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Darfur Debate, Cool Careers, Folktales + more from GNG Monday, August 31, 2009

Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Collaboration, Distance Learning, Links, Videoconferencing.
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fall2009Global Nomads Group (GNG) offers 4 types of interactive videoconference programs that cover a range of academic themes. For full descriptions (plus cost of the programs) visit www.gng.org.

Here is what GNG has lined up for the Fall of 2009:

Darfur Debate for Grades: 7-8, and 9-12
on Tues. Sept. 15 and Thurs. Sept. 17

Environmental Refugees for Grades: 7-8, and 9-12
on Tues. Sept. 29 and Thurs. Oct. 1

Cool Careers for Grades: 7-8, and 9-12
on Fri. Sept. 18, Wed. Oct.14 and more

Virtual Science Expedition for Grades: 7-8, and 9-12
on Tues. Nov. 10, Tues. Nov. 24 and more

Folktales Around the World – New Project-Based IVC for Grades: 3-5
on Wed. Dec. 16

Nuclear Proliferation: A Case Study of North Korea for Grades: 7-8, and 9-12 on Tues. Oct. 6

U.S. Role in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan for Grades: 7-8, and 9-12 on Tues. Nov. 10

Globalization and the Post-American Flat World for Grades: 7-8, and 9-12
from Sept. – Dec. 2009 at various times depending on location:

  • Spain
  • Morocco
  • Ghana
  • South Africa
  • India
  • Vietnam
  • China

Global Nomads Group: Afghanistan Thursday, March 26, 2009

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Flickr Creative Commons: Army.milLIVE from the Field: CARE Afghanistan
WED, April 29 – WED, May 20 – 4 Part Series
Middle and High: 7:30-8:30 AM EDT
In partnership with CARE, one of the key NGOs that is supporting development in Afghanistan, this four-part videoconference series will allow students to go beyond the headlines and learn firsthand about the issues facing Afghans. What are the current challenges facing Afghanistan? How are students, young widows, and other vulnerable groups affected by these challenges? What role does CARE play in aiding the redevelopment efforts? How are the U.S. and other governments participating? Students will have the opportunity, first-hand, to speak with Afghan students and CARE staff members about the past, present and future direction of their country, despite the manifold issues they are facing, many of them life-threatening.

Afghanistan’s Widows: War’s Forgotten Victims
WED, April 29
7:30-8:30 AM EDT/4:00-5:00 PM Kabul Time
It has been said that Kabul is the “widows’ capital of the world,” housing as many as 50,000 widows. As the war in Afghanistan continues to affect the civilian population, the plight of the widows is a significant issue to be discussed as injustice surrounds this overlooked community of girls and women across the generations. In this follow-up session, students will have a special opportunity to revisit this issue from GNG and CARE’s videoconference from Spring 2008.  Students will come face to face with this group of incredible women to learn of their resilience and the real challenges that continue to face them today.

Can’t join the videoconference? Then watch it live!  All of GNG’sprograms can be watched via live streaming.

Instructions are as follows:
Visit  Streaming.bcisd.org
Username: Polycom/ Password: specialClick on ‘Live Streaming’.
Hit the play button icon.

For more information about Global Nomads Group’s programs, please contact Grace@gng.org or 212.529.0377

Energy Programs from GNG Tuesday, March 24, 2009

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Flickr Creative Commons: Glen Canyon Dam and Bridge, Page, ArizonaNuclear Energy:
Tuesday, April 14 and Thursday, April 16

Solar Energy:
Tuesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 30

Dams:
Tuesday, May  12 and Thursday, May 14

Times: TBD

Theme: ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE; GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Grades: 7-8, 9-12
Cost (includes 2 videoconferences): $300

In its 10-year history, Global Nomads Group has conducted videoconferences in more than 40 countries and reached more than one million young people. Each year, as many as 10,000 students participate in GNG’s interactive programs, which have been recognized for their educational value and innovation.

