Purdue News
Purdue News
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February 21, 2002 From Moldova to Ethiopia, Web site offers international viewWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University has teamed up Indiana University and the National FFA Organization in an effort to teach high school students about international agriculture and its connection to their lives. "FFA Global Leadership Scenarios" is a Web-based curriculum that follows virtual FFA members Eric Ford and Carmen Gonzalez as they experience international agriculture through trips to Moldova, Honduras and Ethiopia. "The project provides information on world culture, international assistance and global cooperation programs," said Dave Sammons, associate dean and director of International Programs in Agriculture at Purdue. "The curriculum is designed to heighten awareness of international agriculture and allow high school students to connect with the international arena." The Web site series provides biographical information on the two virtual FFA members, a step-by-step account of their experiences and the views of family members and friends about their trip. Information on the host countries' agriculture, economy and culture is included through a set of links to other Web resources. The site also provides links to personality assessments, conflict resolution sites and humanitarian organizations, such as the Peace Corps. An online discussion area for students to post comments and questions about the scenarios and additional activities for agriculture teachers to use in their classes are on the Web site. "We wanted to develop ways to challenge students to make choices," Sammons said. A free CD-ROM is available to agriculture teachers explaining the program and outlining possible activities and discussion topics, including decision making and promoting understanding of global agriculture. The CD-ROM is available by contacting the National FFA at (317) 802-4220 or by sending an e-mail to global@ffa.org. FFA Global Leadership Scenarios can be found online. The effort was designed by Purdue International Programs in Agriculture, the National FFA Organization, Indiana University International Resource Center and Wisdom Tools Inc. Funding for the project was provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Writer: Mindy Reef, (765) 494-8402, news_students@aes.purdue.edu Source: David Sammons, (765) 494-6876, sammonsd@purdue.edu Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu; https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/AgComm/public/agnews/ Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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