A Different Kind of Localization
As mentioned in part I, the domestic elements in this particular case are not of the typical nature related to the language nor the cultural framework. The basic elements -because there are several kinds involved- are circumstancial and they might represent a unique opportunity to reinforce the learning process.
The Basic Elements
The basic elements originate from an important bond approved for the school district, which enable them to proceed with major construction projects at six of their thirteen campuses. Construction sites serve as the basis to generate interest and curiosity in any community. Being these sites in campus the students would have their thought-provoking wells right there, which teachers shall translate into novel paths for learning.
The Second Element in Line
So the foundations for the localization effort are the schools’ construction sites. The second element required comes in the form of the curriculum-related aspects the teachers would guide their students to focus on in order to work on the third and fourth elements. These could include writing, science, mathematics, or social studies aspects that the students shall be able to investigate with regard to the new facilities being built or renovated.
Elements Three and Four
Using the curated video library of Khan Academy provides the third and fourth elements which would be dealt with side by side. The reason for this being that the third element consists of the Khan Academy courses Introduction to HTML and Introduction to CSS, while the fourth element is what the students learn completing exercises and challenges while watching the videos.
The Fifth Element
Finally, the localization effort would represent the fifth element, and it would require the teachers’ creativity to ask their students their ultimate challenge: To use the knowledge acquired on HTML and CSS to include content in the web pages they created, that would cover specific aspects of the construction projects like the physical dimensions of the new auditorium, the functionality of the new gym, the appearance of the new classrooms or labs, and so forth.
Added Benefit
The school district would have the option to include in their official web pages at both district’s and schools’ levels the work produced by the students. This could be managed in various ways ranging from district-wide schools contests to school-based committees doing the selection. Either approach would benefit all by giving exposure and recognizing the students’ learning and achievement.
Final Observation
The localization effort described above aims to capitalize on special circumstances present at the time. The effort could be applied in a setting that does not involve a construction site. If any other special circumstance is in effect, it can be considered as it better serves the goal. Otherwise, it can be used under the regular operating conditions of any school district or campus.