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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
University School of NSU’s Middle School Partners with Two Sister Schools in China
As part of the 2012 Chinese Bridge Delegation to China sponsored by the College Board, University School of NSU Middle School Associate Director Stephen Marten had the unique opportunity to visit several Chinese K-12 schools, meet with Chinese educators, observe classes and interact with students. Marten’s selection to the program coupled with the weeklong visit provided the first step toward establishing a sister school partnership.
Of the attending delegates, University School was one of a few private college preparatory schools nationwide to participate, and one of only four Florida schools to send representatives.
In the few weeks following his visit, Marten has secured not one, but two sister school partnerships that will allow University School students to correspond and work with Chinese peers. The partnerships promote the philosophy of University School’s World Languages Department by developing a unique opportunity to enhance students’ proficiencies in Mandarin Chinese, directly exposing the students to another culture and equipping students to become global citizens.
University School Mandarin Chinese students are currently being matched with students at Suzhou Tianjiabing Experimental Middle School and Suzhou No. 5 Middle School, both in Suzhou, China. While the significant time difference presents some challenges, the exploration into overcoming such logistics presents a learning opportunity of its own – and not unlike one that many of today’s professionals must face.
A significant advantage inherent to University School’s technological advances is Blackboard. Marten and Middle School teachers have the ability to leverage the platform so that students can participate in a meaningful learning exchange from the comforts of home, similar to the real-time conferences Middle School students had the option to participate in during the 2012 Presidential Election.
Powered by Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Blackboard offers a complete virtual learning environment that University School students use as early as grade 1. The platform is the same technology used by NSU and other colleges nationwide to facilitate learning by degree-seeking students.