About

World Class Scholars is a free, online education and cultural exchange program that matches students and teachers worldwide to create global classrooms.

From one classroom to another, students and teachers from all over the world can now “connect, learn and share” using a real-time online exchange
technology platform and learn together about what it means to be a part of this larger global community.

Teachers can benefit from valuable Microsoft Office 365 tools for educators as they can enroll in the Microsoft Innovative Teacher Certification Program and become eligible for free global travel and much, much more.

How It Works

It’s all about the teachers. WCS has been designed, tested and perfected with teachers in dozens of classrooms around the world.

WCS is designed for all grade levels, subjects areas, countries and types of technologies.

Get all the details here from the Teacher Handbook

Everything you need to know in easy step-by-step directions.

Teacher Handbook

The Benefits

Benefits for Students
The WCS project is designed to help students learn the skills they need to work effectively in the interconnected global marketplace of the 21st century.
Students will:
1) Learn to use new technology effectively.
2) Work collaboratively with other students from different countries.
3) Connect to people, cultures and ideas in the wider world around them.
4) Receive a WCS Diploma once they finish a term.
WCS is designed around a set of standard formats, templates, and samples that teachers and students from grades 1 to 12 can use virtually in any subject area.
The WCS Diploma is given by the South Carolina Department of Education in the United States where the program initially began.
Benefits for Teachers
Teachers all over the world are special. We at WCS recognize this and want to help teachers in any way we can. This is why we provide these valuable tools and training for free to everyone.
Teachers will have:
1) Free Microsoft Tools – As soon as you sign up for WCS, you will automatically be given an unlimited Microsoft Office 365 for Teachers account and you will continue to have free access to these tools as long as you are in the program.
2) Microsoft Innovator Teacher Certification – You can enroll for free in this program that provides valuable training and certifications. Once completed, you will join a network of over 22,000 teachers worldwide and be known for your professionalism and commitment to innovation for your students.
3) Professional Development Credits – You will also be part of a series of Professional Development Programs delivered by an elite set of Microsoft Innovative Educators on digital teaching and learning proficiencies and skills.
4) Teacher Certificate from WCS – All teachers whose class completes at least one term of WCS will receive a WCS Teachers’ Certificate given by the State Department of Education in South Carolina in the United States where the program initially began.
5)Win Free Global Travel – When teachers join the WCS program, they will automatically be entered to possibly win free business class global travel (teachers deserve it) provided by our partner Etihad Airways. Winners will travel to various Microsoft Education conferences around the world.
Get your free info packet !
Teachers will teach what they are already teaching
We ask teachers to conduct 6 to 8 WCS classes with their Partner Teacher for about an hour each week at the same time. We will not ask teachers to teach something different or special – instead, teachers will be giving the subjects they already teach but in a new and fun way –
with a Partner Teacher around the world.
Regardless of the students’ age, subject or country, the process is the same.
As detailed in the Teacher Handbook, the process is:
Connect

Teachers and students from all over the world will connect with other classes in real-time using a standard internet connection.

Learn

Schools from different countries collaborate online and learn with simple fill-in-the-blank lesson plans and projects that teachers develop together. The students will learn about each other’s cultures, lives, and the world around them.

Share

The projects are shared within the school, with students’ families, in their local community – and with other schools around the world via the WCS platform.

It’s easy and fun – We don’t know who likes WCS the most, the teachers or the students!

Get your free info packet !

Sponsors

Expo 2020 Dubai

World Class Scholars is an independent program that has been in development for five years and is being launched globally as part of Expo 2020 Dubai World’s Fair and its theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.

EXPO is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration – the largest event ever staged in the Arab world. It will welcome 190
participating countries and their invited heads of state and up to 25+ million global visitors.

World Class Scholars is Expo’s gift to the young people of the world.

Phil Noble, Founder, World Class Scholars.

Connecting Classes at Expo – At Expo 2020, WCS has a dedicated space where we will be connecting schools around the world in real time.
Students from schools in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates will visit WCS’ space at Expo and sit in a Real Space in front of a giant screen where they will be connected a Partner Classroom around the world in Virtual Space – in real time.
The students will begin to get to know each other, learn about each other’s country and culture and begin to study together and explore the world around them.
Once the two classrooms connect at Expo, they will continue connecting with each other on an ongoing basis throughout the school year.
Get your free info packet !

