MAGPI Virtual Forums
Social Sciences

WORKING AGENDA

Coming Soon!

PREVIOUS VIRTUAL FORUMS

November 1, 2007
March 1, 2007
October 12, 2007
June 1, 2006

AGENDA/NOTES from November 1, 2007

Introductions

MiND: Media Independence
Howard Blumenthal, CEO
Independence Media

MiND: Media Independence is a new multi-platform TV and internet service that combines active community participation; a belief in learning; an independent spirit; an abundance of interesting stories and ideas; and an almost total disregard for the traditions of the television industry. This global learning network puts the power of making media into the hands of the community. MiND features 5 minute programs made by MiND members. Created by Independence Media of Philadelphia, MiND is the next step in the evolution of WYBE Channel 35 , the Greater Delaware Valley's independent public television station. MiND is video for the people, by the people.

Videoconferencing with Students in Namibia
Debra Piecka, Duquesne University
Doctoral Student

Downloading music, copyright issues, illegal file sharing… Since the Internet has become such an integral part of our lives, students face issues such as this every day. As a result, students need the tools to safely navigate the Internet. On December 6, 2007 students from across Berks County will be connecting via a bridge to a panel of experts at the Berks County Intermediate Unit. Teams of 4-6 gifted students at each location will participate in discussions with their peers and be able to ask a member of the Internet crime police, a judge, and a university professor questions. Through these discussions students will come to an understanding of current issues involving the use of the Internet. Learn about how Berks County IU is planning and facilitating this historic event!

Discussion

AGENDA/NOTES from March 1, 2007

Introductions

MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange
Faye Kendall
MYX

The National Constitution Center - Now a MAGPI Member!
Eli Lesser
The National Constitution Center

Alex's Virtual Lemonade Stand Project
Jennifer Oxenford
Associate Director
MAGPI

Pennsylvania Commission for Women VOICES Project
Jennifer Oxenford
Associate Director
MAGPI

International Education Week 2007 - Call for Planning Team Members
Jennifer Oxenford
Associate Director
MAGPI

Discussion

AGENDA/NOTES from October 12, 2006

Introductions

Exercise in Hard Choices
John Hirschbuhl, University of Akron

An Exercise in Hard Choices(SM) is an informational and educational process that allows multiple participants to simultaneously engage in an interactive federal budget simulation over Internet2. Created by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), An Exercise in Hard Choices allows high school students to experience the same hard choices faced by the President and Congress, alternately debating, conceding, or prevailing as they work on achieving group consensus.

The purpose of the Exercise is to teach students about the federal budget process and to demonstrate the importance for all citizens to be aware of the decisions being made on their behalf in Washington, D.C. Research conducted among University of Akron and high school students demonstrated participants gained in three areas:

A statistically significant increase in knowledge of the federal budget and budget process.

A statistically significant increase in interest in the budget process and how government works, including intentions to read about and discuss these topics in the future.

Satisfaction with the experience of using technology to solve a problem and achieve a goal.

The Exercise meets national Social Studies standards, including the opportunity to: develop core knowledge, analyze their own and others’ opinions on important issues, become motivated to participate in civic and community life as active, informed citizens, and debate civic issues, including decisions on health care, crime and foreign policy.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia - MAGPI Partnership Project
Leslie Willis-Lowry, AAMP

The African American Museum of Philadelphia and MAGPI are partnering to present a brand new videoconference program, entitled INSIDE THE STRUGGLE: Civil Rights and the Philadelphia Connection. Navigating the Jack T. Franklin Photographic Collection along side Dr. Martin Luther King, students will examine African American cultural, political and economic history in Philadelphia. Join us for a discussion and preview of the project. Living History performer Gary Giles will perform a portion of the program, playing the part of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

International Business Program
Dr. Carol Weber, Mercer County Community College

The International Business Practice Firm is a high-tech simulated business learning environment that mirrors the real business world. Students establish a “company” which conducts the normal operations of a business, such as, financing, purchasing, marketing and human resources. Each school conducts business in an authentic office environment equipped with the latest technologies. The unique dimension of this practice firm is that students actually interact and conduct business with students in other practice firms located in the U.S. and worldwide.

Internet 2 will be used to make the connection between students, as they “negotiate” and “trade” their goods and services, to learn about business practices and customs in other parts of the world, to host a virtual trade fair domestically and internationally, to allow teachers to get together to share “best practices,” and finally to build a community of learners in the simulated business learning environment through collaboration.

Discussion

 

AGENDA/NOTES from June 1, 2006 - Focus on GLOBAL LEARNING

Introductions

Megaconference Jr. 2006/China Mini-Forums
Kim Breuninger, CCIU
Jennifer Oxenford, MAGPI

Megaconference Jr. is a project designed to give students in elementary and secondary schools around the world the opportunity to communicate, collaborate and contribute to each other’s learning in real time, using advanced multi-point video conferencing technology. Presenters design and conduct videoconference-based presentation and activities focused on both academic and cultural issues. Participants are able to address questions to presenters and to collaborate with geographically diverse peers in collaborative learning activities, thus building international cultural awareness.

Megaconference 2006 was a tremendous success! Learn more about the program, mini-forums and how to get involved in the 2006-2007 school year.

The Around the World Project
Matthew Conforth, Passaic Valley High School

The purpose of Passaic Valley High School's "Around the World" project is to bring students from different cultures and backgrounds together to promote global awareness and understanding. By combining various technologies, including videoconferencing and interactive websites, this project promotes exchange of information and ideas amongst students. In it's fourth year, the annual culminating activity of this project involves Passaic Valley High School hosting a series of one-hour individual videoconferences with participating international schools during one 24-hour period. During the 24-hour "virtual" world tour, students are engaged in discussion on selected topics and problem-solving.

Join faculty and students that participated in this project to hear how they put the project together, their goals and motivations, and impact on student learning and engagement.

Global Learning - Wichita State University
Dr. Glyn Rimmington, Distinguished Professor of Global Learning

Dowload the Powerpoint Presentation

Wichita State University's Global Learning Project aims to provide all students with at least one global learning experience during their program. Their mission is to combine Global Reach, through modern communication technologies, and Global Perspectives, through interaction with learners and faculty of diverse cultures, to produce the Global Graduate.

The emphasis of Wichita State University's Global Learning program is on human-to-human intercultural communication protocols and competence.  They have developed a simple, metaphorical model to help participants to conceptualize the process of improving their intercultural communication.  Much of the innovation is in the educational strategies, rather than in the technology strategies.  The overall aim is to prepare people for the “Flat World”.

Brainstorming Session - Promoting Global Learning