International Olympic Committee

This site is run by the International Olympic Committee and clearly lays out the purpose of the Olympic Games. So often we think sports, but culture and education are clearly outlined as well. The overall goal is to create this idea of "Olympism," which according to the Olympic Charter states:

"Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles."

The goal of Olympisim is fascinating and often overlooked. This is the first time that I'd heard of such a word, and it reminded me of our discussoin about culture. It is very clear to me throughout all of the websites that an olympic culture does it exist, characterized by high ideals, multiculturalism, education, sports, and global unity. Throughout all of the websites there is a focus on extending this idea of Olympism and culture to students throughout the world. This website offers some great lesson plans for teachers to use when instructing about the Beijing Olympics - they provide historical background and intro. lessons on cultural identity.

What are the implicit models of learning employed by the site?

It is evident that the goal of the lessons associated with China are aimed to give the student a solid background on China's cultural history. The lesson explains a history of the olympics then outlines a series of activities that explain China's philsophoy towards the games, a summary of the mascots, and the goals China has in carrying out the games.

One of the shortcomings, as outlined in Oaks in Lipton (p. 77), is that a "Students must be able to use their own scial and cultural thinking processes to make sense of any new knowledge, espeically new cultural information." I fear that many students don't understand culture and what makes up a national culture. There needs to be a greater emphasis on this website about defining culture and explaining what it means to students. If that schafoulding is constructed, it will allow for a greater transfer and aquisation of knowledge as students can assimilate and accomodate with the knowledge they gain about Chinese culture.

http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1283.pdf

What are the learning goals that the site is geared toward?

The goal is to provide background in Chinese culture through facts, art, photography, and video. The site does a great job at providing lesson plans geared for all ages and abilities, and the end goal is to give students a solid understanding of the historical events that have shaped China and that are seen in the 2008 Games.

How does the site account for the intersection of culture and schooling?

The site is specifically designed with the learner in mind. It is easy to navigate, provides learning resources for all Olympic Games, and outlines specifical lessons and resources to help instruct about the Beijing Games. It is a solid resources to help foster Olympism; its strenths are outlined in its historical approach to understanding how the knowledge of culture can build ones appreciation for diversity and a better understanding of personal identity. It could be strengthed with solid lessons explaining what culture is and how it is seen during all Olympic games. All of the materials are designed with students in mind. Teachers can find a wide variety of materials that could be used across subject matter and ability. The goal of the site is to build and foster Olympism.