Global SchoolNet
Global SchoolNet was founded by San Diego County teachers Yvonne Marie Andrés and Al Rogers.
Rogers at the time was a computer specialist for the San Diego Office of Education and was interested in software that could help improve students' writing.
That year, Rogers created the software program Free Educational Writer, or FrEdWriter,[3] which prompted students through different writing exercises.
The following year the National Science Foundation also awarded Global SchoolNet a grant to introduce a desktop video-conferencing program called CU-SeeMe.
[10] The Thinking Like Santa writing project dates back to 1981 and predates Free Educational Mail (FrEdMail), the predecessor to Global SchoolNet.
Global SchoolNet received funding from Cisco Systems, MCI and Network Solutions in 1996 for an educational project for students to create content about their local community.
[11] The project is based on the concept of the World's Fair and asks students to create virtual exhibits that highlight their local community's history, leaders, environment, culture or attractions.
This White House-endorsed program encourages youth to become community ambassadors by working collaboratively and using technology to share what they have learned.
International CyberFair was endorsed by Vice President Al Gore in 1996, and subsequently by other notable business and political leaders, including Internet architect Vint Cerf.
Projects must focus on one of eight subcategories: leadership traits; peace and democracy; business, trade, and economics; science and technology; safety and security; history of foreign relations; health and environmental awareness; and arts and culture.
Previous online expeditions have included Dan Buettner's bicycle journey through the Mayan ruins, Wave Vidmar's solo and unsupported trek to the North Pole,[13][14] Sandra Hill Pitman's climb up Mt.
[16] The US-Russia Social Expertise Exchange promotes collaboration between Russian and US non-governmental organizations, leading to meaningful improvement in the lives of the citizens of both countries.
Students share results online via photographs and digital stories with peers in other cities and countries, giving them a local and global perspective.
The program has connected more than 1,500 students from the United States, Russia, Taiwan, Ecuador, and Nigeria with Global Forest Watch, a 20-year-old worldwide network that uses satellite imagery and other scientific methods to monitor tree-covered areas of the world.
