Primary school students from around the world are discovering the joys of online learning thanks to an award-winning project developed by Queensland University of Technology researchers.
Teams from more than 20 primary schools from Australia and overseas have been interacting on-line each week to construct a wind powered yacht, culminating in a race day to be held next month.
The project, known as Land Yachts, was devised by QUT academics Shaun Nykvist and Dr Margaret Lloyd as a way to engage teachers and students in online learning environments.
As part of the online project, students and teachers are required to design and construct a wind powered yacht using recycled materials.
During the construction phase, each team charts their progress through a blog and uploads photos and video footage to share with the 'Land Yacht' community via an on-line portal.
The program has been so successful in helping students learn, it was granted an online learning award by the International Society for Technology in Education.
This year's race day features a strong international contingent, with schools from as far afield as Norway, set to compete in the race on November 4.
Mr Nykvist said Land Yachts was designed to encourage students and teachers to engage in digital styles of learning.
"The reality is that today's students are simply no longer engaged by traditional styles of learning, '' said Mr Nykvist.
"The curriculums of the past are still being played out, yet invariably fail as they do not gel with kids who are seeking out new ways to learn through the use of technology.
"With the adoption of web 2.0, social networking and the ease of use in creating digital content, online communities are emerging as a key learning tool in the classroom, '' he said.
***Note to Editors: Photo opportunity available with Year 4 students from Milton State Primary School with their handmade paper yachts on or prior to November 4. To arrange a time for the photo please phone Amanda Vine, QUT media contact.***
Media contact: Amanda Vine, media officer. 07 3138 2130. amanda.vine@qut.edu.au
