Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - May/June 2013 - (Page 28)

Connecting Students and Cultures through Technology by ryan siegel A t 7:00 on a recent Thursday evening, I was seated with 10 other students in my school’s computer lab. I entered a Skype address on the computer in front of me, and a minute later, a student appeared on the monitor. “Hello from Taiwan!” he said, and his classmates echoed the welcome. “Hello from the USA!” I said in response, welcoming the Taiwanese students to our classroom. Although we were coming together via technology, it felt like we were in the same room. Two years ago, I organized the Student Communication Global Initiative (SCGI) to reach out to students around the world with the goal of helping them—and us—become better-informed global citizens. Through hourlong sessions with a network of schools around the world, we have cultural exchanges and political discussions, and have even planned community service projects in other countries. Because of the 13-hour time difference between Taiwan and the U.S., my dedicated group had returned to school this evening in order to Skype with the Taiwanese students. On this particular night, the students in Taiwan, with whom we Skype monthly, presented their favorite Chinese New Year customs. They showed us symbols of the holiday, including red envelopes—which hold gifts of money—and couplets, Chinese poetry written on decorative red paper 28 imagine to display on the New Year. We learned that people in China observe many of the same holidays as those in Taiwan, but less formally. The Taiwanese students then shared their perspectives of China as a dominant world power. They also told us that they felt akin to the Chinese people, as both the Chinese and Taiwanese are descended from the Han people. In turn, they asked for our insights into the recent American presidential election. seeking global Partners I founded SCGI after attending Stanford University’s Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY), where I had become friendly with a Chinese student from my physics class. I thought it would be great to connect our schools back home via Skype, figuring that both the Chinese and American students may/Jun 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - May/June 2013

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - May/June 2013
Contents
Big Picture
In My Own Words
Code Me In
Getting Started With Computational Problem Solving
Coding for Gold
The Computer Science Connection
Magical & Practical
The Creative, Collaborative Universe of Minecraft
Going Mobile
Connecting Students and Cultures Through Technology
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Words With Friends
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Creative Minds Imagine
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - May/June 2013