Advancing Sustainable Development through innovative integration of
English Language Learning and Information Technology
It is over twelve years since heads of state met for the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio (Earth Summit 1992), creating Agenda
21 as a plan for achieving sustainable development in the 21st century. Worldwide,
governments agreed then that 'education needs to lead to an informed and involved
global citizenry with the creative problem-solving skills, scientific and social literacy,
and the commitment to engage in responsible individual and cooperative actions.’
178 nations adopted these plans to include such
Education for Sustainability in their curricula. Today,
despite having these concepts enshrined in national
curricula around the world, translating these global
concepts into schools and classrooms has proven
tricky. Traditional 'chalk and talk' teachers are
process to the students and taking a new role as
facilitator. Also sustainability cuts across traditional
disciplines. Agenda 21, Chapter 36 requires schools to
go beyond education about issues and to engage students critically in active problem
solving.
The Living Classroom Network, an initiative of the EON Foundation, proposes an
effective, affordable and engaging means to deliver on the aspirations of Chapter 36,
Agenda 21 through an "English for Sustainability" education strategy. This approach is
new innovative, pragmatic and proven.
Working alongside local businesses, schools and communities, the strategy involves
implementing student centred and globally connected community-based projects,
which integrate English for international communication with education for
sustainability and the use of information technology. The focus is on developing
regional capacity to communicate on individual and cooperative actions that work
towards an economically prosperous and environmentally sound future for all
societies.
The methodology includes challenging students to use English in a real life situation to
gain knowledge, develop skills, and reflect on attitudes and actions. Students from
around the world are linked electronically through a unique online communications
platform developed in collaboration with Auckland University of Technology. They
engage in collective, individual and collaborative activities that are designed to
enhance understanding of and action towards a sustainable future
EON realises there are many paths toward sustainability. We therefore welcome
partnerships with many diverse organisations.
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