JOURNAL 9 "Global Challenge"

Global Challenge: Save the World on Your Way to College
By David Gibson and Susan Hull Grasso
Leading & Learning
November 2007 Vol. 35 No. 3

In the article, Save the World on Your Way to College By David Gibson and Susan Hull Grasso, there is a description of a group of teenagers participating in a global competition while potentiality earning money for their college education. A pair of high school students from Boston, Massachusetts have teamed up with a pair of students from Mumbai, India via world wide web in order to design a global business plan on a socially significant issue that applies science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For example, the idea this team is working on can possibly begin solving our global warming issues as well as sustain a future without a dependence on oil. The Global Challenge Competition(www.globalchalllengaward.org) was introduced to one student by her Chemistry teacher while another found out online and both choose to register. Each participant chooses an adult mentor, commonly parents, teachers,or working scientists, for assistance and advice. The competition continues until April 30 and the winner(s)are announced in May. Scholarships are announced and awarded on June 1st. The average scholarship award is about $1,000.

The team prepares a Global Business Plan which is shaped by a rubric. Each team member is able to evaluate themselves using the rubric. They also are capable of communicating with other team members in other states or countries by submitting their narratives to be reviewed via eFolio, an electronic portfolio application, and teammates can comment on other teammates efforts. When the team is ready they submit their core concept in the Global Challenge "Patent Office", an online form that required the team to summarize their concept to protect their idea for the current years competition. Once it is determined that they have an original idea the full business plan is submitted to provide more details and evidence.

Through email exchanges and Skype conversations (a free voice and file sharing application for synchronous meetings) the two groups comprised are diverse in gender, nationality, racial an ethnic background, strengths, aspirations,interests, and live on separate sides of the globe. They were also able to collaborate together while learning and sharing ideas in cell biology, science writing, and physics.

Question: Who is eligible to participate in this competition?

Answer: Because of the issues that are being addressed and the necessary skills needed in research and technology to participate it seems to be targeted for older students, but a student anywhere in the world can participate in the challenge. There is a small amount of support needed by adults.

Question: How is this beneficial to my son/daughter who is not motivated to learn?

Answer: This project requires a lot of autonomy. The challenge takes place outside of school, therefore the participant can implement their own approach in conjunction with team members. It promotes self-direction, new challenges in an area they choose to study, and self-motivated decision making.