Web enterprise makes a difference: ISS International School in Singapore
For ISS International School in Singapore and its Sri Lankan partner, technology triumphs over the tsunami’s aftermath
Before the dust had settled in Sri Lanka, the ISS International School in Singapore were already asking, “What can we do?”
Initially, little could be done, as primary relief work was well beyond the scope of a few school children and teachers, but in October 2005, our first group of students finally arrived in Hambantota. Their aim was to structure a project to benefit the students of St. Mary’s College.
The ISS students found that computers had been donated to the school but were connected only by a Local Area Network (LAN) on 10BaseT routers. We knew St Mary’s also needed English teaching. Someone said “networking,” and all sorts of light bulbs lit up. The students decided to create a virtual classroom at St Mary’s, connected with the ISS and other schools that wish to participate. The initial audience will be the school community, with students getting their parents involved, along with their clubs, companies and friends.
Senior ISS students have volunteered to help put into action virtual English language teaching with students from St Mary’s.
Our students are rapidly researching inexpensive ways to have audio and video connection via the internet, and will soon publish a short paper on the logistics and infrastructure required. They are also preparing themselves to return to Hambantota to implement their project.
In addition, we are financially assisting a boys’ soccer team, the first group to start using the school field again.
We have come to realize that, given the opportunity, and just a very little guidance, our IB students can display a level of maturity and determination that is nothing short of magnificent.
Mark McCallum
Dean of students
ISS International School (Singapore)
www.iss.edu
Send us your comments on this article.
Senior ISS students have volunteered to help put into action virtual English language teaching with students from St Mary’s.
