Posted November 2005 Christmas around the world goes online for 2005 Education Views, Edition 20, 2005
		Julianne Cervellin Teacher-librarian Julianne Cervellin says that, as the end of the school year gets closer, she's always being asked for information about Christmas in other parts of the world. In her other role as Townsville District Learning Place Mentor, Julianne decided that this could be a way to encourage students and teachers to use online communication tools. In 2003, Julianne set up the first Christmas Around the World online event. "I thought communicating with people from other countries and cultures about their traditions would easily interest the teachers and students," Julianne said. "As well, it would broaden students' perspectives, and raise their cultural awareness and acceptance." The Learning Place advertised the online event and provided a project room for chats and forums. It was an immediate success. Students chatted with people from other countries, and learned that Christmas is not necessarily a religious festival – and that many other festivals and traditions are celebrated all over the world at this time of year.

The event was repeated in 2004, and Julianne is now preparing Christmas Around the World 2005. Guests this year will be chatting from Antarctica, South Africa, Germany, Ireland, England, the USA, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands and Thailand. As well, Julianne plans to have an Aboriginal elder, a Buddhist leader, and representatives of the Muslim and Jewish communities online to talk about their festivals and cultures. There'll be an extra-special guest this year, too. Santa Claus will be chatting from the North Pole – and even Mrs Claus might join in the chat!

"Students can also take part in blogs and forums," Julianne said. "For example, students will be asked to bring in their favourite Christmas tree decoration. Their teacher will load up a photo, and the students will tell about where they got their decoration and its significance. In another discussion, students will be asked to describe their six favourite items on the Christmas table. And if they could only have three of these, which would they keep? Other students can respond to their decisions."

Julianne said that as soon as her ad for 2005 went up on the Learning Place website, the emails started arriving. "We have 58 teachers and 460 students registered already," she said. "But there's room for more! Schools can register for Christmas Around the World until the end of the first week in November."

Read through a selection of chat excerpts:

	Barry from Antarctica
	Petrea from Canada