Supporting Cultural Connections, Collections, and Reflections through Technology in Short-Term Study Abroad
Abstract: A short-term study abroad program funded by a local foundation provides teachers with a professional development opportunity in an international context. The goal of the grant is to train teachers in technology-enhanced strategies that can better introduce their classrooms to diverse cultures and cultural perspectives. Teachers practice these strategies themselves in the context of a short-term study abroad program, before ideally applying some of the strategies with students in their own classrooms. In this paper, we describe projects in each area of the program--cultural connections, collections, and reflections. Then, we discuss how the program and embedded projects have improved technology skills and increased cultural awareness for teacher participants.
Presider: Maya Al Hawary, Hamadan Bin Mohammed Smart University