RCE Grand Rapids-2013
Duration of project:
Friday, November 1, 2013
1. Describe coordination and management of the project. Please also reflect how the RCE as a network organisation has contributed to the project. (Character count 400 words):
This project involved a multi-sector approach within our RCE and high level coordination with five other RCEs on three continents. RCE members Ferris State University, Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, the Grand Rapids Public Schools and the City of Grand Rapids organized the conference, including topic choice, curriculum development and technology interface. RCEs Rhine- Muesse, Bogata, Lima, Curitiba, Saskatchewan participated by identifying secondary schools, organizing curriculum delivery and technology training through the offices of RCE Grand Rapids. On the day of the conference each RCE had a presence with its secondary school class to monitor and evaluate the conference. The site remains available to all RCE participants for continuous education on the subject of water. RCE Lima has made continuing use of the site for education of secondary school students.
2. What are the current results of the project in terms of output (e.g. publications, developed practices, course materials)? (Character count 300 words):
The conference can be viewed by others. Peer-to-peer education is a highly effective tool; the students involved in the conference educated their peers around the world on a water issue critical to them and on prospective solutions to that water issue. Additionally, the Blackboard Colkaborate platform is an ongoing web-based tool for continuing dialogue and interaction between member parties
3. What are the expected/confirmed outcomes (e.g. impact of the project, such as changed practices, improved capacity, institutional changes, etc.)? Please provide evidence where applicable. (Character count 400 words):
Although this is a one-time event, the licensee for the software -- RCE Grand Rapids member Grand Valley State university -- is offering access to the software for any RCE which wants to participate in a Virtual Conference. RCE Grand Rapids will offer a second conference in spring 2014; however, it will assist any other RCEs interested in hosting a similar conference using this software.
Are there any unexpected/ unplanned results achieved by your project? If yes, briefly describe or list them. (Character count 200 words):
The enthusiasm generated through the project has been noteworthy on a local scale as well as amongst the participating RCEs. Sustainability-themed dialogue within the hosting school has been significantly increased as a result of conference impact. Dialogue between RCEs has also been stimulated as a result of the community building nature of the conference.
4. What are the remaining challenges and/ or limitations for further development? (Character count 300 words):
The technolgy worked remarkably well. However, an issue is broadband capacity at the site of each participant school.
What is the project’s contribution to innovative and transformative educational processes for sustainable development (especially regarding formal/ non-formal learning/ research)? (Character count 500 words):
Globe-spanning, peer to peer learning which puts youth together in real time, solving environmental issues, is cutting edge. The technology permits multiple simultaneous educational interactions.
How can you scale up and mainstream ESD and SD practices of the project and enable it to contribute to the implementation of the Global Action Programme (GAP) as proposed by UNESCO? (Character count 300 words) :
Grand Valley State University is making this technology and the practices we evolved through preparing this first Virtual Conference available to all RCEs at no cost.
How does you project contribute institutional and policy reforms as part of sustainability change? (Character count 500 words):
The Grand Rapids Public Schools have embraced this method of instruction in City High School and have originated further learning opportunities with school children in the RCE Rhine-Meusse region.
5. How does your project further improve capacities of various partners and stakeholders on the theme? (Character count 500 words):
Technological capacity is improved at each site. Instructional pedagogy shifts to peer to peer learning with instructional staff supporting student learning initiatives.
6. How does your project link to the SDGs or other global frameworks (e.g. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Convention on Biological Diversity, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030)? (Character count 300 words):
See #19 above
What is novel about the project within the RCE network and what could other RCEs learn from this experience? (Answer only if relevant) (Character count 250 words):
Its novelty is found both in the use of new technology to link students around the world in peer to peer learning and in its new pedagogy of student-led learning. these young people made in-depth analysis of their water issues over a two month period and gave stunning presentations of the highest quality on the day of the Virtual Conference.
What is the significance of this project for the region? How important are its results for its particular project category? (Character count 250 words):
We learn from others. Similar problems in different regions may apply varying solutions. Students get to analyse the problem, the solution and the results...and share the with peers around the world.
