Description

• FILMMAKERS WITHOUT BORDERS (FWB) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. Connected Classrooms is a collaborative filmmaking project linking two classrooms in different parts of the world. Students in different schools use email and other cloud-based technologies to virtually co-write, co-film, and co-edit a short film project over the course of a semester. Students work together online and learn about another culture and community through the filmmaking process. Download the flyer (PDF)

Goals & Objectives

• to empower the next generation of digital storytellers
• to promote diverse communities and cultures
• to share unique perspectives and stories
• to support youth voices from around the world

FWB is committed to diversity and equality.

• FWB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, military service, or other protected status.

Classrooms should meet the following eligibility requirements:

• school, NGO, or community organization
• 10+ K-12 students (1st-12th grade)
• weekly class sessions/meetings (minimum)
• regular internet access
• access to a digital camera
• English fluency or regular access to a translator

Classrooms should be aligned with the following principles:

• demonstrated commitment to diversity
• demonstrated commitment to student empowerment
• demonstrated commitment to cultural sustainability
• commitment to the principles of digital citizenship

How It Works

• Implement FWB’s curriculum/lesson plans
• Use Skype & online tools to connect students
• Virtually write, film, and edit short films together
• Implement hands-on, project-based learning
• Facilitate cultural exchange through filmmaking

Methodology

• FWB embraces inquiry-based, project-based, and constructivist approaches to education.
• All FWB curriculum and classes are student-centered and student-driven.
• Cultural sustainability is a core component of the classroom experience.

Educational Standards

• The Connected Classrooms Curriculum is developed by FWB’s team of licensed educators.
• The Connected Classrooms Curriculum is directly aligned with the following educational standards:
  • the International Society for Technology Education (Worldwide)
  • the Common Core Curriculum (U.S. Department of Education)
  • the Blueprint for the Moving Image (NYC Department of Education)

How to Enroll

1. Prepare all supporting materials
2. Submit your online application

Timeline

• Upon successful submission of 1. the online application and 2. all supporting materials, the  application will then be forwarded to the relevant committee for initial review. The review process can take between 2 – 6 weeks from the respective deadline depending on the application cycle and number of applications being processed. 
• Unsuccessful applications are generally notified of their application status within 6 weeks of the respective deadline.
• Successful applications generally receive formal enrollment about 1-2 months after the respective application deadline.

Supporting Materials

• Submit a 500-word description of your classroom/community
• Submit a 500-word essay explaining what global citizenship means to you
• Submit a 500-word essay explaining the value of cultural exchange
• Submit x5 photos of your classroom in action.
• Submit a 3-5 minute video essay that includes all of the following:
  1. student introductions
  2. educator introduction
  3. what other subjects/topics you are studying
  4. what you hope to gain from the collaborative project
  5. explain how you will share your project with others

Enrollment Deadlines

• Connected Classrooms projects take place during the Fall and Spring semesters. Each project is 15 weeks in duration.
• Each semester has its own unique enrollment deadline:
  • Fall Semester: May 15th
  • Spring Semester: September 15th
• Completed online enrollment forms and supporting materials received by the corresponding deadline will be forwarded to the relevant committee for initial review.

What is Connected Classrooms?

• Connected Classrooms is a collaborative filmmaking project linking two classrooms in different parts of the world. Students in different schools use email and other cloud-based technologies to virtually co-write, co-film, and co-edit a short film project over the course of a semester. Students work together online and learn about another culture and community through the filmmaking process.

Who should enroll?

• FWB encourages K-12 educators, school administrators, after-school educators, community leaders, and members of other youth organizations all around the world to enroll in Connected Classrooms.

When are the submission deadlines?

• Each semester has its own unique enrollment deadline:
  • Fall Semester: May 15th
  • Spring Semester: September 15th

My classroom isn’t in the U.S., can I still submit?

• Yes, FWB accepts classrooms from any country.

I missed the application deadline, can I still enroll?

• Applicants who are unable to submit their projects and supporting materials by a particular deadline may be considered during the next semester cycle.

With which country will my classroom be partnered/paired?

• Classroom pairing vary from year to year. FWB will work closely with all enrolled classrooms to best identify a partner classroom that promises unique opportunities for cultural exchange.