[8]The Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) program in the Philippines and Vietnam equips students and teachers with technology and training, enhancing classroom learning and connecting them with peers and colleagues in the United States for collaborative educational projects.
GCE supports efforts in both countries to incorporate information communication technology (ICT) in education, improves access to information, and fosters cross-cultural exchange. GCE is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.
Locations and Partners
Global Connections and Exchange operates from six centers in Vietnam and is coordinated by the Thai Nguyen University Learning Resource Center. In the Philippines, GCE's seven centers throughout the country are coordinated by the Philippine Community eCenter Network (PhilCeCNet).
• Develop a specialized group of technology leaders with innovative ideas and resources through the use of ICT
• Build mutual understanding and respect between the people of the United States and the Philippines and Vietnam
• Encourage respect for diversity and promote problem-solving and critical thinking among students and teachers
• Provide support and models for integrating ICT into educational curricula and positive afterschool activities for students in order to develop their leadership skills and influence change in their communities
Internet penetration has grown rapidly over the past few years around the world, and many countries are seeking to bring technology to their schools.
In the Philippines and Vietnam, there are three major priorities: develop computer skills for the next generation of the workforce, establish rich electronic educational materials, and cultivate student-to-student and teacher-to-teacher virtual connections within the country and on an international level.
• Training and Support: GCE Asia trains GCE Regional Coordinators (RCs) to carry out program activities and provide ongoing support for teachers and students at their centers. RCs will lead trainings in technology for education, online collaboration and partnership, and leadership and community development.
• Online Projects: Regional Coordinators, students, and educators participate in collaborative online projects with schools in the U.S., enabling students in the Philippines and Vietnam to practice English. In addition, both sides are able to share perspectives on current events and learn about life in other cultures. United States High School Teachers: Click for Online Projects Application [9]
• Community Activities and Youth Leadership: Through the Tech Age Girls [10] project, GCE provides leadership and technology skills training to secondary school-age girls who demonstrate a desire to learn, have strong leadership potential, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
The project is being implemented by IREX in partnership with the Philippine Community e-Center Network [11] and the Thai Nguyen University Learning Resource Center [12].