I think we could have worked better as a collaborative group in the beginning.  We did get better as time went on. We all worked hard and took constructive criticism well and, worked together to fix what we needed. Despite the fact our site is about water, I learned more about compromising and working with other people than I did about desalination, which was my topic. I also learned that things that might not go your way, and you have to adapt to what other people want. Sometimes this takes doing and redoing things over and over again. In the end it's all worth it.

My work habits have changed a lot in the past few months that we have been working on this site. I showed myself that focusing and not socializing with your friends allows you to get more done than more time would ever give you. If I had the opportunity to do this again I definitely would. This is the second year I've done this, and it's the kind of this that never gets old.

Sarah

We had a good chance to share our views among our group. Different groups gave their own views,  which was very useful to the other groups.
I have learned more from this project, it has motivated me to find more new thinks and ideas for the project. It is an excellent experience we shared a lot with other friends. I did my best for this project.  I would like to do this kind of project because it is as good opportunity to express ourselves. A more complicated topic can be selected for the project.

Rowlandy IG

Our group worked well together, all of our ideas came together nicely, with not a lot of conflict. From working on GVC I've learned a lot about flash and CSS. From working on GVC I've learned that communication is key when working with other people from across the globe. I would like to do a project like this again because it's different than working on something in class. I've learned from working on GVC that I need to get my work done on time in order for other people to work on their part of the project. If one person falls behind everyone does. If I had the chance to change anything I would only change the date that we started the project, after coming back from Christmas I got off topic and had to catch back up, other than that, nothing.

Keith F.

I think that we did well as a collaborative group. Although there were some communication errors, we did well as a whole. Being familiar with every tool here, I didn't learn all that much, unfortunately. I really didn't learn much about working with other students. I still like to work alone. Yes, I would like to do this again. It is really a good opportunity to help others learn to create media-rich sites. I really wouldn't change much. I think it is a well designed program.

Jeremy

Well, I think that, we did our best. It creates a new environment for us to speak with out country student. It gave us good experience. I have learnt to converse with friends. We have learnt that working with other students creates a good understanding and also strengthens us. I have learned to be more responsibility by this project. Yes, I will like to do this kind of project because I always like to participate like this project. I would like to have more interaction session.

Pattu Karthick K

As I group I think we all worked very well. I didn't have any complaints while working on Nicenet. I think it is a very useful web site when needing to talk to other groups from other countries. With this project I learned a lot about html programming and flash. I've also learned a lot about water and water related topics. I enjoyed working with other students because it allowed different perspectives about our topic. This project made it hard for people to get off track and it was very important that people got there work done on time. I would like to do this project again with people from different countries because it gives me an idea on how they think as well as how different things are for them compared to us. I wouldn't change anything.

Joel S.

I think that we worked well as a collaborative group because all of us contributed to the project. I have learned more about water. You can complete work faster when you work with other students. I can complete assignments with computers (flash, dreamweaver, etc.) much faster than I could at the beginning of the year. I would like to do this again, but I would like to do a different topic than water.

John

We had a good chance to share our views among our group. I learned how to converse with others and know about my friend's intelligence. I learned to share my merits and demerits with others. I think I had good relation with others when I am a member of the team.  I would like to do this kind of project again. If I get the opportunity. It helped me to develop my creativity. I had changed my behavior and attitude and had developed my knowledge.

Gowtham raj PG

I think we worked really well as a collaborative group. It was a good group experience because people farther away have different perspectives than us. I learned that working with others far away has its advantages and disadvantages . When working with other students, I learned that they have very different perspectives than us but there all the same in a way. I have learned that its responsible to complete my work when others are counting on me. In this project I liked how we were able to work with new people to get new perspectives, What I would change about this project is the topic I thought water was kind of a dull topic.

James L.

I think I worked great with my partners because I communicated with them when something needed to be done, and I also stayed on task and kept my partners on task. I have learned that when you stay organized and on task, then you can achieve more than usual. I have learned not to put someone down for making a mistake because we all make mistakes every once in awhile. I have learned I should not get distracted by other things and I should stay focused. I would like to do this again because it was a lot of fun and it feels good when you complete something like a whole entire web site

Henry

From this project, I came to know about many things since, all three schools are from different countries. I came to known many things about their culture, environment etc… I've gained more information about ‘water' and also American, Canadian culture. Working with Americans and Canadians gave me a new and a very good experience. It washed away from me the fear for strangers. I've surfed and collected more info about water and this made me know about water pollution. Yes, I like to do this kind of project again. It is vary useful to develop both knowledge and communicative skills. Everything is good. But I feel it would be better id we have more video conferencing.

