Internet links schools to New York

They may be worlds apart, but local learners are finding plenty to talk about with their peers overseas via software developed by the City in a US-based project linking primary schools.

INTERACTIVE online software developed by the City is allowing primary learners from two Johannesburg schools to liaise and exchange ideas on common issues with their peers in New York City.

Making friends: Learners Glendanda Primary School busy interacting with their peers in New YorkMaking friends: Learners at Glenanda Primary School busy interacting with their peers in New YorkGlenanda Primary school in the south of Joburg and Tiisetso Primary in Weilers Farm, near Ennerdale, have been chosen to participate in the Online International Exchange programme with New York City’s Renaissance Leadership Academy as part of their 2011-2012 curricula programmes.

“Children from both schools have been linked with their peers studying at a primary school in New York via the internet-based online programme. This is where they chat, exchange information and build long distance friendships,” says Nonceba Molwele, the portfolio head of Health and Social Development.

The two schools were selected by the City’s community development department under its Networks, Relationship and Stakeholder Enhancement directorate.

The partnership with the New York school was established during Executive Mayor Parks Tau’s recent visit to New York where he held talks with that city’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg.

During the visit, the New York Global Partners project in Bloomberg’s office requested that Tau and his entourage identify a local school to be part of this programme, aimed at fostering awareness of computer skills and developing English communication skills for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Molwele says by connecting children who are worlds apart, the online programme “would spur them to become global thinkers as they exchange ideas”.

She says the pupils will also be afforded an opportunity to work together on a curriculum focused on entrepreneurship and business skills in cities. They will be taught market research, advertising, global and local markets and stimulated to create their own business plan which will be franchised to a foreign city.

“The well-equipped Glenanda Primary School has adopted Tiisetso Primary School and put it under its wing in this remarkable online exchange programme. Children from Tiisetso go to Glenanda every Tuesday after school to attend the online programme,” says Molwele.