At the end of the "Grande" chapter in The Socially Networked Classroom, a Blog Post from the Field was written about a high school participating in a service learning project. I think this is a great idea and I think all students should be given this kind of opportunity. I truly believe it enhances character in a positive way and opens up students' minds and hearts to the world. It makes them become better citizens of the world.
The paragraph went on to mention how the students were working to end world hunger, through the use of the internet. Students simply used a free online learning tool to provide rice for the World Food Programme, which feeds around 90 million people a year. FreeRice is a vocabulary game, where you earn 10 grains of rice for each correct answer.... and students learn vocabulary!
So far, FreeRice has fed more than 4.9 million people. All because of students who took a little time out to answer some vocabulary questions, right from their school or home computers.
What other kind of educational online tools could (and should) be made and used to help solve world problems?
The FreeRice game is very engaging for students but also helps out a good cause. Students can feel good about helping to solve world problems while they are learning vocabulary. This sense of accomplishment will drive students to want to learn and become an active part in the learning process.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think learning went far beyond the classroom. It gave the students a sense of purpose, that their work accomplished something and changed others lives.
ReplyDeleteWe have had students use this in English classes. It seems to be very motivating.
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