2022
Online Playdate
An innovative online cultural exchange connecting Fukuno Elementary students in Japan with peers from Richmond Elementary in Portland, Oregon, fostering international friendship and learning.
Collaborator /
Mai Watanabe, Takafumi Yoshii, Fukuno Elementary School PTA (Nanto, Toyama, Japan), Oya No Kai (Portland, OR), Fukuno Elementary students, and Richmond Elementary students.
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically reduced opportunities for in-person interaction and learning, leading to increased isolation and frustration among students worldwide. In response to this challenge, 'Online Playdate' was conceived as a digital bridge to connect young minds across the globe. This project leveraged the rapid advancements in digital communication to overcome the barriers of physical distance, differing digital literacy levels, and device access.
At its core, 'Online Playdate' is a testament to the power of collaborative effort. It brought together PTAs, college interns, and students from Fukuno Elementary in Japan and Richmond Elementary in Portland, Oregon. Together, they created a space for shared experiences, cultural exchange, and the kind of social learning that the pandemic had put on hold. This event wasn't just about connecting students; it was about weaving a tapestry of support and understanding between two communities, demonstrating that even in the toughest times, collaboration and cultural exchange can flourish.
