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3 minute presentation
The document discusses how technology has made the world smaller by allowing for increased internet use and communication across distances. It notes that preparing children with computer skills will help them perform and thrive in this increasingly digital world. The unit plan described will have students research and create presentations on eight diverse countries, including Australia, Egypt, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, China, Russia, and Spain, to gain knowledge while using technology tools like PowerPoint and virtual worlds. An example of learning about culture through artwork is provided with a description of a traditional Irish painting.
3 minute presentation
- 1. Around the WorldTammyCanterburyAs you can see from this chart internet use around the world doubled from 2004 to 2010. It is getting more and more common to have meetings and keep in touch with those far away with webcams and email. Our children need to be computer savvy.Technology is making the world smaller. By preparing children now they will be able to not only perform but thrive in this world. Over the coarse of this unit plan the students will research, create power point presentations, travel in a virtual world and create art work related to a specific country all the while gaining knowledge of the 8 countries we study.
- 2. I chose theseeight countries because of their diversity and in some cases potential to become economic powerhouses.AustraliaEgyptItalyIrelandMexicoChinaRussiaSpain
- 3. Beliefs and TraditionsTreeof LifeYou can gain an understanding of some cultures through their artwork. This traditional Irish painting using scrollwork depicts the Mother Goddess Danu who is a shape-shifter and transforms into different animals which represent things from loyalty to wisdom.
Editor's Notes
- #2 It is more important than ever to understand the beliefs and traditions of other countries so we know why they do things, speak intelligibly and if possible not offend each other. If children have a basic introduction and understanding they may not think of other cultures as being weird but interesting and unique.
- #3 It is easy to see the diversity just by viewing these pictures. The respect shown when greeting others in China, the rugged beauty of Australia, the importance of religion, the old meeting the new where Spain is the world leader in producing wind power, the ancient stone circles in Ireland and the celebrations and superstitions of countries. By learning what is important to others we are better equipped to understand them.
- #4 What is a collectivist society(China) verses individualism(U.S.)? Although the Australian are very laid back and prefer using first names they are very direct and appreciate brevity. Russians in general are very emotional people and may get loud without actually being angry. They think peoples feelings are more important than facts so they may say what they feel you want to hear instead of the truth. Individuals from Spain like touching when they are talking and you shouldn’t get upset they are invading your personal space, it is just how they like to communicate. It is important to know these customs. It is believed many dialects of the Irish language will be lost in just a couple generations but artwork from as early as 500B.C. lives on to tell stories. We can sometimes see a connection between the U.S. and other countries like when the Irish came to America in the 1840’s they brought with them the celebration of Halloween which had been Christianized by the Catholic church. Students need to learn more than just the history of places but why they act as they do.