Learning With the World, Not Just About It

21st Century Global Connections

MSEA – Ocean City – October 16, 2010

iEARN - Collaborative, International Project-Based Learning through Technology

Philosophy since its launch in 1988:

• Students will learn better when engaged collaboratively in authentic interaction with peers globally on curriculum-based projects

• Students will become Global Citizens experienced in using technology to connect with peers to build a culture of peace and make a difference in the quality of life on the planet• Students move from learning about other cultures and languages to….Learning through interaction with other cultures

A Global Education Community Has Emerged:

iEARN Daily involves:2,000,000 Students

In 39,000 K-12 SchoolsIn 130 countries

Speaking 33 Languages Over 300 concurrent projectsCurrently creating a platform for university-aged students

Technology Tools for Student-to-Student Interaction

• Web 2.0 social networking tools• Blogs, video-conferencing, chats• Cell phone interactivity (later this year)• Interactive databases, Google maps for location of participants

and media• Digital media (video, sound, art, photos) exchanges• Text in any written language in the world, in either direction• Tools to enable students to see their cumulative power when

linked via technology• All in a context of inclusion of young people with access to

both low and high technology, creating the world’s most socio-economically diverse online network.

iEARN’S Collaboration Centre

• http://media.iearn.org• Interactive database of member educators• Database of 300 interactive projects• Interactive Forums demonstrate international

content and perspectives• Gallery of student-generated media

iEARN’s Current Collaboration Centre

1. Using technology tools to build Global Competency among both students and teachers….Professional Development is critical: Example: iEARN’s 14 Online Courses: us.iearn.org/professional

Some (of many) Lessons Learned

For research on the effectiveness of iEARN and its Online Courses, see: us.iearn.org/news

2) When Going Global, Respect the Local:Building local capacity and participant-generated content is key to the sustainability of online interaction globally. Example: Adobe Youth Voicesmedia.iearn.org/ayv/welcome

Project components:– Write story board, script

video– Interview others– Film, add sound, edit– Interact with others with

Web 2.0 tools about their videos

– Exhibit videos, background information in Global Gallery

3. Global Collaborative Project Work Enhances Teaching & Learning and Builds Global Citizens

Let’s look at some of the 300 projects underway every day

Our Footprints, Our Future (OF)2

• Students measure carbon footprint using globalized calculator

• Compare results internationally

• Explore collaborative solutions

• Brings global issue to personal and local implications

• Curriculum Applications: science, math, environmental studies, geography, community service

• Ages: 5-18http://of2.iearn.org

Bridge of Generations Project• Students study issues of family and emigration/immigration

• Students help grandparents and other older citizens in their community to use technology (chats, skype, web searches, e-mail) to re-connect with family and friends who have left communities

• Students share technology skills and learn value of family and community

• Curriculum Applications: technology, family studies, migration, geography, community service, reading, writing

• Ages: 10-18

https://media.iearn.org/projects/iearn-generations

Mali Dolls for Computers Project

• Schools in Mali lack computers, but they have pride in their culture

• Hand-made dolls for distribution and sale around the world (including in the National Geographic store in DC)

• Curriculum application: geography, economics, joint venture work, budgeting, marketing, French language

• Sales proceeds go to Mali to buy computers

• Ages 13-18

https://media.iearn.org/projects/etrade

Teddy Bear Project

• Classes exchange a bear, who is dressed as a citizen of the sending country, and has a passport, shots, and a journal

• Attends class all year in another country

• Students write in the journal from the perspective of the bear and communicate online with their bear’s class internationally

• Curriculum Application: language arts, technology, geography, social studies

• Ages: 5-15

https://media.iearn.org/projects/teddybear

Whatever the Web 2.0 technology, it’s the People and Content that matter!

Students (and teachers!) learn better when engaged interactively and collaboratively with authentic and diverse audiences….Let’s try the “wisdom of the crowd!”

World Personalities

• Hideki Matsui • Madonna• Colin Powell• Suzanne Mubarak• Thabo Mbeki• Wangari Maathai• Bill Gates• Hu Jintao• Tony Blair• Vladimir Putin• Hillary Clinton• Rigoberta Menchú Tum

What if….every school in the US was interacting in some way with another school/group somewhere in the world?

• Stay tuned for the CONNECT ALL SCHOOLS Initiative

• To achieve this goal by 2016!!• A bold, yet achievable goal

Educators can register toparticipate in iEARN at:media.iearn.org/request

Ed GragertiEARN-USAed@us.iearn.orghttp://us.iearn.orghttp://iearn.org