Below are capsule summaries of projects in development by Global Program project teams.  Please note that the programs and websites are very much works-in-progress; we'd love to tell you more about them and give you a guided tour.  Please contact the Global Program directors for more information: Jeff Kupperman (jkupp@umflint.edu), Sharman Siebenthal-Adams (sharmans@umflint.edu), and Gary Weisserman (gweiss@umich.edu).

FlikNews

http://fliknews.umfglobal.org

FlikNews gives students a global outlet for citizen journalism. Students submit video, audio, photography and written stories based a pre-selected monthly theme, with feedback from their peers and professional journalists.

Shakealicious

http://shake.umfglobal.org

Shakealicious is a web platform that encourages students to create dialog about interesting and important societal issues flowing from Romeo & Juliet’s plotlines and themes. This project serves as a resource for teachers who would like the opportunity to connect their students to a global classroom.

AllOneHood (formerly Community Cultural Archives) 

http://allonehood.com/ 

AllOneHood is an online digital library and interactive network that facilitates analytical and artistic project-based learning through technology and grassroots neighborhood research conducted by teens. Currently the project is being piloted in New Orleans and the Cayman Islands, with an eye towards the eventual inclusion of other global “communities in transition”. Through participation in this project students will gain experience in creative social commentary, intercultural communication, the use of technology as a form of expression and community research and documentation.

Amani/Congo Project

http://www.amanidrc.org/ and http://www.TheCongoCause.org

Amani DRC is an online learning portal that facilitates learning for Congolese learners (both task-based and transformational) through: Courses, discussion groups, activities, literature, and train-the-trainer based learning through technology. The portal is designed to support the activities of the Congo's United Nations Association (UNA-DRC) in accordance with its mission.

TheCongoCause is an online learning portal for U.S. learners (and other non-Congolese learners) dedicated to bringing awareness of Congo's challenges as well as fund raising activities to support goals of UNA-DRC (with a specific emphasis upon malaria prevention during 2008).

DevFacto

http://devfacto.umfglobal.org

DevFacto, developed in partnership with the NGO DevInfo, allows children and adults to create and play games based data associated with United Nations 8 Millennium Goals.  Through engagement with global development data, participants can become more aware of global issues and gain knowledge that allows us to work together to make a better world for all.

i-rise

http://i-rise.info

i-Rise is a project designed to connect youth across the globe in a conversation about human rights by using stories. It helps students to think about issues of global importance, including child labor, child soldiers, torture, land mines -- how this relates to themselves, people around the globe, and the Declaration of Human Rights and Child Rights. In doing so, it helps students to have a deeper connection on a human level to people around the world who are facing human rights issues.

Cozumel Connections

http://cozumelconnections.org

In partnership with the Chankanaab National Park and Cozumel's National Museum, Cozumel Connections connects teachers, classrooms and communities globally, to bring awareness about environmental issues and the power of community involvement. Throughout the site, a friendly turtle will take students on tours where they will be able to create, explore and follow this turtle's adventures around the globe. 

First Wind: Global Equity Simulation

http://firstwind.umfglobal.org/ 

First Wind, an online global equity simulation created in partnership with the Fair Labor Association is designed to engage high school students with academic content related to globalization and economics through a specific focus on international fair labor practices.  The simulation allows students to analyze supply-chain operations by role-playing six distinct contributors to global economics, from the average consumer to an average factory laborer to brand executive.  By exploring labor issues from diverse perspectives, participants will develop a well-grounded appreciation of for the nuances of production.

AVACO

http://avaco.umfglobal.org

Designed in partnership with the Cozumel-based organization AVACO, this project supports the development of awareness, understanding, sensitivity and empowerment for people with disabilities.  This project will include interactive activities and a dialogue section in which the participatant can actively engage with others regarding disabilities and impairments.