In July 1998, more than 400 teachers from 40 countries gathered in Chattanooga for the fifth international iEARN conference — a global event focused on connecting students and educators through collaborative Internet-based projects.
The conference, held from July 14–21, brought together teachers who shared a common goal: using technology to build communication, creativity, and cooperation between schools around the world.
Representing Slovakia at the event were:
- Katarina Pisutova from OSF
- Beata Brestenska from Univerzita Komenskeho
- Martina Stastna from G. Metodova
- Lucia Furstenzellerova and Joko Vrabel from Gymnázium Šrobárova
A Week of Innovation and International Collaboration
Throughout the conference week, participants attended lectures, workshops, and presentations focused on educational technology and international teleprojects planned for the 1998/99 school year.
Teachers exchanged ideas on how to involve students in collaborative online projects long before digital communication became a normal part of everyday school life. The conference highlighted how the Internet could be used not only for information, but also for building global understanding and cooperation between young people from different cultures.
Alongside the main conference, a Youth Summit was also organized, giving students an opportunity to participate directly in international discussions and project activities.
Discovering Tennessee
Beyond the conference program, participants also explored the cultural and natural attractions of Tennessee.
Visitors had the opportunity to:
- explore the scenic beauty of Rock City,
- visit memorial sites connected to the American Civil War,
- experience rafting adventures,
- see the legendary Chattanooga Choo Choo locomotive,
- and tour one of the region’s large aquariums.
These experiences allowed international guests not only to learn professionally, but also to experience American culture and history firsthand.
Enter the World of iEARN
The article concluded with a simple but powerful invitation from J. Vrabel:
“Do you want to change your teaching hours and find many new friends all over the world? It’s easy. Enter the world of iEARN.”
At a time when international online collaboration was still something new and exciting, the conference demonstrated how education could connect classrooms across continents — opening doors for both teachers and students far beyond the traditional school environment.