In an effort to serve as a catalyst for moving videoconferencing forward among youth in Morocco with their peers in so many places of the world , and in order to help Global Nomad Group in their mission to foster dialogue and understanding among the world’s youth;
Mearn accepted whole heartedly to collaborate with this organization and host a dynamic working group of educational leaders for building capacity in videoconferencing and fostering cultural mutual understanding and dialogue among Moroccan and American youth
Schools involved from the USA.
Passaic Valley Regional High School is Little Falls, New Jersey.
It had up to 20 students who participated . Students are part of the course "Contemporary Issues through Videoconferencing."
The teacher's name is Kathleen Menake who also had a chance to extend her joy and gratitude in participating in such a program.
Tallwood High School is in Virginia Beach, Virginia- had 15 students
who participated. Students are part of the Global Studies program. The teacher's name is Gayle Hartigan who in her turn shared in discussions and shed light on so many points related to exchange , collaboration and partnerships.
The videoconference allowed both groups , American and Moroccan students, to discuss highly debatable international and local issues like :
Education , goals and purposes
Educational system in both countries
Holidays
Customs and beliefs,
Economy
Gastronomy
Geography and History
……. And others .
Most important of all, both groups engaged in discussion of big world events and issues like the following :
The Economic Crisis that hits the USA and its impact on the rest of the world ,
Immigration ,
Human right ,
Human trafficking
Globalization
and finally the events of September 11th in the USA and May 16th in Morocco, and their impacts on both countries.
CONCLUSION
In addition to the fact that the videoconference succeeded to a large extent to serve as a vehicle for awareness , building respect and bridging the boundaries of cultural misconceptions; it allowed both parts as well to share and exchange knowledge of specific local and international issues. Even the lapse of time was short, students are noticed to develop the following skills and abilities
- Global awreness and citizenship
- Communication s skills
- Knowledge of geography , big world events and global issues
- Cross cultural understandingand literacy
- Critical thinking skills
- Diplomacy and leadership skills
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