Internet and the global thinking project

Abstract

Over the years, owing to a lack of concern for the environment amongst nations in their zeal to develop and modernise their economies, the global environment has been adversely impacted, directly or indirectly. The solutions to these problems have since increasingly become the concern of countries all over the world. We believe that the answer in reducing further damage to the health of Planet Earth lies in four main areas, namely : academic research, governmental cooperation, legislation and education. This paper outlines an attempt to contribute towards reducing the environmental problems through education by increasing students' awareness of the environment through the Global Thinking Project. This project, which is ongoing for nine months in a school year, consists of a few experiments, each of which is focused on one aspect of the environment, e.g. the air pollution, water pollution, etc. The students will then share their results with students from other schools in other parts of the world, who are also doing similar experiments. A very interesting feature about this project is the use of Internet to communicate with students from other schools in other parts of the world. This mode of communication is not only very well received by the students, but is also a very quick and efficient method of transmitting data and sharing information and experiences. Thus, through participation in this project, students not only become more aware of their environment but also broaden their perspectives in many aspects, including culture and technology.