“Drill, Baby, Drill?” This mantra was repeated time and time again in the Presidential election last fall. What is all this talk of drilling and alternative energy about, and why should we care? In this 4-part PULSE series, students will explore the various sources of energy that have been significantly discussed in the media in recent months and their indelible impact on the environment. We will look into alternative fuel for vehicles – and what our GM Suburbans may look like in the future; nuclear energy and its significant role in the international community; solar energy; and dams. In addition, young people will have the opportunity to speak directly with scientists and experts in the field of energy.

Flickr photo by mandj98

GNG’s Celebration of U.N. Women’s Week/International Women’s Day Tuesday, February 3, 2009

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FROM GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP: “In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2009, GNG will be celebrating the remarkable achievements of women worldwide all week long!  Students will study a series of women who have taken exquisite leadership in their communities by learning how they are changing and shaping our world!

Dates: Tues., March 3 | Wed., March 4 | Thurs., March 5 | Fri., March 6
Theme: GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
Times: TBA
Grades: 7-8, 9-12
Cost: $200/ per VC or $800/ Entire Program Series/ or membership price*
 Sign up

CAREIn partnership with CARE, we will celebrate International Women’s Day through viewing a documentary called A Powerful Noise the evening of March 5 (details to follow for those schools who sign up).  On March 6, students will have the unique opportunity to speak with an individual involved with the making of this documentary.

Find a screening of A Powerful Noise near you”

Face to Faith Videoconference Pilot Announced Friday, January 23, 2009

Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Collaboration, Distance Learning, Links, Videoconferencing.
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GNGNEWS FROM GLOBAL NOMADS GROUP: Face to Faith (is a partnership with the Tony Blair Faith Foundation) and offers young people the chance to explore their own identities and that of others in relation to their faith. These Global Nomad Group videoconferences aim to increase students’ religious literacy while improving the 21st century skills of critical thinking, collaboration and cooperative learning.

Face to Faith offers schools & communities a unique opportunity to explore faith from an individual and local perspective through to a global outlook by connecting young people from different cultures and faiths. Tony Blair Faith Foundation logo

Grade Level: Advanced students ages 13-16 | Related subjects: World History, Geography, Religious Studies, Social Studies | Cost: Free from January to March (pilot phase)

“Since October 2008, GNG has connected nearly 800 students from Canada, India, Singapore, and the USA in videoconferences that explore how Faith impacts the everyday life and culture of youth today. Through January and March, Face to Faith will be offered as a free pilot program to help build dialogue among youth around the world and encourage personal reflection, collaboration and awareness. Sign up for GNG’s new program: Face to Faith, in partnership with the Tony Blair Faith Foundation.”

For more information or to register for this program, please contact Christine Robinson, Christine@gng.org or visit www.gng.org!

President Obama Inauguration Day Wednesday, January 7, 2009

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ObamaFROM GNG: In this special PULSE session, GNG will kick-off our Spring programs by bringing students along to partake in the most historic moment of our times. Tuesday, January 20, 2009 marks the date where the 44th President, Barack Obama, will be the nation’s first African-American President to be sworn into office. GNG will be on the ground – live from Washington DC - bringing the energy from the streets into the classroom! For the first half hour, students from across the country and around the world will share their opinions of the inauguration. In the last half hour, GNG will be interviewing eyewitnesses who will be in attendance so that they can speak with students about their impressions of this historic occasion. Students will have the unique opportunity to ask questions to individuals attending the inauguration. GNG will also air excerpts from the inauguration.

Dates: Tuesday, January 20
Times: 9:30-10:30 a.m., 10:30-11:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m., 2-3 p.m. (EST)
Grades: 7-8, 9-12
Theme: GLOBAL POLITICS

To sign up, contact GNG.

March, April May, the GNG way Wednesday, December 17, 2008

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Here are some more spring videoconferences being offered by Global Nomads Group. Sign up early, they are very popular!

MARCH :
Women and Gender Issues: A Week-long Celebration for International Women’s Day
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2009, students will be celebrating the remarkable achievements of women by looking at how women are changing and shaping many worldwide issues. Specifically, we will celebrate International Women’s Day through studying a series of women who have taken exquisite leadership in their communities. We will look at women’s leading roles in education, climate change, human rights, as well as the financial sector. In addition, in partnership with CARE, we will celebrate International Women’s Day through a study of specific programs implemented by CARE that have promoted women’s welfare in the international community through viewing a documentary called A Powerful Noise.

