KidSpace: Connecting Learners in the Global Community

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KidSpace Connecting Learners in the Global
Community
Presented by Patti Weeg, Bonnie Thurber and Ann
Berger Valente NECC 2004 New Orleans
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Creation and Design of KidSpace
Bonnie Thurber Programs and Professional
Development at the Northwestern University
Collaboratory Project
Bob Davis Associate Director of Academic
Technologies for Northwestern University
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KidSpace is part of Kidlinkwww.kidlink.org
an online learning community since 1990.
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Kidlinks Goals

1. To empower youth with free educational programs
2. To encourage creativity and creation of social
   networks
3. To encourage collaboration among youth around the
   world, individually or through their classrooms.

Art by Ileana Surducan, age 15, in Romania.
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Who Can Join Kidlink?
Youth age 17 and younger
Kyrgyz Republic
USA
Taiwan
Romania
Brazil
Peru
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Kidleaders
Many adults volunteer their time, expertise and
energies to help Kidlinks youth.
Ann Berger Valente Brazil
Joy Boehm USA
Isamu Shimizaki Japan
Bonnie Thurber USA
Pia Avolio de Martino, Italy
Epi Sepulveda Puerto Rico
Ora Baumgarten Israel
Allan Garbutt Australia
Doug Cameron USA
Ann-Tove Norway
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Joining Kidlink
Youth who want to join Kidlink answer the 4
Kidlink questions on the web form. www.kidlink.org
/response

1. Who am I?
2. What do I want to be when I am grown up?
3. How do I want the world to be better when I am
   grown up?
4. What can I do now to make this happen?

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Kidlink Projects For All Ages
www.kidlink.org/KIDPROJ/projects.html
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Step Into KidSpace
Kidlinks online learning environment where
youth publish their work, dialogue with each
other and reach new insights about their world.
www.kidlink.org/kidspace
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Projects in Many Languages
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Kidproj-Multi Language Area
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode6
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Toolbar Options
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode6
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KidSpace Chat
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KidSpace Project Tour

• Kidlink Day
• Grandmother and Me
• Hooked on Books
• Whats My Number?
• Draw a Story For Me
• Who Am I?
• What Does My First Name Mean?
• KidArt

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Kidlink Day
On the Kidlink Day youth from around the world
write a journal from morning until night.
Journals are posted in KidSpace for all to see
and enjoy.
Students in grade 6M at Clifton School in
Botswana wrote Kidlink Day journals. See them
here http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?Hold
Node14000
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Project Resources
Lesson ideas for using Kidlink day
journals Includes suggestions for a group of 5
students working collaboratively to collect data
from journals. Students examine journals to look
for such things as time of day that students
wake up, length of the school day, how many
hours a day kids watch TV, hours a day students
spend on homework and time of night when kids go
to bed. Suggestions for writing Kidlink Day
journals If this is not a school day for you
because of a special holiday, please let us
know. Describe your feelings when you tell us
about your classes. Are you having a good
day? When you tell us you are having a meal,
tell us what the food is. If you are reading a
book, tell us the title. If you are watching
TV, tell us the name if the show. If you go to
a movie, tell us the name of the movie. Use
more than one sentence to describe what you are
doing at a particular time. Make your journal
interesting by including descriptive phrases.
Evaluating Student Activities and Journals a
rubric for evaluating Kidlink Day Journals
 
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Evaluating Kidlink Day Activities
My journal included Points
Complete sentences  
Correct spelling and punctuation  
Descriptive words  
Extra details explaining my activities such as meals and TV shows or books read  
Weather information for March 6, 2002  
Additional Kidlink Day Activities Points
I read journals posted by other students.  
I posted a comment for other participants.  
I compared journals and made a graph, table, chart or Venn Diagram.  
I replied to a student who posted a comment for me.  
I posted my Kidlink Day journal myself.  
Total Points  
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Journal From Denmark
630 I get up and put my clothes on!!!!! 700 I
get my breakfast. I get cornflakes for my
breakfast!!!! 800 I go to Laasby
school!!!!! 805 I play table tennis with my bat
and some evil enemies. It was funny!!!!!! 845 to
1305 I work on my project I have got about Ole
Lund Kirkegaard. He is a writer!!!!! 1315 to
1600 I play computer. The name of the game I
played was championship manager
03-04!!!!!!! 1619 to 1830 I play football with
my friend Jens. I was goalkeeper like Iker
Cassilias and Jens was striker like
Raul!!!!!!! 1840 to 1900 I have dinner. I get
spaghetti!!!!!!!!  2000 I watched television. I
saw ?24 hours,? it was not too good to
day!!!!! 2130 I went to bed and I played game
boy until I fell  asleep!!!!!!!!!!                
      Made of Alexander from Låsby Skole
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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Journal from Botswana
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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Chanda, 12 years Francistown, Botswana Weather 
cold   600     I woke up tired wearing my blue
pyjamas and I didn't want to go to
school. 605     I went to wash my face and brush
my teeth. 608     I got dressed in my P.E kit
for school. 617     After I got dressed I went
to drink some water. 619     When I finished my
water I sat down and waited for my dad. 625    
I went outside to play while my dad was getting
his work papers.           635     My dad got
the car out and we went to school. Our car is
a silver Camry. 649     I started to go to
school.                                           
                                                  