Revathy RS

Our group collaborated over nicenet fairy well. Some things never got responded to or it took a long time but they where ok. The way nicenet is set up it made it very easy to talk to the groups and interact with the people from the other countries. I learned a fair bit about flash and html programming. Also I learned a bit about water and other things that deal with our topic of water. Working with the other students allowed a different perspective of things and how they look at it. It made it fun and challenging to get past certain cultural barriers. This project also had to have people keep on track and get there things done on time. Yes I would like to do this project again with different people to get a different feel for how they think and what it's like in their area. I wouldn't change anything to the project it was fun and effective.

Branden S.

How well do you think you did as a collaborative group?
When my group was making its flashes we collaborated a small amount. Only to say what our flashes were about so we didn't make too similar flashes. I have learned how to make some interesting things on computers. Also I have learned how to use most of the programs on Macintosh. Mostly I have learned about Hydroponics that was my subject and a lot of other things having to do with water and pollution. I learned that I can work in a group well but I prefer to work alone. I like working alone because I can work at my own pace and not speed ahead or fall behind. I have learned that I can get things done and have good quality work but sometimes I fall behind in work and never make them up. I would enjoy doing this project again I felt as if the work was more enjoyable than “ugh I have to make a flash” its more “ Wow This flash is going to rock”. And I like to use the drawing programs because I like to draw and you get clearer pictures so this was enjoyable. I really don't think I would change anything because I found this very enjoyable even with all the work. It was nice meeting kids from other countries too.

Chris S.

I think I did my level best as a part of this collaborative groups. I learned how to converse with students of other nations and more about internet. I learned to share my ideas with other friends. I learned team spirit. I did my best for this project. Yes, I like to do this kind of project. I am eager to join in this project if I get another opportunity. I will change my attitude and increase my knowledge in order to perform still better in these kinds of project.

Prasanna babu S

This is my first project working with people from around the globe and I would have to say that I think we did a descent job at it. There were a few communication issues with the parties I was involved with but there are complications with any project and I think we were still able to put a nice site up together! I have learned a few lessons from the making of this site. I learned how to draw and code in flash. I also learned a great deal about communicating with people that are miles away and it requires a great deal more planning and foresight. I am glad the teachers were there to guide us through the process. I have learned that working with other students requires communication in order to utilize each other's strengths to make the project better. I have learned that mine are not always up to par and that it is crucial in order to meet deadlines. I would do something like this again if it was part of a class project otherwise it requires a lot of effort and with my other classes I don't think I could contribute enough time to make the site up to par. I would defiantly help out if I could though. I enjoyed the experience and it was a pleasure working with them. I would listen to the other students more so there was not as much wasted work. I would also try and finish things earlier so we would have more time to perfect the site after most of the work was completed.

Ryan E.

I think I worked well in a group this year. I would say I was a little aggressive with my ideas during the theme decision, but that was simply because I was the only one who didn't flock to the most popular theme. I didn't learn as much as I did last year, but I was given more room to explore more complex elements in programs such as Flash and Photoshop, which I greatly appreciate. I've also learned in working with other students, that all you need is a little support for ideas can grow to reach everyone. The only real problem with my grading was late work, so if anything, I learned that it pays to be punctual in any situation. I would most definitely do this project again if I had the opportunity, mostly because I was given more freedom to explore programs on a more in-depth level, rather than just sticking to what was being taught. Involve everyone a little more in the Dreamweaver coding and layout process would be good, because that is a huge part of making a web site, and its sectioned off into very small groups.

Keenan

I gained knowledge about many problems faced in the world, tried to find some solutions for the same. I learnt how to converse with others. We learn more information about US. While working with others, I learnt the importance of the team work. I have learnt about the unknown things (ie.,) problems in water conservation, techniques etc., I am waiting for next year project. I like this kind of project. I think a more complicated topic can be selected for the project.

Harish R

I think we did very good as a collaborative group because we were always in contact and asking each other about stuff we didn't understand. It helped to have constant comments on you work.  I have learned so much about our whole topic! It amazes me how much stuff I DIDN'T know about water. I learned about desalination, and the Arctic ownership.  I learned about bottled water and how to conserve that water I use everyday. I thought I knew everything I needed to know about water until we started research. Then I learned I was horribly wrong. I didn't even know half of it! I have learned that working with other students can be harder ten you think. You don't agree on everything and there are sometimes arguments but when you finally come to an agreement it all works out. They comment on your work to help you make it better and they bring out the best work in you. When you are getting super stressed they help you relive it a little bit. So all and all working with other students helps a ton.
 
