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Course Title: Providing a context for real-world communication and interaction in the Foreign and Second Languages Classroom Using iEARN in a foreign or second language classroom allows educators to experiment with the power of collaborative online projects while students practice language skills. Students will be using the language for real communication, with a real audience of international peers around the world. During this hands-on course participants learn how to analyze, choose, and participate in an iEARN project that suits their students' level of language skills and interests.  (Curriculum Standards Addressed in this Course) Course Goals: Identify the benefits of international collaboration and global project work Learn how to integrate collaborative project-based learning into your teaching practice while addressing local/national educational standards Develop a project plan to implement in your Foreign Language class Learn how to prepare your students for online global project work and evaluate their learning Network with educators in the course and around the world Facilitators: Nelly Platon Romania Read Bio Sonia Guzman Mexico Read Bio Structure: The course is asynchronous. This means participants work in their own time from home or school to complete weekly assignments. However, courses are very interactive and communication is continuous during the course period. Each course has 25 participants and two facilitators. You will communicate with one another through the iEARN discussion forums to discuss assignment and readings. You can expect frequent feedback from your facilitators and participants throughout the course period. Each course is divided into eight modules (one lesson per week) with readings, discussions, individual and group assignments. Lessons and assignments take participants step-by-step through the process of integrating an online collaborative project into their classroom. Participants will select a project that matches their state/national standards and begin integrating the project into their classroom during the course period. Participants can expect to commit 4-5 hours a week for a course. Educators who successfully complete all the course requirements will receive a certificate from iEARN-USA with recognition as an iEARN Master Teacher Prerequisites Basic word processing, Internet and e-mailing skills Reliable access to a computer and Internet Availability to commit at least 5 hours a week to course activities A classroom/students whom you will be working with throughout the course period Working knowledge of English Foreign Language Standards [ reference: Standards for the Foreign Language Arts from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. ] Communicate in Languages Other Than English Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on variety of topics Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of  listeners or readers on a variety of topics. Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Cultures Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the culture studied Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the culture studied Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language Students acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own. Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home & Around the World Students use the language both within and beyond the school setting Students show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment. ISTE NETS (National Educational Technology Standards) for Teachers [reference ISTE ] Effective teachers model and apply the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS•S) as they design, implement, and assess learning experiences to engage students and improve learning; enrich professional practice; and provide positive models for students, colleagues, and the community. All teachers should meet the following standards and performance indicators. Teachers: 1.    Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:   a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness   b. engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources   c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes   d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments 2.  Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers: a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and  resources to promote student learning and creativity b. develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources d. provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching 4.  Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices. Teachers: a. advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources b. address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and  providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools   and resources c. promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information d. develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools 5.  Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership  Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers: a. participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning (NETS•S - National Educational Technology Standards) and Performance Indicators for Students 1.    Creativity and Innovation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students: a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes. b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression. c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues. 2.     Communication and Collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.  Students: a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media. b. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats. c. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures. d. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems. 4.     Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making.  Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.  Students: a. identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation. b. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project. c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions. d. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions. 5.     Digital Citizenship Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students: a. advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology. b. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity. c. demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.   Partnership for 21st Century Skills: Framework for 21st Century Learning Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes • Global Awareness Learning and Innovation Skills • Creativity and Innovation • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving • Communication and Collaboration Information, Media and Technology Skills • Information Literacy • Media Literacy • ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy Life and Career Skills • Social and Cross-Cultural Skills • Productivity and Accountability