An exploration of culture, history and interconnectedness.
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This unit thematically explores how Canada's framework of rights and obligations mitigate the effects of discrimination and racism.
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Gaming for Grades:
Integrating Video Games into the Classroom

   Many parents and teachers see video games as nothing more than a form of entertainment. While television and film are thought to educate as well as entertain, many believe that video games are predominately associated with entertainment. David Hutchison, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at Brock University, explores the educational properties of video games and how they can be valuable resources at home and in the classroom in his book, Playing to Learn: Video Games in the Classroom. The book is a pedagogical guide for educators who want to use video games to teach a range of subjects including language arts, science, math, history, geography, health & physical education, drama, music, visual arts, computers, and business.
   According to the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC), 88% of Canadian children aged 6-17 are regular gamers. Hutchison suggests that video games allow teachers to use a medium children are comfortable with and excited by. He believes that these interactive games can help increase students’ understanding of traditional academic lessons.
   Playing to Learn: Video Games in the Classroom features over 100 video game activity ideas appropriate for grades 4-12. The book is augmented with several discussion articles contributed by scholars, journalists, and bloggers who routinely write about video games. Also included are dozens of activity modification and extension ideas, Web links, data tables, and photographs.
   To learn more about Playing to Learn: Video Games in the Classroom, visit www.playingtolearn.org
WorldTeach
   WorldTeach is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides opportunities for individuals to make a meaningful contribution to international education by living and working as volunteer teachers in developing countries.
   WorldTeach was founded by a group of Harvard students in 1986 in response to the need for educational assistance in developing countries. The organization addresses a growing interest among people in the United States and elsewhere to serve, teach, and learn as volunteers overseas. Since its inception, WorldTeach has placed thousands of volunteer educators in communities throughout Asia, Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Pacific.
   Based at the Center for International Development at Harvard University, WorldTeach offers the benefits of a well-established volunteer group, while also providing the kind of comprehensive, personalized support and training offered by a small non-governmental organization. In each of the programs, volunteers are placed in schools and host communities in developing countries that specifically request WorldTeach volunteers and would otherwise be unable to afford or locate qualified teachers. 
   WorldTeach volunteers come from diverse backgrounds throughout the United States and abroad. Individuals interested in WorldTeach programs can be recent college graduates, current college students (for summer programs), working professionals, married couples, retirees, or anyone else who is committed to international service and education. Volunteers receive training, language preparation, and field support, empowering them to make an impact that will last long after they leave their teaching experience.