The Global Schoolhouse Project

Which digital curricula and literacy elements will define the "Global Schoolhouse" of tomorrow for elementary school kids? Working closely with leaders from internationally themed schools, principals and curricular experts, the Center will review educational media materials, websites and game content that focus on reading, writing, second language acquisition and global understanding to define how an elementary school or extended learning setting for diverse, low-income and minority kids can be transformed with rich, multimedia content. The Center's research will take place in tandem with Asia Society, the nation's leader in the creation of global education initiatives, including the International Studies Schools Network, a new school development initiative that serves urban youth in seven cities, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Another key partner in this model development project will be Dr. Allison Druin, a Cooney Center National Advisory Board member and the director of the International Children's Digital Library, which houses the world's most diverse selection of children's books from over 40 countries, written in over a dozen languages. We will also examine digital assets from new and existing Sesame Workshop projects, such as Panwapa, a new virtual world that teaches children cultural and world languages content, as well as their upcoming production of The Electric Company.