Technology, Music and Food Research Engages Students in Unprecedented Levels!

A few days after my students returned from Thanksgiving holiday ready to jump over to the Eastern hemisphere, (figuratively) we began our quest through Europe beginning in the Mediterranean Region - Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal with a series of high speed, engaging technolgy driven activities to get them excited about this region. We read about the history of pittsa (pizza) and what unique, to say the least, other toppings other countries around the world put on their pizzas (Japanese like squid pizzas, and Carribean countries prefer [what else?] coconut on theirs). This activity was interesting for the students in my morning classes but did not fare (no pun intended) as well in my classes around lunchtime. We also listened to and watched some authentic Flamenco music and dancers from Spain using internet and headphones. Students could hardly keep in their seats! They are very excited so far about learning about southern Europe and technology is the key component which makes this high level of engagement possible!