I would like to describe to you a new project we have been working on to expand the reach of global education in schools. We are a relatively new company with a young team but we are really excited about what we're doing and its long term impact. I’d like to share with you a little about what we’ve done, what we’ve learned, and what we’re trying to do this year. We are looking for feedback, advice and of course, classrooms to get on board.
We started LumenEd trying to make smart projectors for use in classrooms without electricity or internet. We had a Kickstarter last May to develop and deploy our devices in classrooms in India. In order to pay for the devices, we reached out to US schools to sponsor the device in exchange for the ability to connect to these Indian classrooms. From this Video Pen Pals was born.
Last year, we partnered US and Indian classrooms to send videos back and forth around interesting topics. Our hope was that they would develop deep and personal relationships and learn from each other's’ cultures. Over the past year, we have learned a great deal:
We realised how time consuming it can be to have a global partner.
We realised how difficult it is to find alignment in curriculums and schedules.
We studied the many technological tools there are to make connections accessible and the compromises each makes.
We found out just how many teachers have attempted and walked away from global partnerships out of frustration.
Our ambition is to make the most accessible and compelling global education program. This a lofty goal for a team of technology enthusiasts new to education. But that's why we are here. We are making few assumptions and asking many questions. We need to learn from your experiences about what works and what doesn’t.
I hope you will consider engaging us in dialogue as our vision is one and the same: making global education a core tenant of the education system. I look forward to working with you all in the coming months.
Thanks
Thomas Kreek
Co-Founder - LumenEd
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