[6]The Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) program in Kyrgyzstan equips students and teachers with technology and training, enhancing classroom learning and connecting them with their peers and colleagues in the United States for collaborative educational projects.
GCE supports the Government of Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to incorporate information communication technology (ICT) in education, improves access to information in Kyrgyzstan, and fosters cross-cultural exchange. GCE is a program of the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State.
Online Projects Application Information for United States High School Teachers [7]
• Enhance mutual understanding and cross-cultural awareness of youth and teachers in the United States and Kyrgyzstan
• Promote student-centered, participatory education through online resource development, teacher training, and the integration of ICT into lesson plans
• Empower youth to take an active role in their communities, contribute to online resources, and develop community-based projects.
In 2008, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Education spent $2.25 million on new computer equipment. GCE builds on this important initial step by helping teachers integrate these new tools into their classroom activities and lesson plans. Moreover, while the physical distance between Kyrgyzstan and the United States is vast, GCE helps bring students and educators from both countries together. Without a lively connection via internet , citizens of either nation, especially young people, would be unlikely to meaningfully discuss critical issues with their peers in the other. By integrating high-quality teaching with modern technology, GCE empowers teachers and diverse groups of students to share ideas, perspectives, and cultural experiences with one another through innovative and constructive online projects.
Teacher training: GCE trains teachers from partner schools in Kyrgyzstan to become Masters of Information Technology in Education (MITEs). The MITEs then teach other educators how to integrate ICT in their classrooms. They recruit and train students and teachers to participate in GCE activities.
Online projects: GCE MITEs and educators participate in collaborative online projects with schools in the US, enabling Kyrgyzstan students to practice their 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 HERE [7] to apply
Tech Age Girls: GCE conducts its Tech Age Girls [8] project in Kyrgyzstan. TAG provides leadership and technology skills training to young girls who demonstrate a desire to learn, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
Connecting Schools to the Internet: GCE provides internet connection to selected schools throughout Kyrgyzstan.
Modern Lesson Plans: Teachers who have completed computer literacy training create lesson plans with an IT component that bring new resources into the classroom and make lessons more engaging for students.
14 GCE-trained MITEs prepare their colleagues across Kyrgyzstan to use ICT in education.
Schools in Kyrgyzstan and the US have conducted over 30 collaborative online projects.
The Tech Age Girls project competition drew 246 applicants. Those who progressed to the semi-final round undertook over 90 community service projects.
gcekg@irex.org [9]