Technology to Build Cultural Understanding: The Middle East and Asia

Introduction

Our nation faces an international crisis-right here at home. By its size, wealth, power and entrepreneurial initiative, technological creativity, and demographic diversity, the United States is, in fact, a great "international nation." Yet, vast numbers of U.S. citizens-particularly young Americans-remain dangerously uniformed about international matters. They lack even the rudimentary knowledge of world affairs and cultures beyond their borders that is necessary to lead America in today's global environment. This knowledge deficit is particularly glaring in the case of Asia. The region…is increasingly the focus of US economic and security interests…And in the United States, twelve million Americans of Asian descent constitute one of the fastest-growing and most affluent demographic groups.
Preparing Young Americans for Today's Interconnected World, The Asia Society
In today's political landscape, an understanding of other cultures is more important than ever before. On one hand, our country and our leaders readily advocate tolerance and plurality. On the other hand, many of our schools continue to teach "Western Civilization" and "English Literature." And in our media, the Washington Post runs stories with the headline, "How much multiculturalism is too much?"
This presentation will address ways in which technology resources can be used to help students explore the societies, cultures, and history of the Middle East and Asia. These will be explored not as an "add-on," but as integrated part of the language arts and social studies curriculums. In today's political and economic landscape and that of the future, understanding these cultures is of paramount importance.
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Copyright, 2002. MBD Partners - Education for the Future
Last Updated: May 9, 2002


	Introduction
	Our nation faces an international crisis-right here at home. By its size, wealth, power and entrepreneurial initiative, technological creativity, and demographic diversity, the United States is, in fact, a great "international nation." Yet, vast numbers of U.S. citizens-particularly young Americans-remain dangerously uniformed about international matters. They lack even the rudimentary knowledge of world affairs and cultures beyond their borders that is necessary to lead America in today's global environment. This knowledge deficit is particularly glaring in the case of Asia. The region…is increasingly the focus of US economic and security interests…And in the United States, twelve million Americans of Asian descent constitute one of the fastest-growing and most affluent demographic groups. Preparing Young Americans for Today's Interconnected World, The Asia Society In today's political landscape, an understanding of other cultures is more important than ever before. On one hand, our country and our leaders readily advocate tolerance and plurality. On the other hand, many of our schools continue to teach "Western Civilization" and "English Literature." And in our media, the Washington Post runs stories with the headline, "How much multiculturalism is too much?" This presentation will address ways in which technology resources can be used to help students explore the societies, cultures, and history of the Middle East and Asia. These will be explored not as an "add-on," but as integrated part of the language arts and social studies curriculums. In today's political and economic landscape and that of the future, understanding these cultures is of paramount importance. [Back to Top]

	Copyright, 2002. MBD Partners - Education for the Future Last Updated: May 9, 2002