Contact: Yvonne Andres, Global SchoolNet, 760-635-0001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 

Achieve and Unite:  Youth Worldwide Become Digital Story Tellers Showcasing Local Community Achievements

[SAN DIEGO - May 20, 2004] 430 schools worldwide representing 300,000 students from 43 countries participated in Global SchoolNet's International Schools CyberFair competition this year.

The theme for CyberFair 2004 was 'Achieve and Unite!' and encouraged youth to "take action" in order to improve their lives and unite their communities. The top projects originated from Taiwan, Canada, Latvia, Malaysia and Bangladesh. Stories showcased people and programs that are actively providing solutions or solving problems. One project told about the unique history of Riga, Latvia, through its monuments and the words of the people who lived through the Soviet times. Another told of the Bangladesh community effort to achieve sustainable development. Taiwanese projects ranged from the accomplishments of indigenous mountain dwellers to the amazing world of bees. And, from Malaysia the changing seasons were represented by the sound of drums.

“In a world that is globally connected, there is enormous value in using the Internet to collaboratively learn with others, “ said Yvonne Marie Andres, president and co-founder of Global SchoolNet.

Entries were reviewed by a panel of distinguished international judges from countries such as Israel, Australia, and Germany. Regional affiliate programs were run in throughout the USA - and in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Poland, Ghana and Cameroon.

International Schools CyberFair is an award-winning, authentic learning program used by schools and youth organizations around the world. Youth conduct research and publish their findings on the Web. Recognition is given to 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 community ambassadors by working collaboratively and using technology to share what they have learned. Students evaluate each other's projects by using a unique online evaluation tool. Winning schools receive ImageBlender software from Tech4Learning.

Now in its 9th year, the annual contest has involved more than one million students from 4,500 schools in 100 countries and is the longest running international cyber event for schools. For more information about CyberFair visit www.globalschoolhouse.org/cf

ABOUT GLOBAL SCHOOLNET FOUNDATION:

Global SchoolNet is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit education organization, dedicated to partnering with schools, universities, businesses and communities to co-develop free or low cost programs to help students become literate and responsible global citizens, and to prepare them for the workforce. Global SchoolNet combines smart teaching ideas with web publishing, video conferencing and other online tools that bridge geographic gaps, allowing young people around the world to learn together. Global SchoolNet is an international network of 80,000+ online educators across 100 countries, who engage in online project-based learning activities.  For more information about the services and programs provided by Global SchoolNet, please visit www.globalschoolnet.org

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