The World as Our Living Textbook: An International Partnership Connects Classrooms Between Taipei and Cupertino

Conventional methods of developing a second language program typically focus on looking for the best textbook or creating a curriculum. However, in preparing young children to learn a second language finding the most suitable textbook maybe challenging. Why not connect two classrooms across the globe that have similar needs? In this case, Taiwanese students need to learn English and American students desire to learn Mandarin Chinese. In this bilingual (Mandarin Chinese and English) presentation, the authors will share with the audience their journey: How they connected the two classrooms, recruited teachers, shared curriculum resources and used various multimedia activities, such as digital photography, pod casting, social networking, and online activities via eClass Junior which is a bilingual (English and Chinese) Learning Management System to encourage 3rd grade students to share, investigate, explore and collaborate. At the same time, their approach empowered and engaged children in authentic global activities that resulted in second language immersion. Come and join our session!