Eracism+Project+(Global+Youth+Debates)

The Eracism Project started in 2009 at the Flat Classroom Conference. It was created by four students. Each was from a different country with one goal, to change the world. The project got its name based on their goal to erase racism, which is the meaning of Eracism. They wanted to give teenagers around the world an opportunity to voice their opinions about world issues.

In order for teenagers around the world to have their voice heard, a debate project was created, Eracism. In this project the debated happened in a simulated synchronous environment, until the final two teams. Their debate would be live in a virtual world. With the final debate being in a virtual world the students had to debate as well as operate the avatars. Therefore, this project helped the students to learn debating skills as well as technology skills. Lastly, this project was created to promote understanding of all people no matter was culture, race or sex they were. However, it also challenged the students to create a way that was creative to share the debates and allow people to participate globally.

I believe this project would be very beneficial to teenagers today, because they often feel that they are not heard and that they are not listened to when they voice their opinions. The Eracism Project was designed for that reason, to let these students be heard as well as hearing other people's views.

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. A. (2013). //Flattening classrooms, engaging minds: move to global collaboration one step at a time //. Boston: Pearson.

By: Kaylee Hamelink