Global Learning Circles Developing Exciting Project Ideas Web: www.globallearningcircles.org Twitter: iEARNglobalLC Barry S. Kramer, Ph.D. iEARN Global Learning Circles Coordinator Margaret Riel, Ph.D. Creator of the Learning Circles Project

Global Learning Circles Objectives Introduction of Topic and Presenters What Are iEARN Global Learning Circles? Changes Over the Years Participants / Project Offerings The Learning Circles Model What Are Project Ideas? Developing Standards Based Project Ideas

Margaret Riel, Ph.D. Barry S. Kramer, Ph.D. Information About Us

Global Learning Circles What Are Learning Circles? Cross-classroom Collaboration to promote student interaction, discussion, and project creation Group investigations within individual classrooms Group investigations across classrooms worldwide One of the best ways to learn something is to agree to teach it to someone else!

Global Learning Circles Goals Meaningful Work For Students Telecollaborative Project Work Authentic Audiences for Students Emphasis on Writing across the Curriculum Focus on Multi-Disciplinary Themes Project-based Learning Support for Collaborative Learning Connecting Learning to People, Places and Activities Understanding the Values and Perspectives of Different Groups Learning Circles Learning Circles

Learning Circles A Brief History History of Learning Circles: Margaret Riel 1987 - Inter-Cultural Learning Network 1989 - AT&T Learning Network 1994 - iEARN Learning Circles Barry Kramer 2004 – Coordinator 2010 – Global Learning Circles

Global Learning Circles Phases of a Learning Circle (16 Weeks) Getting Ready for Learning Circles Opening the Learning Circle Planning the Learning Circle Projects Exchanging Student Work on Learning Circle Projects Organizing the Circle Publication Closing the Learning Circle

iEARN Global Learning Circles Misconceptions Learning Circles are only as strong as the commitment of the participants. We count on participating teachers to be professional, trustworthy, and honest. We also expect educators who enroll to honor their commitment. We are not a social network Most of our student and teacher interaction is asynchronous We cannot guarantee that the other members of your Learning Circle will complete their commitment to the project We cannot make other schools communicate, participate, and interact

Learning Circles How We Use the Model For iEARN Projects

Learning Circles Summit Questions Why do you participate in Learning Circles projects? Which part of the process works the best for you? What are your educational goals for your participation? How do you choose a project for participation? What obstacles do you face in participating in Learning Circles? What frustrates you the most about Learning Circles? If you could change one thing, what would you change? What other types of Learning Circle projects would you like to see? What kind of resources would you like to see to help support your participation in Learning Circles? How can we reach more people to participate in Learning Circles? What type of research would help you to be more effective in your participation in Learning Circles? What changes could we make to the Collaboration Centre to enhance your experience? How can we improve your experience?

iEARN Global Learning Circles More Information – www iEARN Global Learning Circles More Information – www.globallearningcircles.org/ Barry S. Kramer iEARN Global Learning Circles Coordinator learningcircles@gmail.com