What are the benefits of online projects?

(Taken from Visions of Online Projects Dance in My Head by Leni Donlan, 1998 )

What can participation in online projects do for you and your class?

• It can break the isolation of typical classrooms. You can reach out to people and to learning opportunities from all over the world.
• It can allow you and your students to experience people, places, and activities not available in other ways (for example, Mars … up close and personal!)
• It can make learning more enjoyable and engaging.
• It can put the student in the driver’s seat while teachers provide the “map” to the desired destination.
• It can allow you and your students to be mentored and to mentor others.
• It can encourage your students to provide service to your community and to those in need, near and far.
• It can allow you and your students to be active global citizens, participating in “history in the making.”
• It can provide relevant, real-life experiences for tomorrow’s citizens.
• It can level the playing field for adults, children, ethnic groups, gifted students, disabled learners, and people of different cultures and socio economic backgrounds.

Signs of Success

• Obviously excited learners.
• Comments and notes from parents.
• Heightened interest in the topic and in related topics.
• Sense of empowerment as children feel they are part of a bigger picture.
• Tangible sense of global connectedness.
• Ability to deepen and broaden classroom studies through network resources (information and people).
• New friends for your students from all over the world
• Children arriving early and staying late to participate.