Journal # 9

Project-Based Learning Around the World By: Kristen Weatherby

This article talks about a new project that was introduced by ISTE and Microsoft to schools around the globe. This project integrated technology into their school programs and trained teacher on how to implement these programs in the schools. Many countries don’t have the training and resources that the United States has for technology. Microsoft launched the Partners in Learning initiative and with the help of ISTE proposed this curriculum to 101 countries. Of these countries 50 said that the program could fit into their curriculum. This was a large task since not only the language had to be changed for each program but also the content to form more localized content. Danish schools are one of the many countries who accepted the program and are already using it. This program allows teachers to develop student’s skills in many areas including cooperation, analysis, presentations and written and oral communication.

How are they changing the program for each area?
Microsoft and ISTE worked hard to make sure that the curriculum fit each country they implemented it in. One example given in the article was a change they made in Danish topic of whaling. Originally there was supposed to be a section about whaling in Japan, but since they have the same problems in Iceland which is close to them they changed the topic to better fit the area. Changes such as this were made in ever area so that the curriculum was especially made for them.

Should this program be implemented everywhere?
I think that if the program is found to be successful which according to the article many schools have found it to be then yes more countries should implement it. I think that to be successful in the world today that you have to understand technology. If we teach students around the world how to use it they can be more successful when they go into the working world.