YoungNet - Youngsters Learning and Playing Network Information Society Technologies-Project No. IST-2000-25104

YoungNet is an innovative internet-based network which brings together young people and their teachers from different European countries. YoungNet offers a virtual meeting place which enables young people from 8 to 14 years of age to co-operate and communicate in a virtual environment. Knowledge of foreign languages and cultures is becoming increasingly a key qualification in life, and the YoungNet project addresses these needs. YoungNet implemented an environment for young Europeans where educational games can be played, joint projects be worked on and informal information on day to day life can be exchanged across borders via text, audio and virtual communication. About 1000 teachers and students from schools in Finland, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Germany used the system for teaching and learning. They were offered a fascinating and edutaining multi-user environment with clearly defined learning objectives. The project focused on three main areas – co-operation, communication and personalisation. Many of the features encourage the users to cooperate and work together by playing games. Furthermore the system supports teachers with the organisation and completion of joint projects. Public areas for communication and chat as well as designated areas only accessible to specific user groups are available. In addition, the users have the option to use a virtual world in 2D or 3D, create a virtual representation of oneself and participate in live events and quizzes. YoungNet created an environment that provides both pupils and teachers with several opportunities to interact and learn about other cultures and countries in a fascinating and enjoyable way.

Participants	Country		Contact
Ernst Klett Verlag GmbH (EC) (Coordinator)	D		Jörg Boy j.boy(at)klett.de
University of Stuttgart	D		Andre Janson andre.janson(at)iao.uni-stuttgart.de
Institute of Education, University of London	UK		Clare Brooks c.brooks(at)ioe.ac.uk
University of Helsinki	FIN		Ilta-Kanerva Kankaanrinta knakaanr(at)cc.helsinki.fi
Klett und Balmer AG, Verlag	CH		Marcel Holliger marcel.holliger(at)klett.ch
Hyperwave Forschungs- und Entwicklungsges. mbH	A		Georg Droschl gdroschl(at)hyperwave.com
Mindlab Krieger & Partner	D		Uli Häfele uli.haefele(at)mindlab.de