Connected Classrooms/Connected Clubs
Target Ages/Grades:
Ages: 8-14 years old
Grades: 3rd Grade to 8th Grade
Connected Clubs:
May also include older students (up to 16 years old)
depending on the club's focus and activities.
May also include older students (up to 16 years old)
depending on the club's focus and activities.
CompassHub is an innovative platform designed to bridge the gap between classrooms worldwide, fostering a global community of learners. By integrating programs like Connected Classrooms and Connected Clubs, CompassHub offers students and educators a unique opportunity to engage in real-time cultural exchanges, collaborative projects, and leadership development activities. Through technology-driven interactions, CompassHub expands educational horizons, promoting global citizenship and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Connected Classrooms program is a transformative educational experience that connects students with peers from around the world, expanding the classroom's boundaries through technology-driven cultural exchanges and collaborative projects. This program encourages students to engage in real-time interactions, allowing them to share their cultural experiences, work together on international projects, and develop essential social and leadership skills.
For students without access to technology at home, Connected Clubs offer similar opportunities at local libraries or community centers, ensuring that all students can participate in this global learning experience. By broadening students' horizons and fostering a sense of global citizenship, Connected Classrooms/Connected Clubs prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Key Features:
Real-time cultural exchanges with students from different countries.
Collaborative international projects that build teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Leadership development through structured, peer-led sessions.
Accessible and inclusive opportunities for all students to engage in global education.
Connected Classrooms
Expand your classroom’s boundaries with the Clear Wheel Connected Classrooms program.
Engage your students in a dynamic, global education platform that connects them with peers around the world. Through technology-driven interactions, students can:
• Participate in real-time cultural exchanges.
• Work together on international projects.
• Develop essential social and leadership skills.
Connected Clubs
Join our Connected Clubs at your local library or community resource center! Designed for children of all ages who might not have access to technology at home, these clubs offer:
• Scheduled weekly sessions tailored to different age groups.
• Activities focused on global citizenship, cultural understanding, and language practice.
• Guidance and facilitation by trained local volunteers.
Why Participate?
• Enhance Educational Experience: Broaden students' horizons by integrating global perspectives directly into their learning.
• Build Skills for the Future: Cultivate digital literacy, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Accessible and Inclusive: Open to all students, especially those without home computer access.
Get Involved!
Schools, libraries, and community centers are invited to join us in fostering a community of curious, connected, and informed global citizens.
Testimonials
Global Perspective Expansion:
"Being able to get to know, face-to-face, students from Gaza was such a unique opportunity. I couldn’t pass it up. I knew my students would have their paradigms challenged and their perspectives broadened." - Teacher's initial motivation
Personal Connection and Breakthroughs:
"There was a Gazan girl who had such a peppy, effervescent personality. My students connected with her deeply as she let her personality shine through her updates." - Memorable student interaction
Cultural Awareness and Education:
"Because of these connections, my students became interested in learning about the history of this troubled piece of earth, which was so relevant to what they were experiencing as they interacted with the Gazan students." - Cultural exchange benefits
Skill Development and Empowerment:
"Many of my students experienced growth simply by learning to put themselves out there, whether recording videos or interacting on Zoom. They learned to accept the vulnerability of appearing on camera and talking with people they were just beginning to get to know." - Observed improvements
Meaningful Academic Integration:
"The students noted the parallels between the novel Elantris and the situation in Gaza, making text-to-world connections in addition to the text-to-self connections, which are easier to make in a literature class." - Program's complement to curriculum
Impactful Community Involvement:
"At one point, we participated in a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds to put new roofs over the heads of some of the Gazan students. Working on this project was far more meaningful than many of the just-for-fun videos they would edit on their own." - Community project involvement
Student and Parent Feedback:
"The students really appreciated the program, especially in hindsight as they have looked back at their experiences. Parents were also grateful their children could have these experiences." - Feedback from students and parents
Featured Success Story
Girls Speak Up Club &
Boys English Club
Boys English Club
Program Overview
The Clear Wheel Connected Classrooms facilitated a groundbreaking educational initiative by connecting classrooms from Gaza with those in American Fork, Utah.
This initiative was aimed at enhancing English language skills among Gazan students, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting social skills through structured, interactive learning experiences.
Implementation
• Cultural and Language Exchange: The program kicked off with a series of virtual interactions, where students from both regions used English as a communication bridge, sharing insights about their daily lives, cultures, and traditions.
