Introduction : Why study Tenerife?
The island of Tenerife is best known as a popular holiday destination. The school is organising a visit/holiday to the island next year. Many visitors to the island might not be aware of the tremendous opportunities the island presents, in an educational context. The island provides opportunities for in-depth studies across the curriculum. The island, of volcanic origin has a sub-tropical climate, with its own micro-climatic variation from North to South, and these conditions have given rise to a wide range of flora and fauna. It is ideally suited to harness the natural solar and wind energy resources, and the residents are keen to be seen to be at the forefront of environmental progress and in conservation of its island and living things. Its unique geographical location, relative to Europe, Africa and North and South America is reflected in its history, times of conflict, and its cultural diversity of its inhabitants. Its economic development in recent years, based mainly on the tourist industry and associated service industries, has been matched by the development of powerful telecommunication systems.
Visitors to the island will be aware of the international nature and diversity of its residential population. The islanders, mainly of Spanish ancestry, also include many other European residents, originating from the UK, Germany, and Sweden. The warm climate persists thoughout the year, and it has persuaded many to leave the colder climatic conditions of northern Europe, to set up home and become new residents of Tenerife. This unique blend of residents presents a fascinating study in itself, from social and cultural contexts.
In view of the excellent telecommunication system on the island, the opportunities exist for online discussions between other schools, its teachers and students, particularly by e-mail and the world wide web.
Therefore, the island is ideally suited to an educational study, involving all curriculum areas. There is no need to sacrifice precious curriculum time in preparing students for KS3 and KS4, or A-level. The Tenerife Project is designed to be integrated into the normal teaching, whenever appropriate. There are numerous ways of achieving curriculum objectives, and this project provides an additional resource, which should enrich and enhance the learning process. The way in which it can be used are numerous and varied, and offer an exciting way to introduce the power of the resources of ICT , in particular the Internet and e-mail, into every curriculum area. It has the power to extend the learning environment far beyond the bounds of the school, and our own country, without even leaving the classroom. The opportunities to communicate with other students and teachers in other countries, to share ideas, knowledge, and understanding is a valuable experience and an opportunity not to be missed, or overlooked.
Effective communication is the key to effective learning , and ICT provides a powerful vehicle to improve the quality of learning , and thereby raise standards.