8th ASEF Classroom Network

For the first time, the ASEF Classroom Network conference explored how intercultural understanding and ICT in secondary and high school education can be used to approach prescient environmental issues of our time. On 26 - 30 October 2009 in Sønderborg, Denmark, participants learnt from experts and shared methods for addressing climate change and sustainable development in the school community.

77 teachers from 55 schools across Asia and Europe gathered to learn from experts and share their understanding of climate change and sustainable development, with a view to integrating this subject with ICT in their classrooms.

Following presentations from numerous experts, including Ms Bodil Ullerup, Secretary General of the Danish National Commission of UNESCO, participants undertook professional enrichment relating to the impact of climate change and the promotion of sustainable development within schools. The programme also included visits to local schools and to “The Science Park – Danfoss Universe.”

31 new Online Collaborations, many of which related to the topic of the environment and sustainable development, were proposed during working groups. These will be coordinated by teachers from schools across Asia and Europe to facilitate better intercultural understanding and use of ICT in education.

In recognition of their outstanding activities, 6 of the previous year’s Online Collaborations were presented with ASEF ClassNet Awards and participants engaged in interactive plenary sessions on “Strengthening the ASEF Classroom Network.”