GCIV hosted seven visitors from Jordan who came to Atlanta to study e-learning in secondary education August 18-22, 2007. The group consisted of public school teachers who are implementing e-learning systems in Jordan. While participating in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, the group met with their U.S. counterparts to explore current trends in design and development of project-based e-learning that may be incorporated into future Jordanian pilot programs.

After arriving from California, the group’s itinerary kept them busy. On their first day of professional appointments, the group met with Mr. Bill Thomas with the Southern Regional Education Board. Mr. Thomas discussed how SREB helps state leaders create and expand effective uses of technology in schools. After lunch, the group met with Ms. Joy Jenson and Ms. Meghan Morris from the Georgia Public Broadcasting Education Division. They learned how GPB provides programming and resources for students and teachers throughout the state of Georgia. Afterwards, the group had the opportunity to tour the television studio.

Next, the group met with Dr. Kristie Clements, Principal at the Georgia Department of Education Virtual School. Dr. Clements discussed how the Virtual School helps students build their knowledge and technological skills that help them succeed in college as well as the world of work. Finally, the group experienced southern hospitality at its finest when GCIV members hosted the group in their homes.

That afternoon, the group met with Dr. Matt Waymack, Director of the Gwinnett County Online Campus. Dr. Waymack spoke with the group about how the Online Campus allows students to make up courses or get ahead in earning credits towards high school graduation, as well as admissions, testing, and other aspects of the program.

GCIV was honored to have these distinguished visitors come to Atlanta as part of the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program. Their experiences here in Atlanta as well as Washington, DC, Madison, Wisconsin and San Diego, California gave them a first-hand view of the diversity of the United States and gave them some ideas on how to improve their e-learning education curriculum in Jordan. We wish them the best of luck and hope their trip to Atlanta will help them in their professional endeavors.