           I have learned that I some times procrastinate and that's not really the best. But I'm getting better and I am turning in most of my work on time. Sometimes I just forget the date and don't realize it's due. I think I wouldn't so this again, because I have realized I'm not that good at the tech stuff. I'm more of a creative writer then a creative maker. I would change nothing.

Isabel

I had learned more information about the water and its usage. While working with others and learned the importance of team works. I was a bit lazy before, but after doing the project I have learnt to be more responsible. Yes, because it is more interactive. Still I need some more interactive sessions.

Kapil Raja S

I think I worked well with most of the students because I'm a fun person and a good worker. I have learned how to use programs like ‘Hot Potatoes' and ‘Garage Band'. I have learned that when we all work together to achieve one goal, we can get it done and make it look amazing. I have learned that once you commit to something you have to see it through, there is no backing out. I felt that it was a fun and educational experience and I would like to learn more about computers and web design. I would make it more independent and flexible to our own ideas and work habits.

Ivan

Well, I think that this is the first time I have joined in groups for a long term process so I gained and understood the value of unity. I have learned more about water and how to prevent loss of water and how to purify it. I think that they are having a bit advantages of communication among themselves in which we are lacking. I think I spent my time wisely had a wide relationship with my team.  I so gladly look forward for an other project like this at it is enjoyable.  I want to change the type of approach and spend time a little longer in the project.

Vignesh Thiravium M

As a collaborative group I think we did very well. I think we distributed the work evenly and had a great end product. I think I have learned a lot from this contest. I learned how to work with others, as well as how to do new things on the computer. One thing I think I have really learned how to do well is to create graphics on the computer. When working with other students I have learned many things. I have learned that teamwork is the best way to get things done. It makes the work easier and gets it done a lot faster. I have learned that I am not the best person in turning things in on time. I think I should not procrastinate as much and get my work turned in earlier. I think I would like to do this kind of project again. The only thing I would change is to have more graphics and art on the web site Then I think the project would be very good.

Ian

 We did well by working with team spirit. I have learned to use web sites.  Working with other students enabled us to have a good interaction with them. I have learned to do more hard work. I would like to do it again because it develops our additional skills. We should have some more visual communication classes.

Jeganathan KJ

I think I don't work as well in a group than I do by myself because having to work with people causes more pressure on me. When I work by myself its much easier. I think I have learned how to use many programs on the computer, and a lot of information on the countries that we are partners with, and I have enjoyed being in this class. I learned that working with others is possible even if they're on the other side of the world and it can be a fun experience. I think that I need to do less complex projects, so I can complete them on time. Yes I would like to this project again so that could put forth my best effort and do better than I did the last time and it would just be another fun experience. I would like to be continue to interact with the different countries more.

Mason

We have learnt more about us culture through video conferencing with the children and gained more knowledge about internet working. We learnt to work with other students with unity. And this type of group work will help us in higher studies. I have been very dedicated to this project work, under my teacher's guidance. I am interested to do this type of project work if I get an opportunity next year because this type of work is very interesting and knowledge gaining. I need not any change in the project  as it is already good.

Elamaran B

I think we all worked well as a group we all participated in are assignments and did a good job on them so I think not just me but everyone work good as a group. Well I think I learned a lot about how to use stuff on a computer and create things like when we create a flash. Also I learned a lot about how we are treating the environment and community and how we can change it on the GVC web site I learned that it's good to have other students to work with because they can help you if you're stuck on an assignment and need help. I think I am very good with completing my work I turn in all my work on time. I wouldn't change anything from this class.

Caylan

I had good interactions with others. I have gained more knowledge is different things. I have improved our communicating skill. I have learnt about water and its resources. Yes, I like to do this project again because I enjoyed it and it is interesting. We can improve the communication with other countries.

Geethanjali J

I think we did well, and produced a good document and project together. I learned a lot about hydroponics, when I knew very little about them before.  It was fun to learn a lot about something that I would normally have no knowledge of. I know a lot more about technology now, that I didn't know anything about before. You have to collaborate together to get stuff done, and if you don't work with other people, then you won't get anything done. I have to make sure to get things done, because the rest of my team depends on me turning in my research and flash. I really liked the technology aspect of the project, although the topic we had was very rigid, and didn't have much room for things that could have been done. I would like to have a broader topic.

Siena

I think it's a good opportunity for me to work with other countries. I learned how to communicate with other people of different nationality and different culture. I have learned about communication skills and to gain information. I learned to do my work properly in a specified time. This will help me to do my work in a good way. I am waiting for an opportunity to do this again. We like to have some more time for communications.

