My Nonprofit Reviews

I have proudly been an iEARN member since 1994 when the Learning Circles project became part of the International Education and Resource Network. Not only did my classes participate in Learning Circles, but they also participated in a great number of other iEARN social studies and social action projects. Over the years, technology and people have changed, but the basic process of students using the Internet to connect with other students through project work has remained the same. Children around the world want to make real connections with each other. As an educator, iEARN gave me the tools to make sure this happened in a safe, productive, enriching, and educationally sound way. Online projects, Learning Circles, and iEARN have been a part of my life for almost 30 years. I have taught professional development courses, coordinated the Learning Circles project, and attended many iEARN international conferences. My network of educational colleagues has expanded worldwide and my understanding of education in different areas of the world has expanded every year through my contact with iEARN educators. iEARN is a great non-profit because the organization empowers teachers and students to choose their own pathways to learning as well as the opportunity to create a brand new project community. It is my wish that every teacher has the opportunity to connect their students with other students around the world and work together to accomplish common educational projects through iEARN. I have found that when students communicate, work together, and share common goals, they develop deep friendships, more tolerance, and become appreciative of differences. We desperately need more organizations like iEARN in the world today.