CHINESE DELEGATE IDEA EXCHANGE AT DISTRICT 135

A group of delegates from China’s Shenzhen region visited classes at Jerling Jr. High as part of the Twenty-First Century Institute’s Professional Public Affairs Exchange Program.
The half day event in November included a building tour and classroom visits with students in science, art, Spanish, and language arts. Delegates had the chance to discuss curriculum with teachers and administration as well as observe technology integration and how lap tops are used to supplement teaching.
Students in Judy Stellato’s science class, for example, demonstrated the students’ use of Google’s Sketch Up app to create 3-D renderings of a hydraulic lift in preparation for the classes’ participation in the Fluid Power Challenge at Harper College. The delegates interacted with the students regarding how use of the app improved the development and trouble-shooting stages of the project.
The Twenty-First Century Exchange Program is 3-4 months in duration and affords the visitors the opportunity to see various public administration centers in the areas of culture, education, economics, and human resources. Shenzhen, adjacent to Hong Kong, is considered to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. It was established as a city in 1979 and was China’s first Special Economic Zone in 1980. Prior to 1979, it was a small frontier town. Shenzhen has been regarded as the symbol of China’s historic change since 1978.