This term class 9 CLJ participated in a joint online research programme with Rayonwittayakom High School in Rayong, Thailand.

Our students were placed in groups with student partners in Thailand and they worked collaboratively across time zones to research and present a project on the Issues Teenagers face. It was fantastic to see our students develop friendships and get to know about a different culture even thought we cannot travel. Students in both countries could share about their experiences of being a teenager and see the similarities and differences they face around the world.

Students had to navigate  technological and communication issues as well as learn how to effectively plan and collaborate on work across difference time zones. Students in both countries were also in and out of lockdowns at various stages of the project, which is an experience they could share. 

This was our first time participating in a project like this and the student feedback was very positive. We gathered online to view the final presentations and it was awesome to see how students from two different places could seamlessly present their findings.

This experience will give our students a great introduction to the future of collaborative online working and also give them valuable insight into another culture. It was a fantastic opportunity to develop global citizenship amongst our students. 

A big thank you to Education New Zealand, Christchurch Educated as well as teacher Mrs Jardine-King for their work in running the project at our school. We are hoping to be able to participate in this again next year.