Exploring Energy: Alternative Fuels, Nuclear Energy, Solar Energy, Dams
Four 2-Part PULSE Series ( March-May)
earth_icon“Drill, Baby, Drill?”  This mantra was repeated time and time again in the Presidential Elections last fall.  What is all this talk of drilling and alternative energy about, and why should we care? In this 4 part Pulse series, students will explore the various sources of energy that have been significantly discussed in the media in recent months and their impact on the environment. We will look into alternative fuel for vehicles – and what our GM Suburbans may look like in the future; nuclear energy and its significant role in the international community; solar energy; and dams. In addition, young people will have the opportunity to speak directly with scientists and experts in the field of energy.

APRIL:
CORRESPONDENTS PROGRAM
GNG will organize a series of videoconferences from a yet to be disclosed location with GNG’s four founders. The program will draw upon the history of GNG’s field programs and may last up to two weeks. Stay tuned for more info!

LIVE from the Field: CARE- Afghanistan
afghanistanCARE has been working in Afghanistan since 1961, though the 1979 Soviet invasion and the violent civil war that followed made it necessary to suspend operations from 1980 to 1989. Recently, due to heightened security issues, CARE has had to re-structure some of its humanitarian relief programs, but it is still actively supporting Afghans all over the country. CARE currently works to fight the underlying causes of poverty in Afghanistan in three major areas: advocacy, relief, and development. In this four-part videoconference series, students will go beyond the headlines to learn firsthand about the issues facing the people of Afghanistan from one of the key NGOs that is supporting their development. What are the current challenges facing Afghanistan? How are students, young widows, and other vulnerable groups affected by these challenges? What role does CARE play in aiding the redevelopment efforts? How are the U.S. and other governments participating? Students will have the opportunity, first-hand, to speak with Afghan students and CARE staff members about the past, present and future direction of their country, despite the manifold issues they are facing, many of them life-threatening.

MAY:
Rapid Response: The Democratic Republic of Congo
Over the past ten years, more than 5.4 million men, women, and children have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo primarily due to the drcconsequences of its civil war (diseases, bloodshed, etc.). Just recently, the on-going conflict in the DRC has been splashed in the major headlines as the country is on the brink of another war. In this special PULSE series, students will learn to identify the root causes of the conflict and the humanitarian and environmental issues as a result of it. In addition, students will learn to celebrate the history and culture of the DRC and identify the ways to bring hope to its future.

Darfur: Never, Ever Again? Friday, September 26, 2008

Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Collaboration, Distance Learning, Links, Videoconferencing.
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Today I sat in with a class that participated in a Global Nomads Group videoconference (Darfur: Never, Ever Again?). It connected with two other schools (one in Canada, one in North Carolina) and the v/c included  featured speaker Adam Sterling. Adam Sterling of Sudan Divestment Task Force, was in Darfur NOW (alongside George Clooney and Don Cheadle) and he discussed the vital role divestment has played in resolving the conflict in Darfur, as well as answered students questions on divestment, military presence, oil, etc.

The genocide taking place in Darfur is a world-wide issue. He also emphasized that we have to help make changes in Darfur. Adam asked one student why, and she replied that we had to help because we were all part of humanity, and we would want help if it were us. Students asked how they could help right off the bat. Adam enthusiastically spoke about STAND, the student-lead division of the Genocide Intervention Network. STAND is made up of students of all ages, backgrounds, and locations. Adam also reminded the students, even if they weren’t old enough to vote, to watch the first Presidential debate tonight, because one of the topics to be discussed is foreign policy. Though they may not be able to cast a ballot, their voices can still be heard, so they need to pay attention to what the candidates say.

I found the experience to be very moving and inspiring. To learn more about STAND, visit: http://www.standnow.org/ and to see past GNG programs, visit: http://www.gng.org/product/videos/index.html.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Face to Faith series Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Collaboration, Distance Learning, Videoconferencing.
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A message for Global Nomads Group:
We are thrilled to announce a new multi-year program, Face to Faith, in partnership with the Tony Blair Faith Foundation.  We invite you to join our nine-week journey as we cross borders and cultures to explore six major world religions, in an effort to support and encourage interfaith dialogue, tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding.

