Get Involved- Using Technology to Teach Service Learning

A relatively new blogger and deep thinker Vinnie Vrotny, who blogs over at Multi-faceted Refractions
is helping his school's junior class with a service project. Vinnie's school mission is to embed service learning into the curriculum. Inspired by the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson, a mountain climber who has dedicated his life to improving the education of others, especially young women, in remote parts of the world, who may not have the same access that we take for granted- the juniors will be holding a read-a-thon on December 17th to raise money for two projects:the first is to create children’s books for children in the local area to encourage literacy and the second is to raise funds for the Kilimanjaro English Nursery School.

The Kilimanjaro English Nursery School was formed by a local Tanzanian, Edward Lazaro, known by his community as ‘Teacher,’ to serve children from ages three to eight. Teacher created the school for several purposes. It is meant to give children a foundation of basic education before secondary school begins. Additionally, for older children whose families can not afford the $200 per year associated with the public schooling system, the Nursery provides students with basic language, math, and vocational skills. And, finally, the school offers a safe place for children, some of whom are orphans, to play and learn away from bad influences.
So here we have a group of netgenrs focusing on helping others get the education they deserve- how could I not get involved. I am helping American teens understand what is really important in life and how technology can be used to change lives in a meaningful way and I am helping impoverished kids-- it's a no brainer for me. Here is what Vinnie wrote to me via email-

I know that you are busy at this time of the year, but I was hoping that you could help spread the word about a project that I am undertaking. If you read my blog post (http://vvrotny.edublogs.org/2006/12/09/how-three-cups-of-tea-changed-my-life/ ), you will find out about a social experiment that I am attempting to help support our junior class and my advisees. My hope is that through the viral word of mouth, or power of the words of individuals, that you both would be willing to help spread the word, so that those who can afford to give to this cause can do so. I am trying to get as many small donations from as many people around the world to contribute. I will then be able to share with my administration, teachers, and students the power of the new technologies to bring people together, sharing ideas and interests in a larger world.

Please believe me when I state that I did not start blogging, etc., to fund raise. Rather, I am hoping to show the teachers whom I try to inspire the power of blogging and spreading the word.

Now I have to admit, when I first read his request and saw the donation widget I felt a little wierd. But if you will take the time to go read the post about what he and his students are doing-- you will want to get involved too. Many of us look for ways to help during Christmas, consider this worthy cause. He is only asking for a $1 donation. Here is what Vinnie needs-

I would appreciate it if readers of this blog  could sponsor me for $1. These funds will help support the school. I am hoping that your generosity will help teachers and students who are less fortunate that we are during these times of reflection. I know that I barely know you, but I hope that you will consider helping me.

Thanks Vinnie for including me. I am going to donate now and I hope you will take pics of the read-a-thon and have your students blog about the project work and how it has changed their lives so we can all grow from the experience. Let's make it the Read-Write-Change the World for the better-Web.

Comments

[Vinnie Vrotny]

Sheryl,

Thanks. In terms of using technology to teach service learning, I am also working on a potential new course for our sophomores, where they will be learning technology and researching skills in a service learning course to be held during one semester of their sophomore year. They will use technology to identify the problem, research solutions, document their solution, and then reflect on the experience. I am very excited, the only downside is that the other teacher of the course had her baby five weeks early (mother and child are doing fine). I now want to wait until January to continue to plan for this experience.

[Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach]

I had a similar objective with my elementary students.

One example was when the war broke out in Afghanistan (I live in a military town) and I didnt want the kids growing to hate the innocent people of Afghanistan. So we did this project. It was pre Web 2.0.
http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212462/

Another project I collaborated on with a 4th grade teacher was in response to 9/11. That project got filmed by public TV. Here is the link...forward the clip to 7:18 minutes into the show. It is pretty moving.
rtsp://streaming.whro.net/netfiles.org/402.rm

Thanks for all your doing to make the world a better place Vinnie.