What They Say

“A vision is one thing to have but the actual action of doing it, I think it has been overwhelmingly positive. As we reflect on it, it’s been more than just an enriching experience – we’re talking
about giving our kids real-world experiences. We talk about trying to make them global thinkers, but the bridge that we’ve been able to gap between cultures has been amazing really. I get
excited every time I hear the kids talk about it and every time I saw their faces while they connect with other kids around the world.”

Wanda Wiliams – Elementary School Principal, USA

“I have been teaching in this program for five years and it is truly a wonderful program. My students learn so much from their shared classes with other students from around the world. They have learned to make presentations, to proudly present their county and culture to others and it has helped them mature and be more confident. I would urge any teacher anywhere in the world to join World Class Scholars. It’s one of the best things you can do for your students and yourself.”

Adam Dokurugu– 5 years in WCS,  teacher in West Africa

“This program is one of my favorite things to do in school. I look forward to it ever week and I have learned so much from my friends and they have learned from me. I can say with pride “I have friends all around the world, and I am only 16 years old!”

Student – Akolie Joyce Akos , Ridge Junior High School, 11th grade, Tamale – Ghana

From a parent: “My children have learned so much from this program. When they told me they were going to have a class with a school in the United States, I didn’t know what they were talking about. They really love this program and I’ve noticed they get out of bed quicker on days they connect with their friends in the United States.”

Parent/Father – James Yussif Father of Akolie

Get Your Free Info Packet!

Any teacher from any place in the world can sign up for free and start an exciting learning experience for their students – and themselves.

What Teachers
Need for Success
– A reliable internet connection and any kind of device – the more technology the better. However, some classes do just fine with a single smartphone.
– Communicate with your Partner Teacher on a regular basis to work better together.
– Meet with your Partner Classrooms once a week for about an hour for four to six times – or more – over the school term.
– An open and curious attitude to teach and learn with others.
That’s it… and have fun!.
Sign Up For
More Information
I want more information!

FAQ

What does it cost to participate?

Nothing! WCS is free to all schools around the world.

What do the students learn with WCS?

The WCS project is designed to help students learn the skills they need to work and be competitive in the interconnected global marketplace of the 21st century.

Students will:

  • Learn to use new technology effectively
  • Work collaboratively with others of different countries
  • Connect to people, cultures and ideas in the wider world around them

WCS is designed around a set of standard formats and templates that can be used by teachers and students in grades 1 – 12 in any academic subject area.

What languages are used?

Generally, WCS class partnerships are conducted in English. Students in many classes speak English as a second language and part of connecting with other students around the world is learning to work with other students and teachers who don’t have the same native language. Teachers with a background in Teaching English as a Foreign Language may feel more comfortable connecting with a class with little English experience.

What technology is required?

The most basic technology needed is a computer with internet access, and a webcam (if there is not a camera already built into the computer) – that’s it.

A simple webcam can be purchased at a local computer store for under US$50. Although it is not required, it is good if a projector and screen or a connected smartboard are available so that the classroom images are projected in a large format for the whole class to see.

Is there some way to get help if we have a problem?

Yes, there are several ways you can get help.

  • WCS Teachers’ Handbook – an easy to use, step-by-step guide to setting up and running a WCS classroom with your Partner Teacher.Click here
  • Microsoft User Guide – From Microsoft Office 365 Suite, it tells you everything about using the technology.Click here
  • The Teachers’ Lounge – This easy-to-use space lets any teacher ask a question and other teachers in the program can post their responses about how to solve a specific problem, share what’s worked for them, learn useful tips and ideas.Click here
Are there benefits and rewards for students’ and teachers’ participation?

Yes, there are lots of benefits and rewards for both students and teachers to participate. Click here for all the details. (takes you to the benefit section)

This sounds like it’s easy and fun. How do I get started?

All you have to do to get started is fill out the form click here and we will send you all you need to register and get started.

What happens after I register?

As soon as you register, and your details are verified and approved by World Class Scholars, you will receive your Welcome Pack
consisting of Teacher’s Handbook, your login credentials for Office 365 for Educators, a user guide for Microsoft Office 365 Educator
Suite and a detailed profile link to help you give more information
about your areas of interest, age group of students, location, preference on the country you would like to build connections with.

You will then be able to see other educators, send connection request and start your exciting World Class Scholars journey.

I have some more questions. Who can I contact?
Please contact Meka meka@worldclassscholars.org.

Contact

We want to hear from you. Do you have an idea, a problem or comment?


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