Touristic comparison between Britain and European Countries Backpacking, which historically was used to denote a form of budget, independent international travel, is now a lifestyle that has grown considerably. Low-cost airlines, budget accommodation, use of public transport as a means of travel, preference of youth hostels to traditional hotels, an interest in meeting the locals as well as seeing the sights differentiates backpacking from other forms of tourism. Students are creating a virtual tour of their towns, a travel guide book with useful tips and and itinerary for a 3-day trip to a foreign country. A group of British and European students decided to collaborate within the topic of Tourism and travelling, understand each other and contribute to the teaching of Social Studies /Great Britain/ English / European through an exciting and innovative project for youth, for backpackers'.

• Subjects: Art, Citizenship, Cross Curricular, Economics, Ethics, European Studies, Foreign Languages, Geography, History, History of Culture, Informatics / ICT, Language and Literature, Media Education, Philosophy / Logic, Physical Education, Religion, Social Studies / Sociology
• Languages: EN
• Pupil's age: 14 - 18
• Tools to be used: Chat, e-mail, Forum, MP3, Other software (Powerpoint, video, pictures and drawings), Video conference, Virtual learning environment (communities, virtual classes, ...), Web publishing
• Aims: The project aims to have the following outcomes:  Allow participants to share and exchange knowledge and experiences in a personal setting... read moreThe project aims to have the following outcomes:  Allow participants to share and exchange knowledge and experiences in a personal setting with others from different cultures and geographical regions, thereby promoting global awareness among participants.  Foster deeper understanding and greater appreciation for cultural diversity between participants of different countries and building friendships.  Enable participants to gain ownership of their learning process through research and exchange of ideas on the ICT platform.  Development of self-directed inquiry by applying creative and critical thinking skills in the interpretation of information.  Enhance the level of awareness in participants of their own country as a tourist destination and the importance of the tourism industry.  To strengthen the collaborative skills by working effectively as a team. hide
• Work process: Participating schools will organize groups of students from their school to collaborate with other participants from other schools. A. Participants will... read moreParticipating schools will organize groups of students from their school to collaborate with other participants from other schools. A. Participants will research on backpacking as a form of tourism. Participants will also research on the places of interest, types of festivities and experiential tours in their own countries. With the information, participants will design an itinerary of 3 days with a given budget [for a backpacker of specific interest, e.g. cultural aspects / historical aspects]. Itinerary includes  Places of interest  Accommodation, meals and transport  Local cultural experiences and festivities [highlight one event].  Total cost of tour within budget.  Other details e.g.: traveler’s needs, weather (recommended months to visit), exchange rates, precautions, maps must be provided. B. With the itinerary, participants will create a virtual tour for other participants. Virtual tour may be presented in the form of:  Travel guide booklet  Video  Photographic tour  Audio or online guide. C. Participants will proceed to view the work of other groups and experience the virtual tour created for them. after experiencing the virtual tour, participants will  Reflect upon the experience their thoughts and the virtual tour.  Create a forum titled “Ask a British/European  Participate in online chats for the exchange of views. hide
• Expected results: Timeline Week Task No. Task Details 1 1 Project objectives and details Brief students on AEC – Net. Brief students on project objectives, expectations... read moreTimeline Week Task No. Task Details 1 1 Project objectives and details Brief students on AEC – Net. Brief students on project objectives, expectations and task. 2 2 Familiarization with project platform Students will log in to project platform and familiarize themselves with the platform. [Login ID and password] 3 Self – introduction Students will upload a short introduction of themselves and their photographs. 3 3 Self – introduction Students continue to update their personal profile. 4 Socialization / knowing each other Students will also share their experiences of backpacking / travels on the discussion forum. Students will interact with other members using message board and blogs on project platform. 4 5 Research Students will research on information on the places of interests, festivities, recommended time of the year, accommodation and meals. Students to upload the information onto project portal. [research can be from the Internet / tourist board] 5 5 Research Students will continue to search for information. . 6 3-day Itinerary Students will design a 3-day itinerary for the backpacker. Introduction / explanations on the places of interests, cultural trips, types of food and festivities should be included. Itinerary must include a cultural event as the highlight. 6 6 3-day Itinerary Students will continue to refine and upload their itinerary. 7 6 3-day Itinerary Students will continue to refine and upload their itinerary. 7 Online live chats Students will participate in live chat to promote collaboration and get to know each others’ culture. 8 8 Making of ‘Virtual Tour’ Students will create a virtual tour based on the itinerary they designed. Students may present the virtual tour in the form of video clips, photographs or booklets form. 9 8 Making of ‘Virtual Tour’ Students continue to capture the places recommended in the itinerary and upload onto project portal. 10 8 Making of ‘Virtual Tour’ Students continue to capture the places recommended in the itinerary and upload onto project portal. 11 9 Virtual tour Students to view the product from other groups. Students will be engaged in a virtual experience of touring other countries. 12 10 Reflections from virtual tour Students will upload their reflections, comments and thoughts onto project portal after viewing the virtual tour. Students should also compare and contrast the differences in culture and festivities. Students to read the feedback for their own itinerary too. 13 10 Reflections from virtual tour Students continue to upload their reflections and comments. 11 Online chat Students will participate in live chats to ask further questions on the places of interest and the highlights of the 3-day itinerary. Students may also discuss on the project progress and difficulties that they faced. 14 12 Presentation Students will present their product and work to the class. Presentation will be uploaded onto project portal. 15 12 Presentation Students will present their product and work to the class. Presentation will be uploaded onto project portal. 16 13 Reflections Students will upload their end-of-project reflections documenting their learning points and project processes. 14 Survey Students and teachers will participate in a survey to provide feedback on the project and further areas for developments to the project. Weekly • Participate in weekly discussions on the discussion board. • Participate in uploading of blogs. • Information uploaded should be in the form of text and pictures. Students can add on videos / hyperlinks to websites. • Students should continue to post messages on the message boards • Students are welcomed to upload project-related newspaper clippings, articles from magazines, photographs, etc… on the iCollaborate. Students should make appropriate reference to the source for materials used. hide

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