  
 659     After I arrived at school I handed in
my homework.       701     After I finished
handing in my work in I went to play soccer with
my friends. 730     I went to cross -country. We
run around the school twice every Tuesday.
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Chandas Journal continued
800     My class and I went to computers and we
were typing. I like computers because we do fun
typing. 830     After computers we went to the
Library to listen to a woman who knows all kinds
of books. Her name is Mrs Hicthcock and she was
very nice and funny. 900     We went back to
class and we started to write a diary about what
we did. It was great fun.  915    We did maths.
The maths that we did was decimals.  930    The
whole school went to singing in the hall. 1000  
We all went to break. I ate a sandwhich and it
was nice. 1030   We went to water aerobics to
do some exercise. It was fun. 1100   Our class
went to French, Setswana and Afrikaans. I do
French because I am from Zambia and only citizens
do the local language which is Setswana. 1200  
We did house points. It's when you collect points
for your house.I got lots this week.
See the rest of his journal here http//65.42.153
.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode14571
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http//www.globalclassroom.org/2004/digital_classr
oom/communication/weeg_lesson_plan.html
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What Does My First Name Mean?
From Class 2B in Istituto Comprensivo 2 in
Suzzara, Mantua, Italy
Drawing by Flavia, age 12, Italy-2004 My first
name is Flavia and it is in Italian. It is a
roman family name which meant "golden" or
"yellow-haired" from latin Flavus
"yellow-golden". Flavius was the family name of
the 1st-centuryroman emperors Vespasias, Titus
and Domitian. I live in Suzzara, a town in
Italy I know one person with my first name. My
first name doesn't suit my character. I like my
first name because it is short. My first name is
very nice. I love my first name. 
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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What Does My First Name Mean?
From Sieff and Marks School in Israel
My first name is Tal. It is in Hebrew. My name
is like rain the the morning. It means "dew". I
know many people with this name. I think that my
first name suits my character but I don't have a
reason! I just can't imagine myself with another
name. I do not want another name.
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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My Name from Botswana
What is your first name? Moabi What language is
it in? Setswana What does it mean? Giver Is there
anything interesting or unusual about your first
name ? no What city/country do you live in?  
Botswana How many people do you know who have
the same first name as you? 2 Does the meaning
of your first name suit your character? yes   Do
you like your name?  no What other name would
you choose Jack
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From the project moderatorsWhat Does My First
Name Mean?
The project has really been a joy (excuse the
pun!). I think that it has proved to be a truly
"multi-culti" one, and it was amazing when the
Americans, Italians, Israeli and South African
kids commented on each others' work. Please
extend my greetings to the participants of the
talk. I'll be happy to continue the project in
the coming school year. Hugs, Ora
Ora Baumgarten Israel
My students for the most part were amazed  at the
thought that names had any meaning at all.  In
their minds names were merely identifiers, and
ought to sound nice, but didn't really mean
anything.  Then they were surprised when they
researched and discovered the meanings of their
names.  Very seldom did they find that the
meaning of their name fit them, but their
original feelings about their names did not
change with the knowledge.  What intrigued them
even more was learning that cultures exist where
the meaning of a name is of great importance, and
most people are aware of the meaning of their
name. It caused them to rethink some of their
previous notions.  This project touched my
students at many levels and I am grateful to Ora
for developing it and bringing it to KidSpace.
Joy Boehm USA
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Grandmother and Me
My grandma lives in Montevideo. We call her
Meca. She came to Punta del Este in summer. I
wear one of my favourite shorts. One day I was on
the beach and hit against a rock and broke my
short. I was very sad for what had happened, I
spent many days without wearing it. I was very
upset and disappointed. One day my grandma got
up and out of bed, took my short and mended it,
and although she is very old and her hands shake,
she did very well. Martín CortinasMaldonado,
