Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
To Start
ICT
- Take into account the fact that you use computers so you need to know how to work with them.
- Make sure that the computers work and are available.
- Make sure that you have technical back-up.
- In advance think of which ICT tool you want to use during the project (e.g. website, wiki, video conference) and make sure they are available.a
- Ask yourself what the value of the tool you choose will be for pupils and teachers.
The Basics
- Identify the need for an international project in your school.
- Consult with the ICT group to ensure the most effective use of technology.
- Develop partnerships with colleagues in your school.
- Make sure you have the backup of the schoolboard and the principal.
- Inform parents and colleagues about the project at your school using print and online publications.
- Set individual and joint objectives.
Scenario
- Contact international partners and select a project.
- Decide when the project will take place.
- Establish a planning schedule.
- Make a programme booklet.
- Apply for financial aid on time.
- Conduct regular meetings at your school.
- Maintain regular contact with partner schools.
- Provide information in advance for parents, pupils and colleagues.
- Make a website for information during the project.
- Evaluate the progress of the project.
Self contemplation
- Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the project.
Organisation
- Agree on methods of communication, tasks and responsibilities.
- Identify target groups for the project based on educational level and language of communication.
- Facilitate teachers participating in the project.
- Visit the future partner school in advance to allow for clarification of any concerns about the project.
- Notify the administration that you and your pupils will be absent.
- Start simple!
- Listen and look at what your colleagues do.
- Check if visitors to the Netherlands need a visa.
- Check if visitors to the Netherlands need health insurance.
Project content
- Clarify if the project is subject based or not.
- Develop a project based on at least two subjects to encourage teachers to work together.
Cultural differences
- Respect the school culture (give each other enough space, time and possibilities).
- Take into account the cultural differences and educational systems.
- Provide an opportunity for a language teacher in the host school to teach the pupils some basic words to use when they visit the foreign school.
Financially
- Apply for the financial aid for the exchange a year in advance at the European Platform; under the name BIOS. This applies to European schools in the EU.
Physical exchanges
- Allow for the visitors to have some spare time to relax and shop.
Information
- A lot of information can be found on the net, e.g. Kennisnet (a lot of projectideas; emailprojects to… Learning Circle)
- Do search in e-twinning.com
- Just send an email to make contact. My experience is that Canadian colleagues are often very enthusiastic.
Dont's:
- Don’t just think that everyone will do what must be done.
- Make sure that you get things done.
- Don’t push things through.
- Don’t let the same teachers go on each exchange.
- If you don’t have ICT experience, do not start working on a big ICT project.
- Don't underestimate the time involved.
- Don't underestimate the joy you share in Internationalisation.
- Don't lose any time, hurry up in finding a partner for international projects.
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