Share Paper: The Impact of a Short-Term International Experience: Utilizing Technology to bring an International Perspective into the Classroom

  1. Russell Evans, Texas A&M University, United States
  2. Stephanie Evans, Bryan Collegiate Academy, United States
  3. Jillian Blamer, Texas A&M University, United States
  4. Amanda Jensen, Texas A&M University, United States
  5. Rachel Schertz, Texas A&M University, United States
  6. Larry Kelly, Texas A&M University, United States
Wednesday, March 27 6:15 PM-8:00 PM Grand Ballroom C

Abstract: Using a qualitative approach, the present study investigates pre-service, first year, and veteran educator perspectives on what international experience can bring to the classroom. These teachers spent one week in Costa Rica, during summer 2012, at the Soltis Center for Research and Education in central Costa Rica. The Soltis Center, was opened through support from Texas A&M University in January 2009. Beyond the teachers’ own unique reactions to international experience, these teachers also developed interactive activities out of their experience utilizing the Google Earth platform in the mountains and rainforest of Costa Rica. The teachers also concurrently used Flickr, Social ...