Empowering Students Through Global Connections: A Nepali Teacher's Experience

By Mr. Kaushal Oli, Teacher

As an educator at Creative Academy in the historic city of Kirtipur within the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, I have directly experienced the transformative impact of virtual exchanges. Our school's engagement with IVECA’s several virtual exchange programs has played a critical role in expanding our students' perspectives and nurturing their global citizenship. Through collaborations with schools across the globe, we have enhanced our curriculum and empowered our students to become confident and engaged learners.

Beginning the Journey with IVECA 

When it comes to the international dimension in the curriculum, it often connotes connecting local learning experiences with global practices from around the world. To infuse this value into the curriculum of Nepal, the teachers at Creative Academy came up with the idea of organizing and participating in various virtual exchanges with partner schools worldwide. I was responsible for finding suitable partner organizations to facilitate seamless collaboration on meaningful lessons for all teachers. I eagerly initiated the search for partners to ensure that every class could have at least one collaborator throughout the year. During this process, I came across an announcement by IVECA about an opportunity to participate in virtual exchanges with schools in different countries. This is where our journey with IVECA began.

Our Participation

The first participation in IVECA's program was during the two-week Global Virtual Summer Camp 2022. A team of ten students took part in a roundtable discussion, where they gained valuable insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They had the opportunity to explore their country’s science, technology, and soft power and suggest solutions for the SDGs through guidance from renowned experts in their respective fields. The hands-on experiences during the ten days of early morning meetings with instructors and participating schools from India and South Korea are still vivid in our memories. 

Despite facing challenges such as the monsoon season causing disruptions to our internet and electricity, as well as limited access to audio technology, the students showed remarkable enthusiasm. These experiences have left a lasting impression, with approximately 110 students participating in various programs over the past two years. IVECA has become more than just an organization; it is now an integral part of the learning experience for our middle and high school students and teachers. Whenever they seek exchange opportunities, students don't ask for a virtual exchange program; they ask, "When is IVECA?"

Impacts Seen from a Teacher’s Eyes

In my role as a leading teacher at the school, I have the privilege of closely observing and collaborating with middle and high school students. When I compare their involvement in various activities with those who have participated in IVECA programs, I notice a distinct difference. Many of the participants exhibit exceptional leadership in the school’s regular Sunday clubs. For instance, a 10th-grade student took charge of her club's activities by leading the preparation of a short documentary video for an inter-club competition. She not only guided her peers in exploring the soft power of their club but also empowered them to create an impactful video for the competition. The confidence with which she discussed the concept of soft power was surprising, as it is not a common topic of discussion among Nepali students of her age. 

Additionally, the participating students demonstrate precise and impactful presentation skills in their regular school activities and programs. Beyond academic pursuits, a crucial aspect of IVECA's virtual exchange activities is the integration of culture and local context among participating schools and their respective countries. During the IVECA programs, students often present multi-faceted perspectives related to their culturally and locally specific backgrounds to their friends. Such cross-cultural exchanges have significantly enriched the students' learning experiences, adding holistic value to their participation. 

The impact has not only been observed on the students; I have also had numerous opportunities to reshape my approaches to learning, teaching, and leadership within my professional life. These experiences have been precious, providing me with the golden opportunity to transform classroom collaboration and the possibilities of creating ideal learning experiences into something entirely different. 

These transformative experiences with IVECA, which empower our students and redefine our approach to education, affirm that global connections remain at the heart of our teaching and learning journey. I am excited about our continued engagement with IVECA and look forward to even more opportunities for our students to connect, learn, and grow on a global scale.

#IVECA #VirtualExchange #GlobalCitizenship #GCED #GlobalConnection #StudentEmpowerment #TransformativeEducation #InterculturalExchange

Enhancing Educational Excellence with AI: IVECA’s Professional Development Session

In the rapidly evolving field of education, AI offers innovative solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. This semester, IVECA organized a series of professional development sessions aimed at introducing our team to the different ways in which we can reap the benefits of AI to maximize learning while remaining alert to its risks. These sessions were not just about learning new tools but understanding the profound impact AI can have on our educational processes. From automating routine tasks to providing personalized learning experiences, AI promises to revolutionize our approach, making it both more efficient and effective.

