Paving the Way for Seamless Live Classes

Throughout the semester, teachers in the IVECA program collaborate virtually and prepare for the upcoming Live Classes, dynamic, cross-cultural learning sessions that provide students with the opportunity to connect face-to-face. Building upon their virtual exchange over the preceding months and showcasing their project-based work from the IVECA program, students engage in lively discussions. While organizing these interactive virtual events requires coordination, the collaborative efforts of teachers make them seamless and culturally immersive. 

As part of IVECA's comprehensive preparation, Test Sessions are held to bring the participating teachers together before the Live Classes begin. These preliminary meetings enhance teachers’ confidence in their facilitative roles and more effectively foster cross-cultural exchanges.

This spring, teachers from Brazil, Colombia, and Taiwan joined for the first time. Returning schools from China, India, Korea and Nepal reaffirmed their commitment to cultivating global citizenship, further cementing their roles as creative and proactive global citizens. Teachers recently gathered online for the preparatory test sessions, approaching them with passion and appreciation for the transformative nature of their upcoming interactive classes. One Brazilian teacher expressed that the test session left him feeling more comfortable and better prepared.

Test Sessions offer a platform for teachers to thoughtfully plan the flow of the Live Classes. This includes assigning specific roles, such as which groups will present and when, and strategizing the use of discussion questions to promote interculturally enriching dialogue. The IVECA team also works closely with the schools to address any technical needs and provide guidance on best practices. By tackling potential technical considerations in advance, teachers can focus on delivering a high-quality learning experience for their students. 

By thoroughly planning every aspect of the IVECA Live Classes, from scheduling and room setup to content delivery and technical troubleshooting, teachers are poised to deliver a transformative virtual learning experience that transcends geographic boundaries and fosters meaningful international connections. This holistic approach to preparation ensures that the live sessions run smoothly and effectively, creating lasting impacts on the participating students.

#IVECA #InterculturalCompetence #GlobalCitizenship #TeachersAcrossBorders #VirtualExchange

From Play to Global Citizenship

For the first year, this June 11, the International Day of Play was being celebrated across the globe. This day emphasizes the universal language of play, surpassing cultural, socio-economic and linguistic boundaries. Play is not merely a recreational activity; it is a fundamental aspect of human potential, especially in children. It nurtures cognitive, social, and emotional growth. At IVECA, we recognize the transformative impact of play-based collaborative learning on child development and are dedicated to integrating these elements into our mission of fostering intercultural competence of global citizens.

By providing tangible or imaginable problems to solve with creativity,  playing facilitates building knowledge and awareness. IVECA’s learning activities are designed to foster students’ sense of belonging in global society, by engaging them with international affairs and their impact on local communities and their partner countries. These tasks require them to think critically and creatively, promoting a deeper understanding of global issues and diverse perspectives. By acquiring knowledge about different cultural influences and learning to navigate complex problems, students develop cognitive skills that are essential for global citizenship.

Play’s interactivity promotes social growth by helping children explore social dynamics, build responsible relationships, and experience compassionate teamwork through challenging activities with other members. IVECA often sets simulated intercultural learning environments where students can play multi-stakeholder roles to adopt various perspectives in tackling real-world issues in collaboration.  Through these interactive activities, students learn to communicate effectively and cooperate with peers from diverse backgrounds with compassion. 

Play also cultivates emotional advancement by enabling children to express themselves properly, manage emotions, and experience resilience-building. IVECA’s programs encourage students to share their feelings and perspectives on dynamic aspects of daily life, including both traditional and contemporary community practices.  Students can be guided to virtually participate in community festivals and play their childhood games with their partners overseas and exchange both joy and frustrations. While undergoing emotional challenges in such activities, they also learn the similar and different values and meanings behind the games and communities. These experiences teach students to appreciate the emotional nuances of different cultures, develop empathy, and enhance their ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams. 

On this celebratory day and throughout the year, IVECA proudly stands alongside this worldwide movement, using the universal language of play to educate, inspire, and unlock the boundless potential of students around the globe. By leveraging the power of interactive and collaborative learning, IVECA strives to build a more connected, compassionate world where students from all backgrounds can come together, explore new perspectives, and develop the skills needed to thrive as global citizens.

#IVECA #GCED #VirtualExchange #InteractiveLearning #InterculturalCompetence #InternationalDayofPlay

A Semester of Global Engagement

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, fostering global citizenship among students has never been more crucial. The IVECA Spring Semester 2024 was kicked off successfully with teachers and students preparing for live encounters with their partners, the much-awaited Live Classes! 

This spring, IVECA has the pleasure of collaborating with teachers from Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Korea, Nepal, and Taiwan creating an enriching semester for all students through Teacher Professional Development (TPD) sessions designed to equip educators with the knowledge needed for a smooth start.

The TPD sessions supply educators with the skills and knowledge to engage students in meaningful, cross-cultural exchanges. Through these sessions, teachers are introduced to the IVECA platform's diverse features, including the Teachers' Room, which facilitates connections with global counterparts. Educators also gain insights into the Live Class, an interactive virtual event that features student presentations, cultural performances, and heartfelt farewell letters, showcasing students' cross-cultural learning, and connections. By preparing teachers to guide their students in posting personal introductions, sharing cultural insights, and posing thought-provoking questions, these sessions play a crucial role in fostering a global perspective among students.

With the guidance of our distinguished teachers, students began introducing themselves to their global partners, demonstrating remarkable engagement, enthusiasm, and dedication to learning about their partner's culture. These dynamic online interactions cultivate an environment where learners can forge meaningful connections and develop a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.

As one student from Korea replied to his partner from Brazil “I think it's a good opportunity to talk to a friend in another country. Curitiba, where you live, is listed as an eco-friendly city in our social studies textbook, but it is not explained in detail, so I wonder what kind of city Curitiba is. Also, I am curious about Brazil's traditions.”

With teachers' invaluable support, IVECA aims to create a journey full of learning, engagement, and exchange for students around the world. Together, we develop curricula that foster interculturally competent global citizens, capable of understanding people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and finding sustainable, peaceful solutions to address today's issues.

#IVECA #InternationalVirtualSchooling #InterculturalCompetence #TPD #GlobalCitizenship #GlobalEducation #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #SpringSemester