TIGed

One of the defining moments for the project, which formed in 2010, was sharing our story as the closing keynote of the conference, a collaborative effort between Dr. Willie Smits, Eco Warrior Liza Heavener and DeforestACTION Educator Chris Gauthier.  They highlighted how the project grew from a global collaboration between 8 schools in Asia Pacific to a movement of over 170 schools engaging in collaborative learning and action through the use of online educational resources and technology tools.


Here, Dr. Willie Smits is sharing the stark reality of rampant deforestation in Borneo and the key drivers behind it.  This has lead to Indonesia becoming the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally.



Eco Warrior Liza Heavener highlighted how the online learning and fundraising support of youth and schools around the world has translated into real-life impact for communities in this region. Through this support, the Eco Warriors are working in partnership with local communities on projects related to education, reforestation, animal rescue and rehabilitation and community mapping.



As an educator, Chris shared his journey through the project, and focused on how the project has provided his students an opportunity to engage in authentic, real-world problem-solving through collaborative technology, with the knowledge that their actions are affecting meaningful change for both the people and animals of Borneo.  Chris also shared some of the amazing technology tools offered by DeforestACTION, including Earthwatchers, where students can participate in direct monitoring of the world’s rainforest.

Thank you Microsoft and ISTE for being such a wonderful partners and for providing us the platform to showcase our work. Check out the video of the keynote, and don’t forget to join the movement at www.deforestaction.org.