MY HERO Learning Circles: 16-Week Session

MY HERO Global Learning Circles provides a new structure for students around the world to connect and work on projects as a team. Twice a year (September and January), teachers can enroll their classes in the MY HERO Global Learning Circles. Circles are formed with students from 6-8 global classrooms and together they work on stories of those who inspire them... their heroes. With tools provided by MY HERO, they create a story, artwork, or short film about their heroes to share with their global partners. The result is authentic student work and true international collaboration.

MY HERO Learning Circle Timeline - 16 Week Session

Week 1: Opening the Circle

Introduction to the collaboration centre and the MY HERO website. Teachers register for MY HERO accounts.

Participants introduce themselves on the project forum in Schoology.

Weeks 2-3: Introductions and Creating MY HERO Accounts

Teachers Create a Class Code from their Profile Page on MY HERO for their classes. Students will Register for a student account on the MY HERO website using the Class Code provided by their teacher. 

Students introduce themselves and post their introductions in the forum folder marked “Introductions.” Teachers add their students to the iEARN student forum if appropriate.

Weeks 4-5: Choosing a Hero

Students explore various examples of heroes featured on the MY HERO site. They discuss heroes, heroism, and who inspires them. Students identify their personal hero or identify a hero working in their community. 

Week 6: Choose a Medium 

Classes start talking about what type of project they would like to complete and submit to MY HERO. Students can submit short films, stories, or art for publication.  

Students explore examples of films, stories, and art on MY HERO. 

Students that choose to make a short film may use the MY HERO Journalism & Filmmaking Workbook for advice on how to create their film.

Weeks 7-8: Research Your Hero 

Students research their hero, answering the following questions:

• What has your hero done?
• What makes them a hero?
• Why are they your hero?

Weeks 9-10: Planning Your Project

Students begin mapping out a plan for their project.

Weeks 11-14: Create Your Project

Students use this time to create their project.

Week 15: Share Your Work

Teachers create a Showcase Organizer with students' approved work. Students and teachers post comments on each other’s work.

Week 16: Closing the Circle

Teachers and students send their final goodbyes through the iEARN forums and the MY HERO Learning Circle closes. (The forum will be active for a week after the end of the Learning Circle to make sure all final messages are received.)

Teachers fill out post project survey.