INTRODUCING YOUTH TO THE ACADEMIA – THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION A. SEGAL, D. SUSSMAN, L. RIVLIN, O. KOVO, A. ONI-GRINBERG THE DOV LAUTMAN UNIT FOR SCIENCE ORIENTED YOUTH, TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY (ISRAEL)ADARLEA@GMAIL.COM

ABSTRACT

This initiative focuses on introducing teenagers to the academic world, which is inherently of international nature.

The Dov Lautman Unit for Science Oriented Youth at Tel Aviv University has launched several collaborative projects that together form a comprehensive approach.

English is chosen as the language for the international communication virtual platform.

 

OBJECTIVE

Create an educational platform of an international dimension for the nourishment and development of youngsters, drawing them together through common involvement in courses.

This program is designed to motivate youth to pursue higher education and encourage their international networking.

TARGET POPULATION

The first stage is to reach out and recruit the relevant populations.

We have targeted middle school and high school pupils, from all sectors of society that desperately seek intellectual challenges and are unable to find them in their own environment.

We believe that we should do our best for teenagers not to be cut off from their natural habitat, which is a requisite for their normal development. Thus we have designed these programs to provide a complementary framework.

It emphasizes positive social behaviour, creating an active learning community and friendships.

METHODS

Based on: over than ten years of experience with

introducing teenagers to academic courses, years of virtual courses, recent experience of developing a program

of dedicated academic courses for bright and motivated 9th graders

We develop our vision of specially designed virtual academic courses for teenagers.

INTERNET IN EDUCATION

Source of information

Communication enabler (real time interactions and off-line)

Creativity enhancer

Media for educational interaction

Platform for educational materials

CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH

Cognitive processes during e-learning

Curriculum adaptation

Digital era scope of study

TEENAGERS They might:

experience immense frustration and lose their self esteem, suffering long term psychological damage.

Research shows it might be best take several measures: Provide teenagers separate courses Encourage normal social activities Monitor the pressures imposed on the teenager Provide continuous guidance and counseling

Such an example: The program for Future Scientists and Inventors at the Dov Lautman Unit for Science Oriented Youth in Tel Aviv University

REFLECTION

Me- I have a theory about this Project. I t changes your perception of lif e.

There is the “you” bef ore and the “you” af ter-Like – you get into this machine, they take your brains, erase all the connections, mix it up- and

that it that-out comes a totally new person – that’s it.

So me – I ’m diff erent now!

Youth University Graduate

POSITIVE E-LEARNING

(a) Provide necessary infrastructures and equipment,

(b) Implement adequate teacher training, (c) Deliver useful content and services, (d) Encourage cooperation and

networking; (e) Promote digital literacy, (f) Encourage the use of the internet by

pupils

SUMMARY

 The international initiative at the Dov Lautman Unit

for Science Oriented Youth at Tel Aviv University has been very successful for over ten years, reaching over a thousand pupils per period, with a high percentage of re-subscription, and a follow-up program into under graduate studies.

As we are on the verge of enhancing our international collaboration, we expect to be able to reach further and make a substantial impact on youngsters everywhere exploiting the virtual platform.