Gnanambika D

I think that we worked great as a collaborative group. More than anything I learned how to communicate and work with others. You need to be organized and on the same page when working with other students. It usually works out great with all of the different ideas going into it. I think that I get a little too caught up in certain things and that I forget about others and need to rush them at the last second. This is my second year and it has been fun both times. I like using computers in school. I would change how we turn in out work through Moodle and the GVC network folder.

Nick

I had a good interaction. I have learned the habits & customs of other countries. I have improved my communication skill. I gained more information about water. We worked together in unity. We can improve the communication with other countries.

Akshaya T

I think that I worked fairly well this year in the collaborative groups that we were assigned into and I had fun doing it as well. I think that I learned mostly all the same things as last year and maybe I just freshened up a little bit on what I forgot how to do. I have learned that when your group is not in the same class (or even the same country) as you it starts to get very challenging especially when we can't always get the live chat because of the different time zones. Also I have learned that it is fun as well. This is because when they celebrate a holiday it feels as we are too, it is the same when India went through getting the hotel bombed we felt horrible and sad as well. I have learned that I can hand things in if I just set my mind to it. Also if I do it when I get it then I will have plenty of time to complete it and maybe even add a little extra.

Reuben

We know the moral “Unity is strength”. As we were in group we could complete our project in a successful manner. I have learned make our environment in a eco-friendly manner. When we works with other students we can overcome our shyness, and also we can gain knowledge. I have collected information for this project. I gained the knowledge about world. If I got the opportunity to join in this project definitely I would do it again. I will assure that I join in this project and I gain my knowledge and also I helped to other students. I will change my knowledge more efficient than old project.

Ram Prasth S

I think that we did well, because we each did our part in making the site. I learned a lot about flash and other virtual things to make things for a web site and other things. I learned that you sometimes have to give in and that it, in the end, is good to have more opinions than one. I learned I am pretty good at completing things with a set deadline, but tend to procrastinate for ones with further away deadlines. I would like do this again because it gives a good opportunity to talk and work with other people across the globe. I would make there be a more open chat thing and have it be more organized as well as a different, less vague theme.

Ethan

Our group had a very good communicative interaction. We had learnt about water resources in India and how we hard a knowledge about it. We have developed our skills of communication. We have interview through water and its sources. Yes, we like to do this project again, because it was very interesting.  We should have some more visual communication classes.

Nivedhitha M

I think we did well, especially when we helped edit the web site to get all the kinks out. I have learned a lot about Flash, Photoshop technology wise. I've also learned a good deal about hydroponics and hydro electricity. I learned that communication is key. If you go out and do your on thing, then stuff can be put twice, which viewers find tedious and uninteresting. I have learned that I procrastinate a bit, but in the end, I usually get the job done. I guess I would enjoy doing this again, mostly because it was fun and self-satisfying. I think I would choose a better topic. Water was good and all, but we spread the idea much too thin. I found the general information a little repetitive.

Kelsey

I think, it is a good opportunity for me to interact with the students and different countries in various skill. By interacting with you, we have developed our language skills. I have learned the importance of team work. It is very useful working with students of three countries I was able to known about the different culture. I learned about co-operation. Yes, I am very much interested in doing the project again because it is knowledgeable. It is very useful if we have more face to face interactions.

Lakshmi Priya R

I think as a collaborative group, we did okay.  Our skills were put together and formed into something that could help the people in the group and our project we are doing for GVC. I think I have learned a lot more about computers then I have ever known before.  I never understood the computer but after each day in this class, I felt a little bit smarter. I have learned that when you work with other students, you have to be patient and try to use your partners' strong points instead of use their weak point and use them just to your advantage. I have learned that my own working habits are normal and I am able to complete work on time and turn it in on time. I would probably not like to do this project again because I am not the type of person who really likes to do this type of work on the computer but I took this class because of a recommendation of a friend. I would like to change the partner method.  I think we, the students, should be able to choose our partners.  I know this might be difficult but a lot of people and I would really like it.

Miriam

I think we had no problems and it went well. I have learned lots about Human water needs and a ton about pollution. I learned that you have to take responsibility for your work and do it. I learned that it is better to turn in your work earlier. No, I don't think I'd like to do this again, only because it is over a long stretch of time. I would maybe make it so every one could have an easy topic that is interesting and would have no problem doing.

