Online International Collaborative Learning

Audience: Diploma Programme
Session: Block 5: Saturday 2:00 to 3:15, Room: Pacific O

This session will explore a researched model for online collaborative learning and examine ways to integrate enhancements into your science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula. Discover how informal STEM learning projects are characterized by high levels of self direction, open-ended challenges, and self-motivated decision making. An example program, The Global Challenge, incorporates these characteristics and could be used as a model for IB students studying earth sciences. Participants will reflect on best practices in integrating collaborative, international team-based and online curricula.


Sally O'Rourke, Director of Student Advising, The Global Challenge

Sally O'Rourke joined The Global Challenge after over 15 years in education as a school counselor, music director, and college residence hall director. She has been a speaker for both the New England Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. She has been quoted in Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College That is Best for You, the Washington Post, and Boston Globe. Sally received a B.A. from Tufts University and a M.A. in Education from The Catholic University of America. Ms O'Rourke lives with her husband, Brian, and two children in Massachusetts.


Organization website: http://www.globalchallengeaward.org

Jeanne Appelget, Science Department Head, Castilleja School

Jeanne Appelget began her career in Highlands, North Carolina, where she administered a Nature Center. She then entered the field of education as a K-12 science coordinator for a small school specializing in specific language-based learning disabilities before teaching middle school science in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Houston and Castilleja, California. Her interests include gardening, taking care of her dogs, hiking, eating great food, and going to the theater. In addition to serving as department head, Ms Appelget teaches upper school science courses.

Heidi Chang, Director of Global Programs, Castilleja School

Heidi Chang is the Director of Global Programs for the Castilleja School. The Global Programs at Castilleja has as its aim to promote global education as a part of every student and faculty member's educational experience. Recognizing that we are living in an increasingly connected world community in which news, travel, and the internet bring people into contact with other parts of the globe on a daily basis, we wish to develop greater knowledge and appreciation for cultures worldwide that will develop students into responsible and informed global citizens.


Organization website: http://www.castilleja.org

David Gibson, Research Assistant Professor, The University of Vermont

David Gibson is a Research Assistant Professor in the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Vermont. His research and publications include work on complex systems analysis and modeling of education, semantic web applications, the future of learning, and the use of technology to personalize education for the success of all students. His new book Games and Simulations in Online Learning, outlines the potential for games and simulation-based learning. An accomplished musician, Mr Gibson lives in Stowe, Vermont with his wife, Mary, and their two children.