Age range 4-11 years
Applications used Video/Video Podcast, Blog
Description Following a similar format to the Eurovision Song Contest, Schoolovision allowed one primary school from all 32 eTwinning countries wishing to participate, to record, video and upload a song of their choice, whereafter a live judging session took place.
Project URL or screenshot http://schoolovision2009.blogspot.com
What challenges had to be overcome? The project relied on the use of Flashmeeting for the live judging session to take place. By agreeing to meet in their own time to test the FlashMeeting tool, all participants gained a level of proficiency before the live vote. Two very successful home-based FlashMeetings, where partners have learned how to use the software, also took place. The children in all the classes were also given the opportunity to participate and meet each other before the real contest and the vote, to give them the chance to communicate prior to the event.
What would you recommend to others? The idea of producing videos to introduce all the partners and their schools to each other is very creative. The idea of using song and video to allow children to learn about each others' cultures is again very creative and innovative. As the project is followed the same rules as the Eurovision Song Contest, the idea was also very innovative, as it created a great stimulus for the adults involved – the teachers – who have had direct experience of many years of watching the real Eurovision.
Reactions and outcomes Michael Purves, the Co-ordinator of Schoolovision 2009, says:
It was really cool, because we learned so much about Europe. The Flashmeetings we had were good because not only did we get to meet the children in all the other 29 countries by webcam, but it was great to be able to ask them questions about their countries."
“The children involved all loved the project. There's no doubt that the project was quite innovative, as nothing had been done like this before on a scale such as this, bringing 30 European countries together through the use of song. The use of live webcam meetings between the partners was extremely powerful, as the pupils learned lots about other cultures and countries, by direct interaction with their peers, and fellow contestants. As an aside, the teachers all loved the project too, and learned many new skills. You can read their comments from the blog, at the following url: https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2906765370234470051&postID=4582180103182775293”
The Amazing Web 2.0 Projects Book
Terry Freedman (ed)
Page 16