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How Sister Schools - Escuelas Hermanas Works

Many components work together to make this a comprehensive and real-world learning experience for elementary school students. The core of the program is to create nature-based learning experiences which the students can share with students of the same age in another country. This approach to learning is illustrated in the book Inquiry at the Window: Pursuing the Wonders of Learners by Phyllis and David Whitin. The Internet provides an ideal method for the students to share their observations rapidly while simultaneously developing their Internet skills. An exciting aspect of the exchange is the opportunity for the students to compare and contrast similar projects and experiments.

The students and teachers know how to send E-mail. This is the primary means of communication between the schools. Listserv E-mail addresses have been created to facilitate the E-mail exchange between the sister schools. A Listserv is a subscription E-mail address that serves as an electronic bulletin board. When an E-mail is sent to that address, the message will go to all the people subscribed to the Listserv. The E-mail addresses of Dr. Lippert and school administrators have also been added to the Listserv so they can monitor and facilitate the progress of the exchange between the schools.

All the schools have digital cameras. The students put photos of the various projects on the Web for viewing by the sister school. The Web service "www.20m.com" has been chosen as a free, easy, template-driven way for sharing photos.

We see additional benefits coming from the exchange between the schools. Many students come from low-income families and have rarely been out of their immediate area. This program is a way to greatly expand their world perception. The initial exchange of E-mail usually focuses primarily on personal interests, school, family and home life in the two counties. This program provides a means for an appreciation of Spanish by native English speakers and the use of English by native English and Spanish speakers.

The Core Group of participants is comprised of Dr. Bob Lippert who is in contact with Mr. Carlos Rojas, Director of Environmental Education for the Costa Rica Ministry of Education. Dr. Lippert and Mr. Rojas in turn communicate with the participating schools for overall coordination and support of activities. The schools exchange information directly with each other which is the essential component of the program.