This is an organization that arranges video conferencing between US school groups and folks around the world allowing the students to encounter another culture without leaving home. The experience is interactive with the students on both sides asking each other questions. The purpose is to bring the world closer together, help to dispel misunderstandings amongst cultures.
One particular activity involves a 10 part series of interactions with students in the US and youth in Uganda. Part of the process includes the students in the US donating goods and funds to support relief efforts there.
I would love to get my students involved in this. The article that I read mentions how beneficial it is for "at risk" high school students and that's sort of the profile for my students. Anything to make the learning about something real.
My questions about this exemplar have to do with the logistics. To begin with, I have been to the website any number of times and still don't understand exactly how this works and how much it would cost my school (i.e. we don't have video conferencing capability). The complicated nature of arranging the technical aspects is enough to put many teachers off from the beginning. I will try to call these folks and get more info, I visited the link to the company that provides the video conferencing technology but they post no prices. I would like to try it at least once and see what impact is has on my students. I came upon this last year when I was searching for a way for my students to speak directly to students in other parts of the world (i.e. via skype). I need to dig deeper because with the level of technology packed into today's computers, there should be many organizations that could help my students establish a dialog with other students around the world. The beauty of the Global Nomads is that "live" visual experience, I only wish it were more accessible.
Here's the article I found, it was in Edutopia.
http://www.edutopia.org/global-nomads-magnolia-texas
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4 comments:
What a cool and powerful learning tool! This is what I initially envisioned when I thought about integrating technology into the classroom. Not only is it an authentic experience, but it is in the realm of teaching with social justice in mind. This article emphasized using it with high school kids. I wonder if I could do this with my elementary kids. Many of my ESL students are considered "at risk", as well. This type of experience would have a lot of relevancy and meaning for them. I also like the fact that students plan and design the program. It is so important that we have students play a more active role in their education. Having students be creators of content is powerful and affective.
Of course, the accessibility issue is tricky. I have had a few people tell me that there is a lot of money out there for teachers interested in integrating technology by way of grants. This is something I am researching. I know that if I want to incorporate some of this technology we have been speaking about in class, I am going to have to find a way to get it myself.
Hi Susan,
This seems to be a great resource. I love the vision you have for using technology in your classrooms to help your students learn. I hear what you're saying about the logistics seeming a little tricky for this one.
There are many other sites that connect kids and people across the globe. I encourage you to check out Judi Harris' Virtual Architecture (http://virtual-architecture.wm.edu/). There are some other amazing projects that might be easier to connect with....check it out and let me know what you find.
CMB
Great article for student participation and engaging in a learning activity. When students can connect via the web, I find it to be very enticing to them. My only concern is how are the students monitored? Will they be able to conncet to that website at any time or at their leisure? Is there a date and time set up for the conference to take place? Just a thought.
This is exactly the type of tool that really gets teens motivated. But, I'm also having problems with the logistics (can't seem to find the set up requirements or costs). For me, a hands-on demo would do wonders!
I have had the good luck of being involved in rural teleconferencing between Latino parents, the local Children's Developmental Services Agencies, the physical therapist, occupational therapist, pediatric rehabilitation specialist and interpreter from UNC hospitals. It was fantastic and gave parents with little mobility the opportunity to speak with professionals at UNC hospitals! It was relatively easy to set up the conference, once the equipment and programming was in place and set to go. I think this has great potential to improve access for "at-risk" populations.
Has anyone at your school set up any videoconferencing or web conferencing before?
The site mentioned here by Cbolick led me to many sites of interest. I was engrossed in www.epals.com/projects/thewayweare/ which happens to be related to the exemplar I suggested. Round and round. Small world. Thanks
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