Philippe Cousteau at FETC 2009
Steve Dembo (Teach42) was kind to invite me to the Press and Media Q&A Session with Philippe Cousteau, sponsored by Discovery Education. Cousteau is the Opening Session speaker for FETC 2009 in Orlando, Florida.
Philippe Cousteau is the grandson of Jaque Cousteau. The one whose episodes I used to watch with my family as a kid in Germany. Here is the bio listed on the Discovery Education site:
Philippe Cousteau is the 29 year-old son of Jan and Philippe Cousteau Sr., and the grandson of Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau. As a member of the legendary family, Philippe is continuing the work of his father through EarthEcho International, the non-profit organization he founded with his sister and mother and of which he serves as CEO. EarthEcho’s mission is ‘to foster extraordinary leaders to take action to restore and protect our oceans.’ EarthEcho is focused on youth leadership and education around ocean conservation.
Steve is streaming the session with Netromedia.
Technology is a huge part of education and a tool that we did not used to have access to when his father and gradnfather used to have. Stream live, podcasting, putting information into hands of young people.
In dialog of Discovery Education. Internationally- Develop Service learning initiative for oceans and water.
How to get the next generation involved in programs? Larger programs? Efforts focusing on younger generation. Multifaceted program called “Leadership Ocean”.
Development of curriculum enhancement an leadership program
Develop in formal and informal education to tie in cellphones and other media to develop programs. Create educational content. Engage youth leaders as well as leaders of youth. Develop in several media platforms.
His father and grandfather reached out via Radio, books, magazine, TV.
One has to go where people are (to learn). We have to take advantage of all new media where people gather.
Get young people engaged in environmental issues. Taking action. You can get involved.
Exciting new technology they are working with. A lot of technology can be combined to be used in new ways. Challenges are distributed via web and cell phones, Flickr, Kyte
User generated content. Creating content to make available to others. Invite people to share their stories.
A teacher that had a great impact on Philippe:
At 14 years old had a teacher that mentored him. He was not good at “formal” sports. He challenged him to find a sport that might not be conventional. He got him hooked on Rock Climbing.
How are you using social media to engage, fundraise
Facebook, mySpace are established and they are looking into expanding. Challenge is that there is so much out there. If it is not really good in order to make an impact.
What can you do in the classroom:
- Get outdoors as much as possible
- Integrate resources/multimedia in a meaningful way.
- Go outdoors again
- Encourage young people to get engaged in service learning in the environment
Action leads to awareness sometimes.
Cousteau’s personal favorite place to go in the world
- San Ignacio, Mexico- last undeveloped lagoon Pacific Coast of Baja. Great whales come to breed and give birth
- Red Sea- Sabri Reef. Port Sadaam
Social Profiles