Travon

I think that we worked well as a collaborative group because all of us contributed to the project. I have learned more about water. You can complete work faster when you work with other students. I can complete assignments with computers (flash, dreamweaver, etc.) much faster than I could at the beginning of the year. I would like to do this again, but I would like to do a different topic than water.

Spencer

I think I work well with others because I am a team player and I work for the team. I have also learned to use a Mac much better. I have learned that when you work with others the job can get done faster and be more creative. I sometimes slack off to much or lose concentration but I have also learned that its better to do things in proportion rather then rushing to finish it at the end or in the beginning. I wouldn't like to do this again because it takes long and requires too much and personally I didn't even like the topic, but maybe with a better topic I would. I think it had no flavor and the topic itself was kind of boring.

Malik

I don't think I worked more in a collaborative group as much as last year when I was in this contest. This year I was doing things that were more independent where I didn't need a group as much. I still worked with other people for help when it comes with me asking for help or me helping others. I've learned to stay focus and to keep trying until what I'm working on looks great. This is because at first would just make work that's quality is enough just to pass. So I‘ve learned to keep adding onto it and never giving up until it looks really good. I learned to work with other students by communicating. My group and I would talk over who does what. This way we all had to decide what everyone does and it gives everyone an opportunity to do something. Also, I learned how to figure out what parts I would do by working with other people to negotiate what we wanted to work on. I've learned that I like to cut corners a lot in this work and that I get easily distracted. What I need is to get more focused and not to end something until I'm impressed by my work. Other times to do this I would go past the due date and always take extended time but I think now I've been able to get my work on time. If I had the opportunity to do this project again I would. My only problem is sometimes I have to do things for the web site that I am not very good at and so I worry about it. An example of this is when made the flash and I really didn't know how to make a short little flash about a desalination plant. But in the end it worked out all right.  What I would change is making the topic more open so it's not so fixed on one topic of water but we could include more arts, which for me would be music. But in this it is hard to have it in and make it have to do with water.

Charlie

I thought that this year, are group did exceptionally well. When we had a question or a problem, we asked each other, and when we all needed to do a job, we got it done.  In all, I have pretty much just learned about how to use a computer very well. Last year, I did not even know what an html was. I did not even know you could make movies on a computer. I have learned that learning with other students is much easier than learning alone. When you don't get something, you don't feel bad because someone else might not get it either. It's also easier because if the teacher is busy, our other classmates can help us. I have learned that I am very responsible about turning in work on time. When I am absent, I appreciate that the teachers give you extra time to get in work. So I usually get in work as fast as I can because teachers appreciate that. I would not like to do this type of project again because I was not very interested in my topic, which was hydroelectricity. If I had a different topic, then I might do this project again.  I would like to have more free time in this class. If we are all done with the projects that are do, I would like to work on something that was assigned to me from another class.

Sam

I think that we worked well as a collaborative group because all of us contributed to the project. I have learned more about water. You can complete work faster when you work with other students. I can complete assignments with computers (flash, dreamweaver, etc.) much faster than I could at the beginning of the year.

Alexis

For the most part I think I have worked well with my group and we get much work done. I learned more about water in general and I also learned about aquatic life because that is my topic. Things are a lot easier working with other because you have help with you when you need it. Since I have been in the class for two years, I think I know the programs pretty well and I have learned a lot more this year than I thought I would.  I would like to because it is really fun and we get to compete with people all around the world. I would probably change the topic that we used because we only know about 2% of what's actually underwater.

Chris P.

Honestly, I think I did OK overall.  We all had good skills and we made our water based recreation piece okay. I have learned a lot of things on how to use the computer more and how to use extension names. I have learned to be cooperative and be patient and I felt that it was really fun working with other students around the world. Honestly, some of my work I turn in late, but I realized that only one or two zero's can make my grade worst then it is. I would not do this again because it's something I wouldn't keep with me my whole life and I don't think it's something I would do when I get older. I wouldn't change anything to be honest.

Ashley

I think I did pretty well with contributing to the material and I got a pretty good amount of work done. Unfortunately, I think I did the majority of the work for my part of the topic. I've learned to use Flash much more easily and have learned to do action scripting. This skill will provide for me the ability to do better flashes for future assignments. I've learned that if you want to get a certain amount of work done, you need to be encouraging to the other members of the group, in order for them to realize how important the material is. I've learned that I can take a while to do particular assignments, but I can still get the work done well when I take my time. I'd like to do this project again if I had the opportunity because it provides me with better computer technology skills and group collaborative working skills To change this project, I would want to have the same subtopic as my friends. That would make it more fun.

Gabe

Background: Ethan, PJMS