The first session, held on July 5th, was a deep dive into the fundamentals of AI. Team members were given a comprehensive introduction to the mechanics of AI, followed by an exploration of prompt engineering. However, the heart of the session was the discussion on ethical considerations. How do we ensure that AI enhances rather than hinders the educational process? Issues like student cheating, equity and access, intellectual property, and data protection were at the forefront of these discussions. The consensus was clear: integrating AI into our activities is crucial, but it must be done mindfully and responsibly.

One of the significant outcomes of this session was the formulation of IVECA’s AI Use Guidelines, which is essential in today’s tech-driven world. These guidelines underscore the importance of responsible AI use, fairness, and inclusivity. They also focus on fostering global citizenship and intercultural competence, while encouraging critical thinking among students. For any organization, particularly in education, these principles are vital in ensuring that AI integration is both ethical and advantageous/fruitful.

Professional development focused on AI offers numerous benefits. Upcoming sessions are to ensure that our team remains at the cutting edge of educational technology, equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to enhance our teaching methods. Such training sessions help educators understand the potential and limitations of AI, enabling them to make informed decisions about its implementation. They also provide a platform for discussing the ethical implications of AI in education, ensuring that its integration supports equity, inclusivity, and student privacy. Moreover, these sessions encourage a culture of continuous learning and innovation, vital for adapting to the ever-changing educational landscape.

As we look to the future, the importance of professional development in emerging technologies becomes ever more apparent. Ensuring that our team is knowledgeable and prepared to integrate these advancements effectively is crucial. IVECA’s steadfast commitment to our students and teachers drives us to continually seek out and implement innovative solutions, maintaining our position as a leader in virtual education. Such endeavors to stay at the forefront of educational innovation, are not just about keeping up with the times but about setting the pace for the future of education.

#IVECA #GlobalCitizenship #AIinEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #InterculturalUnderstanding #VirtualExchange

Colombian Schools Debut in IVECA: A Journey of Global Citizenship and Sustainability

Middle and high school students from Colombia have participated in the IVECA program, marking a significant milestone in the school's history. The IVECA program, well-known for fostering global connections and cultural understanding among students, provided these young Colombian learners with an unprecedented opportunity to interact with peers from another continent. Over the semester, the students engaged in various educational activities designed to broaden their perspectives on global issues and enhance their intercultural understanding. Their culminating live gatherings in July not only solidified the friendships they had formed but also allowed them to experience firsthand cultural diversity and the strength of global cooperation.

The programs concluded with the highly anticipated Live Classes, where the Colombian students met virtually with their counterparts from South Korea. This interactive session served as a capstone to their collaborative learning journey. Middle school students focused on the theme, “Becoming Global Citizens,” who value their own heritage and respect the lives of others. They shared presentations that offered a glimpse into their everyday lives, providing Korean friends with a rich perspective of cultural insights. Highlighting traditional foods from Colombia, students created a menu taking into account the diverse ingredients their landscape has to offer, such as coffee beans, corn, and avocado. Conversely, Korean students shared a favorite meal consisting of chicken, rice, and soy sauce. Through these exchanges, the students celebrated the uniqueness of their daily routines while fostering a deeper appreciation for their Korean peers’ way of life. 

High school students took on the more complex issues of "Globalization and Sustainability." Their presentations highlighted critical challenges facing Colombia related to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. They explained how certain Colombian traditions such as the Carnival of Barranquilla, while cherished, are having detrimental effects on the environment due to littering of decorations. Additionally, Korean partners tackled the pervasive issue of greenwashing, where companies falsely market products as environmentally friendly. A solution presented by students included a QR system for the environmental certification of popular products. These presentations not only underscored the importance of sustainable practices but also ignited meaningful discussions on how both countries could collaborate on environmental issues. 

The success of this first-time participation has left a lasting impression on both the students and educators involved. The Colombian school community has expressed immense pride in their students' achievements and looks forward to continuing their partnership with IVECA. As stated by a Colombian teacher, “This has been the first experience for us of a cultural interchange. Overall, we have learned a lot about Korea, its culture and traditions, and how different we are. There are many things to continue learning and borders to cross to become global citizens. But thanks to online interactions, we are closer than ever.” This experience has not only enriched the students' educational journey but has also opened doors to future international collaborations, fostering a generation of young global leaders committed to making a positive impact on the world.

#IVECA #GlobalCitizenship #SDGs #Sustainability #InterculturalUnderstanding #VirtualExchange