: • by students • by potential customers • by people wondering how you do experiential learning without a ropes course • and by curious people like you!   CONTENTS (TOP) ====>> W h a t . m a k e s . a . g r e a t . w e b . s i t e ?   Design features that stand out in the three websites reviewed:   1) Personality Personality comes across loud and clear - thanks to punchy messages, photos of each author (2 have 'action' shots), and page designs that stand out.   2) Testimonials Clients' perspectives seem essential. The length and depth of the Footbag testimonials makes this far more than a 'credibility' exercise - they provide real insights into the Footbag phenomena.   3) Attention Grabbing <<<<<<<<< :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) Research may say that nothing beats black on white for ease of reading, but you need to grab people's attention before they want to settle down to a good read.   • 'Creative World ...' is probably the most colourful site in the SiteFinder directory. It not only grabs your attention. It leaves you with lasting images.   • 'LeadYourShip' grabs attention through word play - and arouses you with music from Vangelis.   • 'Footbag' makes impact with street lingo and the fonts to go with it.   4)Things to do on site (and 'free gifts')   • Coleman's site offers three 'contests': 'The Experiential Explorers', 'Where in the World? (photo recognition)' and 'The Call of the Wild' (a quiz about the Great Outdoors).   • Dick invites you to print out the 'Integrated Health Profile' questionnaire to check the balances in your life.   • Daniel provides patterns and ''simple, step by step instructions'' on how to sew your own footbag! These 3 experiential educators expect you to get involved!   CONTENTS (TOP) Click this link to find part 2 of this article CONTENTS (TOP) ====>> N E W . E N T R I E S   ENTRIES SINCE THE LAST ISSUE OF 'SITEFINDER' Here are the latest websites to be added to the directory. You can visit these sites direct from the links below, or you can read their 4-line profiles in the SiteFinder directory.   Jim Davis Managerie Training Systems http://www.managerie.co.uk   Rob Benson Crossroads Experiential Learning, LLC http://www.magnolia.net/~xroads [URL may have changed]   CONTENTS (TOP) ====>> C A T E G O R Y . 2 . . . U . K . S I T E S   The first special search category was announced in the last issue: RESEARCH. The new category this month is a geographical one: U.K. SITES. These sites are now listed on a separate page as well as in the main index pages. Why not suggest a new category? Is there a category that would help you to find what you are looking for more quickly?