CyberFair at a Glance

CyberFair at a Glance


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CyberFair Overview

International Schools CyberFair, now in its 18th year, is an award-winning, authentic learning program used by schools and youth organizations around the world. Students conduct research about their local communities and then publish their findings on the World Wide Web. Recognition is given to schools for the best projects in each of eight categories: local leaders, businesses, community organizations, historical landmarks, environment, music, art, and local specialties.

This White House endorsed program encourages youth to become ambassadors for their own local communities by working collaboratively with community members and using technology tools to publish a Web site that displays what they have learned. The annual contest has involved more than 2.5 million students from 45,500 schools across 115 countries—and is considered the longest running international cyber event of its kind.

Competition judging also takes place online. Students evaluate each others projects by using a Web-based evaluation tool designed by Global SchoolNet. The top forty entries are reviewed by international judges, to determine the winners. Winners of International Schools CyberFair are announced each Spring at a event that is global in itself, with hundreds of schools participating via Internet.

CyberFair Theme

 

CyberFair 2013: Explore and Unite!

The twenty-second century is on the horizon and the time is now for youth to begin thinking and caring about the world they will inhabit.
 

"We must learn to explore all the options and possibilities that confront us in a complex and rapidly changing world." ~J. William Fulbright

Youth are challenged to publish original research projects that explore how the positive actions and contributions of local individuals have the power to improve, preserve and unite communities. In partnership with the World Future Society, youth are asked to share their dreams for the future - by thinking about the possible future, the probable future, the preferable future and the preventable future. Projects that best illustrate "future thinking," are invited to the World Future Society international conference WorldFuture 2013: Exploring the Next Horizon, July 19-21, 2013 Illinois, USA.

 

History of CyberFair Themes:


2013 Explore & Unite

2012 Dream & Unite

2011 Take Action & Unite

2010 Believe & Unite

2009 Teach & Unite

2008 Learn & Unite

2007 Empower & Unite

 


2006 Inspire & Unite

2005 Prepare & Unite

2004 Achieve & Unite

2003 Educate & Unite

2002 Care & Unite

2001- 1996 Share & Unite

 

CyberFair Vision

The purpose of International Schools CyberFair is for students, their schools and their local communities to use the Internet to share resources, establish partnerships and work together to accomplish common goals. We believe that involving youth in educational outreach projects can foster worldwide friendships and unite communities.

The Global Community - We are linked to the world!

We want our children to learn the skills they need to succeed both in the world of today and in all the tomorrows that follow. We want safe and strong communities in which citizens  can live and learn together. We want our students to be responsible "global citizens" who appreciate and respect the diversity of the world around them. Communication technologies can foster positive and productive interaction among local and distant groups.

Youth participating in International Schools CyberFair will learn what it means to be part of a community... both locally and globally. They'll work with groups of children located around the world, each group showcasing their local community on-line. Youth will act as "Student Ambassadors," working with local leaders, local artists, local business, and the rest of their community to show the world what is special about *their* place.

As examples, students can meet local artists and musicians, interview them, tape their music, photograph their art, and show the world their cultural heritage. Or, students can work with their local chamber of commerce, farmers, or local business leaders, to show the world the things they make, grow and build.

Start with Collaboration

The focus of International Schools CyberFair is collaboration -- first at the local level and then on an international level. To encourage teamwork each school or organization may submit only one entry. Therefore, part of the learning experience is building consensus in choosing an entry topic.

It is very important when doing a collaborative project is to involve all of the key players and make sure that everyone agrees on the individual tasks and the timeline. Over the years we have discovered some collaborative strategies that really seem to work. Learn more

Every CyberFair project also includes a "Project Narrative" that explains how the project has been organized, what challenges had to be overcome, and how the project supported local content standards.  Many wonderful community building success stories have emerged from these "behind the scenes" narratives. Learn more

Register for CyberFair

You are encouraged to register for CyberFair as soon as possible, to receive important announcements. Once registered, you may update your information at any time until the final project deadline. Register Now

Download Participant Banner

Download the official CyberFair Participant Banner. Place this banner on the front page of your web project and include this banner on any printed materials that you create about your project.  Learn more

How to Get Local Publicity and Media Coverage

Stories about students engaged in exciting learning projects are always newsworthy. Don't miss this opportunity to seek favorable publicity for your school or organization in your local community. To help you get started, we have provided you with some media-friendly strategies and templates. Learn more.

Sponsors and Supporters

Companies, organizations, and individuals who support the International Schools CyberFair program believe that technology and kids can make a difference in the world! Over the past nine years many companies have contributed prizes, services and funding support. CyberFair supporters include Adobe, AOL-Timer Warner Foundation, AlphaSmart, Apple, Canon, Cisco, Cisco Foundation, Cu-SeeMe Networks, Epson, Gateway, GTE, Hyperstudio, Impatica, Lexmark, Lightspan, Macromedia, MCI, MCI Foundation, Microsoft, Microsoft Taiwan, NeTV, Network Solutions, Tech4Learning, Wells Fargo Foundation, and the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The importance of CyberFair has been acknowledged by Presidents, senators, congressmen and ministers of education from many countries. For example, President George W. Bush, President Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Susan Golding (San Diego Mayor), Max Gail (actor), Ronnie Lott (football superstar) Sinbad (comedian/actor) and Business leaders - Vint Cerf, Steve Wolff, John Morgridge are a few of the notable people who have applauded CyberFair.

Wouldn't you like to help? Learn more

Global Learning Resources

The CyberFair program encourages youth to broaden their academic skills and their global knowledge. International "conversion" resources are provided to help participants convert currency, time and measurement, as well as assist in translating languages from around the world. Map resources are provided to help locate and learn about cities far and near.  Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

As you might imagine, with over two million participants from 115 countries, we have had to answer a few questions. Who is eligible to participate? Where can you publish your web project? What should you do if you run out of time and can't complete? Please read the FAQs to gain insight and find the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Learn more

Read the Success Stories

CyberFair projects have had an enormous impact on students, schools and communities worldwide. Read these stories and  testimonials to learn what the participants have to say! Learn more

Video Clips about CyberFair

CyberFair projects have had an enormous impact on students, schools and communities worldwide.  Watch these video clips and find out how and why!  Learn more