World Education Summit 2012 Awards :: Innovation in Global Collaborative Learning in k-12

Addressing Climate Change

Implementing Agency
Ryan International Group of Institutions

Website
www.ryaninternational.org

The Project was about one of the key issues facing mankind. It involved students from three continents collaborating and studying issues relating to this and debating them. Students of Grade XI from three countries, India, USA and Germany, came together for this momentous initiative, which involved studying climate change and its practical impact. The key idea was to sensitise students to look at global problems from diverse perspectives.

Objective
To provide opportunity to students to search for real solutions to real problems

Achievements
• Independent Research by students
• Unique online platform developed for interaction
• Research across the continents
• Use of multimedia in the collaboration process

Target Group: Students of Grade XI (Ages 16 to 18 years)

Challenges: Scheduling video calls between speakers located in different time zones is a big challenge. The students had to be put on a rotation methodology to make sure that all teams were doing equivalent number of late nights. Visa issues led to its own set of challenges. The team had to navigate through the process to make sure it did not become a constraint. As part of the focus was on field study, it meant that the children had to work for quite a few additional hours.

 



Students Exchange

Implementing Agency
GEMS NPS International School

Website
www.gemsnpsinternationalschoolguwahati.com

GEMS NPS International School got the opportunity to explore NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Centre, the nation’s gateway for exploring, discovering and understanding our universe. 37 students of GEMS NPS International School went for a three days of Astronaut Training Experience at NASA in USA.

Objective
To help students to expand their horizons.

Achievements
• Students attended the Astronaut Training Experience
• The students were inspired to choose Astronomy as their career
• Students learnt the virtue of keeping their surroundings neat and clean

Target Group: Grade IX – XII (Age Group 14 – 18)

Challenges: It was a challenge to monitor the students during the tour. We had to keep strict vigilance. Time management was also a challenge. With proper plan we could somehow manage to fulfil all the tasks within the the tight schedule. Some of the activities, which were part of Astronaut training, were refused by the girls, as they were scared. So we had to give them proper motivation and encouragement in order to help them overcome their fears. The cold climate also created problems, as the children were not used to such weather.

 



Barter Education

Implementing Agency
The Orchid School

Website
www.theorchidschool.org

Since April 2008, there has been an annual exchange of four faculty members from either side. These interactions have proved to be an effective platform for exchange of pedagogical practices. They result in better networking, imbibing of new styles, building of connections and also providing deeper insights into different cultures. In order to formalise this relationship, Orchid signed a MOU with Donner Gymnassiet, Gotland, in the year 2007. In 2010 the exchange programme was extended to the student community.

Objective
To break stereotypes, cross borders and sensitisation

Achievements
• Recognition from the Swedish embassy
• Institutions in Sweden like Richard Steffan Gymnasiet, Gotland and Cyber Gymnasiet, Stockholm, are approaching for collaboration

Target Group: Students and School staff

Challenges: The main challenge was related to the issue of fostering an alignment between the academic programmes in both the institutions. We invite them during September, so as to coincide with Ganesh festival and our in house retreats. We go to their institution during our summer break, so that we do not compromise on our working days. Funding needed to sustain the exchange programme was also a cause of concern. As this was an open system, everyone was eligible to apply. So if the number of applicants, was higher than required, we went for a lottery system for choosing a candidates.

 



Learning Exchanger

Implementing Agency
Delhi Public School, Panipat

Website
www.dpspanipatcity.in

The International Student Cultural Exchange Programme was started by the school in 2005, with the prime objective of giving an opportunity to its students to experience other cultures and engage in dialogue and communication with the people of different cultures. This programme focuses at establishing a system that makes efforts to advance matters of common interest, such as sharing views on education and environmental problems, history, kind of food, art, dance forms and music to enhance the quality of human life.

Objective
Giving an opportunity to the students to foster their leadership and social skills

Achievements
• Language acquisition is achieved through practical immersion
• Students are able to develop global networks and friendships

Target Group: Students in the age of 8 to 18 years

Challenges: Ensuring the safety and security of the students was a cause of concern. Senior officials of the management team in DPS Panipat City personally make a visit to the foreign land to ensure proper safety and security of the children. Only after ensuring safety and effective arrangements, student exchange programme is organised for that specific location.

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