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

2. 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

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

4. 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!

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Learning Circles How We Use the Model For iEARN Projects

10. 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?

11. iEARN Global Learning Circles More Information – www
iEARN Global Learning Circles More Information –
Barry S. Kramer iEARN Global Learning Circles Coordinator