• Educational Activities: Activities were designed to be engaging and informative, including:
• Virtual Field Trips: Students participated in live virtual tours exploring significant sites like the Utah State Capitol and museums in Gaza.
• Interactive Projects: Students worked together on projects that required problem-solving and teamwork, facilitating deeper understanding and respect for each other’s backgrounds.
Teacher and Student Engagement
• Structured Discussions: Teachers guided discussions with topics prepared in advance to ensure meaningful and respectful exchanges. This included discussions on non-controversial, universally relatable subjects such as sports, family, and holidays.
• Peer-Led Sessions: Older students took turns leading sessions, which helped develop their leadership and communication skills.
Outcomes and Feedback
• Language Skills Improvement: The Gazan students demonstrated noticeable improvements in their English speaking and comprehension skills.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Students from both regions developed a greater appreciation and sensitivity towards cultural differences, contributing to a more harmonious interaction.
• Mutual Benefits: Teachers from both Gaza and Utah noted significant gains in student confidence, global awareness, and interest in international affairs.
Comparison to Other Programs
What sets the Clear Wheel Connected Classrooms apart in this deployment:
• Real-Time Interaction: Unlike many programs that rely on asynchronous communication, this initiative's real-time interaction was pivotal in building genuine connections and immediate feedback.
• Equitable Participation: The program ensured that students from both locations had equal opportunities to participate and lead, which is often a challenge in international collaborations.
This description highlights how the Clear Wheel Connected Classrooms program was successfully implemented in a cross-cultural setting, demonstrating its versatility and the profound impact it can have on participants from vastly different backgrounds.
How to Get Involved!
Step 1: Sign Up
Choose Your Role: Whether you’re a teacher, a school administrator, or a volunteer, select the role that best fits your capabilities and interests.
Fill Out the Form: Complete our simple sign-up form below. The form will ask for basic information such as your name, contact details, and your school or organization.
Step 2: Get Started
Attend an Orientation: Participate in a brief orientation session to understand how you can make the most out of our resources and collaboration tools.
Connect with Peers: We’ll help you connect with other classrooms around the world to start your journey of global connection.
Step 3: Engage and Enjoy
Participate in Activities: Engage in a variety of educational and cultural exchange activities designed to foster global awareness and collaboration among students.
Share Your Experience: Contribute to our community by sharing your experiences and successes. Your stories can inspire others!
Need Help?
Contact Us: If you have any questions or need assistance during any step of the process, please reach out to us via email at email@clearwheel.org.
Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Clear Wheel CompassHub?
Clear Wheel CompassHub is a global education program that connects classrooms around the world to foster cultural exchange, enhance social skills, and develop leadership among students through technology-enabled collaboration.
2. Who can participate in the Clear Wheel CompassHub program?
The program is open to elementary, middle, and high schools worldwide. Teachers, school administrators, and education professionals interested in integrating global learning experiences into their curriculum are encouraged to participate.
3. How does the program work?
Participating classrooms are connected through a secure online platform where students can engage in joint projects, discussions, and cultural exchanges. Activities are designed to fit into existing curricula and can be customized based on age and educational goals.
4. What are the technical requirements to participate?
Participants need access to a reliable internet connection, computers or tablets, and the ability to access our online platform. Detailed technical specifications and support will be provided upon registration.
5. Is there a cost to join the Clear Wheel CompassHub program?
There are various participation levels, some of which may involve a subscription fee to access enhanced features and dedicated support. Basic participation may be offered free of charge, depending on funding and sponsorship availability.
6. How can the program benefit students?
Students benefit by improving their communication skills, gaining new perspectives on global issues, enhancing digital literacy, and building empathy and understanding across cultures.
7. Can schools from different countries participate together?
Yes, one of the primary goals of CompassHub is to connect classrooms from different countries. Schools are paired based on similar educational levels and interests to facilitate meaningful exchanges.
8. What support does Clear Wheel offer to teachers and schools?
Clear Wheel provides comprehensive support including orientation sessions, teaching materials, technical assistance, and ongoing guidance to integrate the program activities effectively into classrooms.
9. How long does the program last?
The duration can vary, typically ranging from a semester to a full academic year, depending on the depth of engagement and project types involved.
10. How is student privacy protected?
Clear Wheel CompassHub adheres to strict data protection regulations. All student interactions are conducted in a secure environment with monitored access. Schools must consent to data handling policies compliant with GDPR, COPPA, or other relevant regulations.
11. How can I sign up my school or classroom?
To register, fill out the application form above. You will be contacted by a program coordinator to discuss your specific needs and how to proceed.