Fantastic! When we reach the point that this is not such a unique model and many more schools are using an integrated global approach, we will know that education (always slow to change) has evolved appropriately in keeping with an interconnected world.

Great video about a very exciting program! Thanks for sharing this.
Stan

This short video delivers a very effective and succinct point about the enhanced level of understanding and meaningfulness that students can gain from active engagement and interaction with experts and peers in practically any other location on the planet. To illustrate this point, the video depicts how students can discuss issues in real time with a surgeon at an operating table in a hospital. Other globalized learning opportunities are summarized and reinforce the value of globalized learning experiences.

Potentially, the planet can become an integral part of any classroom setting through virtual networks that can link persons in other places with students in our classrooms using a relatively simple configuratiobn of PC's and communication devices. One issue to consider in initiatives to create globalized learning contexts is that faculty who have a genuine interest in extending a "global" learning experience to their students may do so through individual initiatives but efficacy in such efforts will be more likely when administrative executives in academic settings are actively engaged in facilitating technical as well as other tangible and intengible forms of interpersonal, social, economic and political support to such initiatives or projects.

Without the support and active participation of top administrative staff, faculty confront a daunting set of challenges that may impede their efforts to provide students with a viable and competitive learning experience which integrates the "globalized" contextual framework presently emerging in contemporary human culture. Such support is evident in the magnate program featured in the video.

What a fabulous program. We need more schools that take an integrated, global approach to education instead of an egocentric,unifocused approach.

Payton has a great foreign language program, but unfortunately distance learning is expensive in terms of the equipment. It's very rare to have a public school with such capacities. It's not so much a matter of being slow to change as it is a matter of being unable to change.

Also, only two years of language are required, four is only recommended.

Could not agree more with the last comment. If we are going to see a signficant shift towards a global contextual environment for all classrooms--policy makers have to make this a priority and devote resources and get good help and advice (not the usual tinkering around the edges) but the kind of assistance the Chicago school received to transform their schools. If you are interested in writing to me about this--I am ready--about to write a chapter for my book on this.

What a dream school with first class technology equipment !!An incredible example of bringing the world in a classroom. As a French teacher, what a wonderful way to open doors and expand horizons. Students are exposed to other cultures and languages in a real and rather easy way.What a great opportunity to get a global perspective of shared interests! One major issue and potential obstacle however.. Money.How can we duplicate such a "world" school ? Christine

To the reader asking about getting the money to finance similar programs--

As distance learning technologies improve and become less expensive we hope that more and more schools will be able to "bring the world into the classroom."

Some schools have been able to fund technology initiatives through various grants and donations from area businesses and parent organizations. I've heard of several places that showed Edutopia videos at local chamber of commerce meetings and at other public meetings to build public interest in such programs. Sometimes all it takes is showing what it looks like to get your community fired up!

Visit the edutopia grants page (www.edutopia.org/grantinfo) for ideas. Grant Wrangler (www.grantwrangler.com) and DonorsChoose.org (www.donorschoose.or) are other great Web site to look for funding and equipment.

A delightful program about a wonderful school. While it is certainly true that it takes resources to do all of the things shown, I believe the things that make Payton stand out most are the vision that animates the school administration, faculty and students and the shared committment to achieving excellence in the pursuit of that vision. These qualities attract assistance and support. Thanks to all involved.

I liked Payton's goal of developing a great faculty to nurture global leaders, and the requirement of 4 years of a foreign language. The emphasis on the importance of language acquisition and the student's comment about that being "difficult and fun" were good.