TEAM10_HK

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Comment by Christopher John Calvert on September 19, 2009 at 5:13am

Hi guys,

I'm a virtual participant. I like your approach and agree with the start small part. I believe that one thing that international schools can do is make connections with schools in the local area (country) that they are based in. But, I believe the initial connections should not, to whatever extent possible, have any power bias whatsoever. That means that the connection or the meeting of the two schools is not in any way related to 'donations', 'giving', 'doing something for' either one of the schools (especially the 'rich' school for the 'poor' school). This can be done through sports, art or music exchanges, a gathering to both participate in a project with equal responsibilities. Once this happens the schools start to build a relationship and there is no school that is more of a 'giant' than another. Maybe there will come a time when the relationship grows to a point where one schools can help the other in a way that is directed by the asking school. You see, I worry that there is a false understanding of what is needed in schools on the 'unlucky' side of the digital divide. Sure, I bet some of them would love more technology and stuff, but it should serve a purpose for them and be 'given' or 'taught' at a time when there is a genuine desire by for a specific purpose to have that. Only then will technology improve the quality of life for those living without it - only when they are the ones that have asked and have a goal for using it in a productive way for their own communities. Forcing technology on people might help to some degree, but listening first and working at a grassroots level is going to help much more. This thought is a bit hair-brained and I apologize for that, but I wanted to try to get a point across. I think you guys are onto something very good and I don't mean to bash it - just trying to give my own opinion to add to the discussion. Good work this weekend and thanks for letting me be a part of it.

Chris
(Manila, Philippines)