Uruguay
Mi abuela vive en Montevideo. Le decimos Meca.
Ella vino en verano a Punta del Este. Yo uso un
short que es uno de los que más me gustan. Un
día, yo estaba en la playa y me pegué contra una
piedra y se me rompió el short. Estaba muy triste
por lo que había sucedido, pasé muchos días sin
usarlo. Yo estaba muy caprichoso. Un día mi
abuela se levantó de la cama, agarró mi short y
lo cosió, a pesar de que es muy vieja y le
tiembla la mano, le quedó muy bien.
Art by Alejandra Castaneda at British Peruvian
School in Lima, Peru.
http//www.kidlink.org/KIDPROJ/grandmother/
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Grandmother and Me
From Romania
Grannie tells me that once upon a time there was
an emperor who had a daughter. That daughter was
very beautiful. She had a dog. Its name was Budy.
She loved her dog very much. . One day, the dog
was lost . The girl was very sad and she left her
parents and went to find Budy. She took food and
water with her.. On the road she met a man who
wanted to help her, but he was a thief. Every
crossroad he blackmailed her. If the girl gave
him some food and water he would tell her the way
to her dog. When she gave the man the last food
and water he left her without telling her where
Budy was. She fainted. After two hours the dog
felt her smell and went and found her. They were
very happy and they lived for a long time
together. Cristina Palancan, 6th form, School
10, Romania
Art created by Maria Surducan, age 16, Romania
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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Grandmother and Me
From the USA
Hi. I am Demitra. I am in second grade. I call my
grandparents Mom mom Pop pop. We see them almost
everyday MOM mom loued to ro ller skate and play
with her dolls also she loued going to the zoo
and movies PopPop loved to play baseball. They
are special to me because I always have fun with
the. They have many pictures of their families
That they share with me. H.L. Beeler Elementary
School, New Jersey, USA
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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Grandmother and Me
From Peru
Art by Camila, at British Peruvian School in
Lima, Peru. Her name is Felicita. I love her
because she is very kind.
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode5
028
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Hooked on Books
Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of
Professor Poopypants by Dav Pilkeyreviewed by
JuWan This book is about two boys a principal and
a evil profeser. the two boys names are Gerold
and Harold The principals name is Mr. Kruup he
turns into Captain Underpants and the evil
professer's name is Professer Poopypants. This
book is about a principal that is very mean to
Gerold and Harold becaus they played realy bad
jokes on people. When ever people snap Mr. Krupp
turns into Captain Underpants. Professer
Poopypants gets mad because people make fun of
his name. I won't tell you about the whole book
becaus I want you to read it. This book is realy
funny. That's the end of my book review.
Eugene Field Elementary, Missouri, USA
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
1966
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Hooked on Books
Ghost Horse by Herb Marlow reviewed by Olyvia 
age 10                                         I
read about the Ghost Horse. It was a great book.
The book is about a boy that saw a horse one
night. So he went to his mom and dads room and
banged on the door. So his mom and dad went to
see what was wrong so he told his mom and dad
that he saw a horse. His mom and dad did not
believe him because they could not see the Ghost
Horse. I would rate this book to 10 because it is
a very good book. I think 2nd to 5th grade kids
would like to read this book.
Eugene Field Elementary, Missouri, USA
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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Whats My Number?
Take the number of feet of the highest point in
Florida, multiplied by the year the state flag
was adopted, divided by how many counties are in
Florida, divided by the order the state was
entered into the union and round that number to
the nearest whole number. Catherine http//www.50
states.com/florida.htm
On Thursday April 29, 2004, Beelerkids from USA
saidHello Catherine, We liked your challenge!
It was very tricky, and a lot of fun. When we
solved your problem we got 329. We hope you write
another challenge soon. The students from Mrs.
Bayzath's Class. PS Please come see our
challenges. They are here http//65.42.153.210/ki
dspace/start.cfm?HoldNode11624
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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Whats My Number?
Perttus challenge from Finland

