Cyber Teacher Podcasts (UK): Recent Episodes
Chris Bentley, Erich Hauptfleisch and Chris Taylor
The Cyber Teacher Podcasts are recorded for teaching and learning purposes for students in high school all around the world.
Russell Doherty from the Guernsey Military History Company answers the following questions:
1. Can I start by asking you to tell our listeners a little bit about what the GMH Co does exactly and why you set it up initially?
2. So this means you’ve been involved in some really unique and interesting events, right?
3. And if people want to contact you?
4. Ok Russ. So we first crossed paths when you came in to do an amazing talk to some of our students on the equipment of a WW1 RGLI infantry soldier where you brought in a vast collection of items to help explain things. It was a real eye opener for me as it surprised me in terms of what you said about the composition of the British army in WW1, the fact that it was one of the smallest but best equipped and trained armies in the war. Could you tell us a little bit more about this aspect?
5. So the British army had a pretty interesting evolution during the war then?
6. You’ve brought along an iconic weapon of the British army in both WW1 and WW2 - the Lee Enfield. A good bit of kit?
7. Ok to finish with- two ‘on the spot questions’. Biggest myth of WW1 in terms of the British infantry soldier? If you could go back in time and get to meet any historical figure of your choice who would it be?
Podcaster: Mr Chris Bentley
In this Cyber Teacher history podcast Dr. Gilly Carr, Associate Professor from the University of Cambridge answers the following questions:
- Can we start by asking you tell us a little about what your actual role is at Cambridge University and what you do on a day to day basis?
- Did you always want to pursue a career linked to the study of archaeology and history and why?
- A lot of your work has been focused on investigating aspects of the Occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII. Can you explain why this is?
- As part of the linked to the Occupation of the Channel Islands you set up an online archive called the Frank Falla Archive. Can you tell us about this and why you decided to create it in the first instance?
- You are currently doing the research for an exciting new book. What’s it about?
- Ok, so to finish off with Gilly I’m going to put you on the spot a bit, Who from the Occupation would you most have liked to meet?
- For any aspiring historians who potentially wish to study history at undergraduate level what would be your top tips for getting that place at the University of your choice? What are you looking for in terms of students who wish to study history?
More info on Dr. Carr's work can be found on: https://www.arch.cam.ac.uk/directory/gcc20
Interviewer: Mr Chris Bentley
Cyber Teachers first Business podcast: We are interviewing Andre Wilsenach, an expert/consultant in International Gambling Regulation & Compliance. The questions raised in this podcast are listed below:
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Andre can you please tell our students/listeners what your job entails?
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Can you give us some background on how you got involved in this industry?
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Correct me if I am wrong, did you start off working as a business consultant in South Africa?
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You also assisted the government with the National Lottery, is this correct?
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Tell us more about your time in Alderney (UK Chanel Islands) please.
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You also spent some time in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States, can you tell us more.
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Are you consulting in the gambling or gaming industry?
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Would you say there are risks for young people to get involved in betting on mobile phones?
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How are we protected from gaming addiction by these gaming companies on our laptops and mobile phones?
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Where do we draw the line between 'playing' and 'gambling' online or on mobile?
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Do you think this industry will grow in the long term or would the market become saturated in the next five years?
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Do you think there are enough government regulations in this industry?
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Can you tell our students why you live in Guernsey if you can live in Cape Town or Las Vegas?
We hope you enjoy our conversation with Andre and learn a few things about this topic.
Mr Hauptfleisch
His real name was Edward TeachWe know almost certainly that Blackbeard’s real name was Edward Teach – sometimes recorded as Edward Thatch. Whilst information about his early life is scarce, it is widely believed that he was born in Bristol around 1680 and served in the Royal Navy or as a privateer during the Queen Anne’s War.
He put lit fuses under his hat to make him appear even more terrifying
It is documented that:
“In time of action, he… stuck lighted matches under his hat, which appearing on each side of his face, his eyes naturally looking fierce and wild, made him altogether such a figure that imagination cannot form an idea of a fury, from hell, to look more frightful.”
He joined the crew of renowned pirate Captain Benjamin Hornigold
Like many other privateers, lacking legitimate and legal employment after the war against France, Blackbeard returned to what he knew best – piracy. In 1716, he joined the crew of Benjamin Hornigold, a notorious pirate operating out of the Bahamas. Soon Hornigold gave Teach the command of his own vessel, and together they plagued the Caribbean.
In 1718, Blackbeard blockaded the port of Charles Town and demanded medical equipment
In May 1718, Blackbeard took part in one of his most audacious and famous acts. In an incredibly bold move, he blockaded the port of Charles Town in the Province of South Carolina. He held the town for ransom, capturing ships, cargo and sailors until his demands for medicine were met.
Blackbeard was killed in battle on 22nd November 1718
Lieutenant Robert Maynard “an experienced Officer, and a Gentleman of great Bravery and Resolution” finally killed Blackbeard, in a bloody battle at the mouth of the Okracoke Inlet. Maynard and Blackbeard clashed in a sword duel which saw Blackbeard sustain more than twenty wounds. We are told though:
“he stood his Ground, and fought with great Fury, till he received five and twenty Wounds, and five of them by Shot. At length, as he was cocking another Pistol (famously carrying three pairs slung across his shoulders), having fired several before, he fell down dead”.
His severed head was tied to one of the bowsprits of a ship
Blackbeard’s severed head was erected on the prow of the Lieutenant Robert Maynard’s ship as a warning to other pirates in the area as a trophy of Maynard’s victory.
He was the most famous pirate ever to have lived
The answer to Blackbeard’s continued fame is ultimately given in the pages of General History of Pyrates as this:
“In the Commonwealth of Pyrates, he who goes the greatest Length of Wickedness, is looked upon with a kind of Envy amongst them… The Hero of whom we are writing, was thoroughly accomplished this Way, and some of his Frolicks of Wickedness, were so extravagant, as if he aimed at making his Men believe he was a Devil incarnate”.
Source: https://royalarmouries.org/stories/popular-culture/blackbeard-facts/