WIS Unveils New Brand of Student Reporting

Eschewing the traditional school newspaper, Washington International School has launched Student Action Network, a news venture that draws on 21st century “new media” tools to report on issues of global significance—everything from peacekeeping missions to gender equality to clean water access. The site, which was developed in partnership with TakingITGlobal, a Toronto-based social network focused on empowering young people to grapple with global challenges, is designed to be a collaborative endeavor that encourages contributions from all students and that spurs increased consciousness regarding the issues that affect our world.

In addition to generating increased awareness and engagement, the designers of Student Action Network also hope to give students hands-on experience in the use of a wide range of digital media. Young people can use their cellphones to snap and submit a photo or to record their own perspectives on the issues of the day. And by asking students to link to more traditional news outlets—such as CNN or Al-Jazeera—the site serves as a conduit for those seeking to explore the issues in even greater depth. Ultimately, Student Action Network seeks to inspire its young contributors to get involved in addressing the issues on which they are reporting.