Funding sponsored by:
www.qad.com
Click here to view the project resources.
Project Description: 110 sophomore students set up a blog site using NING with a school in the south of Kyrgyzstan. This school is similar to the demographics at my school because it has many immigrant students from Uzbekistan that have moved to Kyrgyzstan for better opportunity. A large number of students at both schools represent first or second generation immigrants.
Through a four week project, students, in groups of three, get to know each other through blogging; show and tell what their day to day lives are like through a photo diary; prepare a digital/video story with music of their family and friends; and reflect on the project culminating in a skyping or podcast session with the school in Kyrgyzstan.
How it works: Students will learn to introduce themselves and share specific information about their individual cultures, thus allowing them to broaden their view of the world and break down stereotypes in their thinking. This exchange of thoughts, opinions, and knowledge provides a unique opportunity for students of two nations to learn about each other s culture, values, and societies, breaking down barriers to communication and fostering greater understanding across the world.
Specifically for this Kyrgyzstan exchange we will deal with different cultures and the loss of nuances in language because the Kyrgyzstan students are not fluent users of English, sometimes one man s joke can be another man s insult, and given the educational and peace building themes of this project it is especially important for students on both ends to maintain respectful language choice. This will be addressed and explored in the interaction.
Another goal is to learn about a new place where things are very different but the same.
And another, to experience ideas and themes first hand as in the book we are reading Farewell to Manzanar about Japanese internment and what makes up our national identity. Students in the south part of Kyrgyzstan face similar national identity issues being first and second generation Kyrgyz.
This unit will also incorporate technology into the curriculum as a vehicle to travel the world see kitchens, living rooms, classrooms to stimulate interest and cross cultural communication skills; becoming ambassadors of the U.S.
Assessment: This is a cooperative project. Assessment will be made through postings week one and two and three. Week four will be reflection time to see what students thought of the project. The learning will be reflected in the interest of the students and the final reflection on the overall project.
Standards: Standards that will be addressed in this project are a demonstrated use of sophisticated learning tools such as the social networking site of Ning, blogging, as well as designing and publishing of online digital stories. Students will use visual aids, graphics and electronic media in their presentations to convey cultural information through personal and unique, descriptive presentations.
Estimated Number of Class Periods for Students To Complete Unit: 4 Class Periods.
What you need: ning.com; podcasts, Internet, photo software, voice thread software, autocollage and prezi.
Software or Materials Used: ning.com; podcasts, Internet, photo software, voice thread software, autocollage and prezi.
Keywords: Cross Cultural photojournals
The Students: Students can be grouped or not it depends on how many students in the other country will be participating. Individual students talking with individual students would work best but because of sheer numbers we did groups of three. Some students have difficulty finding photos or putting together photos for this project but I allow them to use their cell phones and take photos during class with classroom cameras as well..
Overall Value: This is a terrific way for teachers to bridge with other classrooms and other countries. It can be done with any country, any where, as long as the other class is interested. Various forms of media can be used not just the ones listed above. There are so many different relevant media software that can be integrated. A skype session or podcast are a terrific way to end the program.
Subject Area: English, Social Studies
Grade Levels: Grade 10
Tips for the Teacher: Have fun.