In this age of global interconnectedness, never before has tolerance – tolerance of different beliefs, cultures, and religions – been so vital to peaceful relations.  Percentages of religious adherents worldwide are growing, and with that, the need for understanding and openness among the diverse faiths that make up the worldwide community is becoming indispensable in an age of globalization.

GNG has partnered with the Tony Blair Faith Foundation to provide the “Face to Faith” videoconference series, where students from different faiths around the world will come together in weekly videoconferences – at either 8 am ET or 1 pm ET – to talk face-to-face about religion and the role it plays in their lives. Throughout the course of the semester, students will educate one another about the principles and practices of the six major world religions, in addition to discussing the challenges confronting interreligious relations among them. Participants will have the opportunity to approach religion from two distinct angles: interfaith and intrafaith.  In this way, youth from around the world will take part in or witness conversations between Muslims and Christians, between Buddhists and Hindus, and many more. Youth will also participate in cross-cultural dialogue as members of the same religion from different corners of the global community, gathering, for example, Muslims from countries as diverse as Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States to engage in dialogue about their shared religion.

Throughout the discussions, each of which will focus on a different topic related to religion, students will come to know their peers from diverse faiths and, in so doing, work together through shared dialogue and mutual understanding, to create a future characterized not by misconception, but by truth, and not by ignorance, but by understanding and compassion.

WEEK ONE:
Monday, October 6th | Interfaith: Buddhism and the Four Noble Truths
Students will learn about the main principles of Buddhism, which is based on the “Four Noble Truths,” namely (1) “the noble truth that is suffering”; (2) “the noble truth that is the arising of suffering”; (3) “the noble truth that is the end of suffering”; and (4)”the noble truth that is the way leading to the end of suffering.” Furthermore, students will explore the connection between Buddhism and other major world religions. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

Wednesday, October 8th | Intrafaith: Buddhism from California to China
Students will explore the diversity within Buddhism through the introduction of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana philosophies and the different regions of the world in which they are practiced.  Furthermore, students will be able to identify shared practices and notable differences amongst the three spiritual schools of thought. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

WEEK TWO:
Monday, October 13th | Interfaith: Christianity and the Golden Rule
Students will learn about the main principles and practices of Christianity, namely the moral ethic of reciprocity, otherwise known as the “Golden Rule”: “do to others what you would have them do to you” (Book of Matthew).  Furthermore, students will explore the connection between Christianity and other major world religions. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

Wednesday, October 15th | Intrafaith: Let’s Talk about Sects: Catholicism to Unitarianism
Students will have the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into Christianity through understanding its distinct differences in the way it is practiced and the fundamental similarities in theology. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

WEEK THREE:
Monday, October 20th | Interfaith:  Hinduism: The Practice of Meditation and Yoga
Students will learn about the main principles and practices of Hinduism, namely the spiritual teachings of the Vedas, and the integral link that meditation and yoga play in the life of Hindus. Furthermore, students will explore the connection between Hinduism and other major world religions. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

Wednesday, October 22nd | Intrafaith: Religion in India: Hinduism, Culture, and Conflict
Students will relate the practice of Hinduism to the formation of India and the circumstances that have created religion-based conflict in recent years. Students will then be able to cross-analyze Hinduism practiced in different regions around the world. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

WEEK FOUR:
Monday, October 27th | Interfaith: Islam: The Five Pillars
Students will discuss the main principles and practices of Sunni Islam, based on the Five Pillars: (1) Shah?dah – profession of faith; (2) Salah – prayer; (3) Zakâh – paying of alms (giving to the poor); (4) Sawm – fasting during Ramadan; and (5) Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca (Wikipedia).  Furthermore, students will explore the connection between Islam and other major world religions. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

