PROJECT IDEA EXCHANGE "PIE" MONTHLY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3: NO. 8 September 2004 http://pie.mcvts.net PROGRAM OF THE MONTH    For many students and teachers around the world, August and September signal the beginning of a new school year. As teachers begin the task of providing an exciting and quality schooling for their students, once again it is my honor and privilege to share with PIE members a magnificent online writing program, the INTERACTIVE WRITING COMMUNITY (http://www.sfc.keio.ac.jp/iwc/IWC/real_index.html). This exceptionally user friendly interactive website is operated by Kunitaro Minzuno of Keio University, Japan. All interactive writing is done in English.    When one accesses the IWC site, the user will discover an extremely engaging, timely, and educationally sound series of Internet writing activities. Numerous topics are listed which encourage students to express themselves and improve their writing skills at the same time. There are several other very interesting segments to IWC, including the opportunity to have others, students and teachers alike, reply to and evaluate student writings as well as a "Marathon," designed to encourage student involvement.     I was introduced to the Interactive Writing Community (IWC) by Julissa Paugam (2000 Fulbright Memorial Fund) during our travels in Japan. Julissa included IWC as part of her students' writing assignments her high school. Other PIE members have also made great use of the IWC site for English classes.     You will be hard pressed to locate an Internet writing site superior to the Interactive Writing Community (http://www.sfc.keio.ac.jp/iwc/IWC/real_index.html). Do not be concerned that IWC is a university site. High school students and other level students will be quite comfortable using IWC. The user will find numerous topics related to social and cultural studies. IWC is much more than simply and exercise in writing skills. This is an stimulating and wonderfully beneficial program that should greatly augment your classes. For more information, please contact Kunitaro Minzuno: IWC Coordinator (CYL01642@nifty.ne.jp) or Ernie Read (reade@mail.mcvts.net). Visit the Interactive Writing Community (http://www.sfc.keio.ac.jp/iwc/IWC/real_index.html), your students and you will be very happy with the results.    PIE "TIP OF THE MONTH"    The GLOBAL ONLINE ADVENTURE LEARNING SITE (www.goals.com) permits students and teachers to follow modern day "adventurers" as they challenge the globe. Select an adventurer and take part in their virtual journey. Students can e-mail their questions and comments the adventurer. To assist the teacher, the Classroom page supplies activities and lesson plans to encourage students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the adventurers and the challenge that they encounter. One of my favorite segments found on the site is the Online Photo Exhibition. To access this page, click on "Classroom" on the site's homepage and then go to Online Photo Exhibition. You will have access to photos along with questions designed to encourage the students to reflect upon their own living conditions. The GLOBAL ONLINE ADVENTURE LEARNING SITE is a wonderful educational tool that encourages the user to learn more about the planet that we all inhabit.  DIRECTOR'S NOTES      Do have a lesson that really engages your students? Do you have an experience as a teacher that you wish to share? Do you have a project that you would like to share or are you searching for partner schools to work with? Have you taken a field trip, local or far, with your students that you would like to share? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I would really welcome hearing from you so that I can share all information and ideas with PIE members. If you wish, I can include your story, experience or project in a future newsletter. If you are looking for a partner classroom, let me share with you some possibilities. If you have any ideas for programs or just need some assistance please contact me (erreadiii@aol.com; reade@mail.mcvts.net).  I am always available to assist you in whatever manner possible!     As the school year begins or continues, depending on your location, may I continue to thank each and every PIE member for his or her continued support. Please contact me at anytime with your suggestions or comments. If you have an educational program or idea that you would like to share, please post it on the PIE website MESSAGE FORUM or email your program to me so that I can include your activities in a future edition of the PIE NEWSLETTER Until Next Month, Be Well, Happy and Safe! Ernie Read/ PIE Director (reade@mail.mcvts.net)