I just got back from IEarn conference and Youth Summit in Doha Qatar.  It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! Four teachers from New Brunswick, Canada were chosen to take part in this amazing international conference, and I had the incredible opportunity to be one of them. We were chosen based on our participation in IEarn projects.

 

What is IEarn?

IEarn is a global collaborative organization which provides teachers and students from around the world the opportunity to work on collaborative projects.  I have participated in the Holiday Card Exchange Project as well as some webcasts through my networking. Every year IEarn hosts a conference in some of the most beautiful parts of the world.

What did I do?

During the conference I participated in workshops, connected with teachers I had only “met” online and in forums, as well as networked with new colleagues.  Our day started early as we were bused to Education City for a day of sessions and collaborations.  One of my New Brunswick colleague presented at the conference!  (So proud of Matt!)

I also made some great friends and did a little bit of sight seeing 🙂

What did I learn?

Teachers are teachers all over the world.  I was inspired and motivated by some amazing educators and facilitators.  I left with an enriched appreciation for the global community we truly are.  My students next year and for years to come will benefit from the ideas and philosophies I have learned over the last week.

I have a deeper understanding that I have a responsibility to teach students about the world they live in.  By working on project with students from all over the world, students are provided with authentic, motivating, and exciting opportunities for learning.  Global projects are not an add on to the curriculum, but are part of what we teach.  Technology is not a curricular outcome, but a tool with which we can reach out to others and learn, not only from, but along side with.

 

What’s next for me?

I will be returning next year with a newly refueled passion for global and collaborative projects.  To show students how to reach their global community and how to impact change.  I am also inspired to inspired and encourage other teachers in my school and district to embark on these projects.

 

General Pictures

This is the Museum of Islamic Art… It is a representation of a woman.  Truly amazing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A view from my tour bus.  Such a beautiful city!