The first project involved discussing common “virtues” and “values” then doing research on historical figures who embodied a specific virtue or value. Students on both sides of the ocean used the Project Harmony WebCrossing space to write articles and post Power Point presentations about these figures. Their peers were able to read and view the postings, and ask questions to each other in order to learn more.

After the success of the first project, no seat is empty in Mr. Davidek's classroom on the first day of the new semester. Discussion breaks out about the possibilities inherent in a partnership through the Project Harmony network. Mr. Davidek will be expanding his project to include other countries besides Armenia. The plan is to bring in Rwandan students, thanks to a contact Mr. Davidek made at a Fulbright Alumni Conference in Athens last October. The public affairs official he met asked him if he could involve some students in a Black History Month project in Rwanda. Mr. Davidek recognized the potential to enter into a 3-way discussion with US, Armenian and Rwandan students on the topic of genocide. The Armenian and Rwandan students will study the genocides in their countries and the American students will look into Native American interpretations of genocide, along with research into what some African American historians consider another genocide, the African slave trade. His students are now finishing the BHM project and in March will go online to discuss the issue of genocide.

Additional Links:

• Gyumri School #20 Website

Below are some pictures of this partnership project. Click on the thumbnail to view the full-size image.