Wednesday, October 29th | Intrafaith: Islam in Malaysia: Worship in a Diverse Society
Students will discuss the open nature of Malaysian society regarding religion, and in particular, they will learn basic information about Islam and the unique way it is practiced in Malaysia.  Students will explore the role Islam plays in women’s lives and the intersection between Islam, other religions, and Malaysian society. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

WEEK FIVE:
Monday, November 3rd | Interfaith: Judaism and the 10 Commandments: Teaching Tolerance
Students will explore the central tenets of Judaism and the 10 Commandments, the bedrock of a just, tolerant society.  Moreover, students will go on to discuss the intersection between Judaism and other major world religions. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00-2:00 PM (ET)

Wednesday, November 5th | Intrafaith:  Judaism: Orthodox, Reformed and Everything in Between
Students will explore the history of the Jewish faith and will take a closer look at the diversity among its practitioners.  Students will also discuss basic information about the modern state of Israel through understanding the history of the Jewish Diaspora. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

WEEK SIX:
Monday, November 10th | Interfaith: Religious Faith and Controversial Subjects: Abortion to Terrorism
Students will explore how the six major world religions tackle controversial subjects, from abortion to terrorism.  Moreover, students will go on to discuss the similarities and differences in the way the six major world religions confront religious controversy. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

Wednesday, November 12th | Intrafaith:  Islam and Sharia Law: Multi-Country Case Studies
Students will explore Sharia Law, Islamic Law, and discuss how various Islamic countries approach its application upon civil society. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

WEEK SEVEN:
Monday, November 17th | Interfaith: Gender and Religion
Students will discuss the role of men and women in the six major world religions, with particular attention paid to the role of women in gender dynamics between and amongst the six faith communities. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

Wednesday, November 19th | Intrafaith:  Protestants and Catholics: Women of the Cloth
 Students will take a closer look at the responsibilities women have had in the Catholic and Protestant Churches. In addition, they will identify the contributions and influences women have had in these two faiths. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

WEEK EIGHT:
Monday, December 1st | Interfaith: Religion and Family Life
Students will explore the multiple meanings of marriage and family life in various types of families, from conjugal to nuclear, according to the six religious doctrines.  Furthermore, students will go on to discuss the similarities and differences in how the six world religions view marriage and divorce. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

Wednesday, December 3rd | Intrafaith: Judaism: What’s a Mitzvah Have to Do with It?
Students will discuss the basic traditions of a Bar and Bat Mitzvah – a Jewish youth rite of passage – and how it is celebrated by Jews around the globe. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

WEEK NINE:
Monday, December 8th | Interfaith: Sikhism, the Concept of a “Guru” and the 5 K’s
Students will discuss Sikhism, the fifth largest world religious community, and its relationship to Hinduism, as well as the other major world religions. Available Times: 8:00 -9:00 AM | 1:00 – 2:00 PM (ET)

Wednesday, December 10th | Intrafaith: Sikhism and Political Participation
Why do Sikhs have such a history of political activism, including the current Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh? Students will explore this rich history. Available Times: 8:00-9:00 AM | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)

To sign up, please visit the GNG website at http://www.gng.org or e-mail Grace Lau at Grace@gng.org (Subject: Face to Faith Sign Up)

Fall GNG Schedule Friday, August 8, 2008

Posted by Rebecca Morrison in Classroom Technology, Collaborations, Distance Learning, Tech PD, Videoconferencing.
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“Established in 1998, the Global Nomads Group (GNG) is an international NGO that creates interactive educational programs for students about global issues. GNG’s educational programs include (1) four types of videoconferences — The PULSE, Currents, Innovations and Rapid Response — where students learn about and discuss subjects with their peers from around the world in live, facilitated sessions; and (2) videos and learning content on a variety of international issues relevant to teachers and students.All GNG programs are directly linked to school curricula, education standards and 21st century learning objectives, and are accompanied by lesson plans and training to teachers. Programs are broadcast during the school day and cover a range of topics in the curriculum, including civics, social and global studies, geography, world history, science, economics and politics.”

- Global Nomads Group Overview

St. Louis area schools love to connect to Global Nomads Group (GNG). The GNG team is wonderful to work with, and they produce quality, engaging, international videoconferences. They’ve recently posted the Fall 2008 topics: