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CM-SK-IC Common Magazine SK-IC

The objective of this project was to improve the foreign language and entrepreneurial skills of pupils as well as their knowledge of each other’s culture. This was achieved through virtual communication, two exchanges and the creation of a full-colour, trilingual magazine in English, Icelandic and Slovak. Creating a consumer magazine is no easy feat. To produce Icevakia, the students and teachers communicated frequently through email, Internet chats, bulletin boards, web cameras and social networks like MySpace. Communication was particularly important when preparing the exchanges and when working on the joint magazine. Constant interaction accompanying the exchanges was a key factor in increasing the language skills of the participating students. Both exchanges were organised to give the students maximum exposure to the culture and history of their partner country. During the many carefully planned excursions, the students were always in close contact with each other. Workshops were also held at the Icelandic school to teach the Slovakian students about the various vocational disciplines practiced at the school. The students also presented their culture and language to teachers and students at the partner school that were not participating in the exchange. Staying with host families in their homes was vital to the exchange and gave students a glimpse of the culture and customs of the host country. During the exchanges, thousands of pictures documenting the project were uploaded every other day to www.idnskolinn.info. This gave students not taking part in the exchange as well as teachers and families of the participating students a fi rst-hand look at the project. Both the web page and the magazine continue to serve as educational tools. After the exchanges, pupils wrote articles about their experiences. These articles were written in their native language and then translated by students and teachers into English and the partner language. Icevakia is the most tangible proof of the success of this bilateral project. It is an impressive magazine in its own right and was printed and widely distributed in both countries. It was also published on the web in pdf format and is still available for download at www.idnskolinn.info/ icevakia.pdf.

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