• Try to solve this
•   The number of week days                         
       
• X the number of stars in the USA flag
• / the number of Planets in space
• the number of moons in Turkeys flag
• X the number of stars in the USA flag
• the number of the letters in word
• A L P H A B E T
• Please note! In Finland we finish our
• school in two weeks! Answer as soon
• as possible! Perttu

Class 6B at Vallila Elementary School, Helsinki,
Finland
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Draw a Story For Me
By Sara at Solkan Elementary School in Slovenia
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode5
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Draw a Story For Me
Ntokozo is 9.  Her picture is of a hand.  In Zulu
the word is -sandla.
John Wesley School, Pinetown, South Africa
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode5
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Draw a Story For Me
Idade11 anos. SexoMasculino. Titulo do
desenhoNa aula...  (In the classroom) Elementos
principaisLousa, professor, aluno (blackboard,
teacher, student) Lapis de cor (colored pencils)
Art by Pedro Ataide deLima    Escola do Sítio,
Campinas, Brazil
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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• "Who Am I?" is an educational program for youth.
• It supports curriculum standards
• It is student centered.
• It offers support for teachers.

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Kidlink's Who Am I? Program Modules
                     Who Am I?                       Where Do I Live?
                       What Are My Rights?                          My Friends and Family
                       What Are My Roots?                       Virtual Vacation
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Who Am I?
Drawing by Tatiana Isabel González Saavedra, from
Pillanlelbún, Chile. "My nickname is Taty. I
like playing Basketball and Listening to music. I
m 12 years old."
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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Where Do I Live?
My village is Thailand.  Thailand is where my
parent came from.  People who live in Thailand
are all very nice upset for the bad one.  In
Thailand we have a lot of mountain all around
us.  Some part of my village is small, lake some
parts are big and some parts are small.  In
Thailand we have all four season. 
Art by Matthew, age 15, at Fresno High School,
California, USA
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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What Are My Rights?
By Antonella M. - age 11 - Italy
I have chosen the right to go to school because
some children can't to go to school and are used
for hard working. That isn't fair!
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My Family and Friendsfrom Leman, age
15     Country Azerbaijan   
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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"Novruz" holiday (novruz is translated as "a new
day") is the most ancient and cherished holiday
of a New Year and spring. It is celebrated on the
day of vernal equinox - March 21-22. Novruz is
the symbol of nature renewal and fertility.
Agrarian peoples of Middle East have been
celebrating Novruz since ancient times.
Preparations for Novruz start long before the
holiday. People do house cleaning, plant trees,
make new dresses, paint eggs, make national
pastries such as shakarbura, pakhlava and a great
variety of national cuisine. Wheat is fried with
kishmish (raisins) and nuts (govurga).It is
essential for every house to have "semeni" -
sprouts of wheat. As a tribute to fire-worshiping
every Tuesday during four weeks before the
holiday kids jump over small bonfires and candles
are lit. On the holiday eve the graves of
relatives are visited and tended. Novruz is a
family holiday. In the evening before the holiday
the whole family gathers around the holiday table
laid with various dishes to make the New Year
rich. The holiday goes on for several days and
ends with festive public dancing and other
entertainment of folk bands, contests of national
sports.
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Virtual Vacation
Hello, we are L1 (9Grade) students. Glad to meet
everyone. We are interested in visiting different
countries. We also like to meet friends. We
invite you to our beautiful town Azov. See you!
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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KidArt
Iceland Þessi mynd er af Heidda. Sveinmar tók
þessa mynd.Heiddi er skólabróðir minn My name is
Sveinmar and my school is Síðuskóli. This picture
is of Heiddi. Heiddi is my classmate. Sveinmar
Stefánsson Iceland
Photo by Sveinmar Stefánsson, Iceland
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode4
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Self Portrait - KidArt
New York, USA Portrait by Maddelena in New York.
This activity was created to expand the
"Describe/Draw" project. Drawing a person while
only taking into consideration the physical
appearance of an individual was not enough to
interest and involve older students in the
project. Older students have developed some good
tools to draw a face moreover their personality
becomes more outlined. We proposed to our
students to build a psychological self-portrait
to think about the mental image that each
teenager has of himself to translate his own
image without taking the physical features too
much into consideration and using colors, graphic
signs and techniques as they prefer in a free
way.
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode3
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KidArt
Art by Federica from Italy, Age 12
This picture represents two dancing people, dance
is my favourite sport. There are two girls that
dance in the gym. One girl is classic, the other
is funky. They represent two kinds of dance.
http//www.kidlink.org/gallery/showcase
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KidSpace a User Friendly Environment

Hints for Using KidSpace
How to Administer Students Pages
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Login Procedure
Teachers Write to Patti pweeg_at_comcast.net or
project moderator for teacher account. Students
Answer the 4 Kidlink questions to register and
get a Kidlink login and password.
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Add a New Page
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Add a Comment
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Add or Edit Picture
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Edit a Page
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Lets Try it Now!
http//65.42.153.210/kidspace/start.cfm?HoldNode1
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KidSpace Connecting Learners in the Global
Community
Presented by
Patti Weeg
Bonnie Thurber
Ann Berger Valente
ann_at_dglnet.com.br
pweeg_at_comcast.net
b-thurber_at_northwestern.edu
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The Beginning not the End ?

• We hope you join us in Kidlinks KidSpace and
  become a part of the online global community of
  learners!