World Ecitizens - Global

This project centres around the idea of using information and communication technologies (ICTs) as a tool for collaboration and communication. With the help of the World Ecitizens website, teachers and students register in order to collaborate within schools or across the wider community and internationally. This collaboration takes various forms. For instance, the online WEjournal is designed to enable WE community leaders and teachers to share ideas for developing humanitarian projects using ICT as a bridge. Those seeking to participate in world collaborations, to share information about conferences, or to learn more about WE online courses are invited to send an email to enquiries@worldecitizens.org. In addition, all WE members can access online resources that focus on the core key skills of Application of Number, Communication and Information Technology, and the wider key skills of Improving Own Learning and Performance, Problem Solving and Working with Others. As part of this initiative, teachers have set up their own online classrooms, with as many groups as are necessary to support differentiation.

This programme uses technology in an effort to give young people a voice. Since January 2003, communities and classes of young people in the UK have presented posters, video clips, and comic strips about citizenship issues that concern them. Some of the young people have been working with artists and writers in residence. To date, homelessness and international citizenship have emerged as major areas of concern. Further participation is welcomed - WE invites young people all over the world to share this web space by creating written statements, illustrations, video clips, comic strips and digital photographs that promote their ideals and aspirations for citizenship. WE welcome contributions in any language. Work submitted to this WE gallery does not carry full names or schools; however, young participants achieve World Ecitizen status and receive a certificate. WE also offers a learning environment where young people can build projects together.

Citizenship, Education, Youth, Technology.

The World Ecitizens project grew out of a UK-based project called UnITy, which was originally funded by Domex. The overall aim of the UnITy website was to create a wider and richer sense of identity for students in East London in the 6 London boroughs covered by Domex. The MirandaNet Fellowship in partnership with the Domex project completed the development stage of a project called Citizenship for Londoners. This development stage was funded by the DfES, Domex, SRB, the Creative Partnership and the EU programme Schoolscape@Future. From February through April 2002, organisers built a web-based work pack on Citizenship. Teachers and students were actively engaged in developing resources and creating presentations. From May 2002 to­ March 2003, participants used the resources for a variety of projects.