用Swift串起國際交流的豐富之旅
葳格國際學校自創校以來就以科技葳格為主軸之一，不管是在行動學習、科技輔助學習與教學、程式教育及AI人工智慧的推動，均有亮眼的成績，並在2022年獲得Apple Distinguished School，成為台灣第一所Apple傑出學校。
在台灣不但與逢甲大學Apple區域培訓中心進行課程合作，在這學期也與香港秀茂坪小學進行科技課程的線上交流。為使學生更加了解各地學校的科技課程並促進文化體驗，特別規劃iWagor Swift Coding Club學生至香港進行五天四夜的國際交流活動，不但體驗香港小學生一日學校生活與大家一起上課及用餐外，同時也參與STEAM課程博覽會，探索不同方式，了解程式語言為環境及真實世界所帶來的影響。
行前由校長、副校長、主任們共同與即將代表葳格至香港秀茂坪小學進行 國際交流活動的學生們合照並嘉勉，祝福這一次的行程收穫滿滿、快樂出門、平安回家!
抵達港 - 夜遊維多利亞
香港文化的精彩多姿、中西薈萃，是一下飛機看到不同族群就可以深刻感受的，入境時可以聽到廣東話、普通話、英語、日語、韓語、葡萄牙語、越南話、印尼話...等等不同的語言，在搭車時看到市內的建築新舊合璧，高樓大廈和古舊建築融合等，都讓孩子們耳目一新。
晚餐由香港老師Leslie帶著我們體驗地道的鮮蝦雲吞麵，品嚐台灣沒有的鹼水麵，簡單的一頓晚餐不但讓大家讚不絕口外，也先來一場高物價的震撼。沿著彌敦道散步到太空館參觀，館內擁有許多有趣的互動實驗，配合燈光效果和環境佈置，透過淺顯易懂的方式為學生們介紹天文及太空科技新知。一進到館內，孩子們便忍不住拿起手機拍攝壯觀的星球投影、體驗不同星球的重力，了解人類勇闖太空以及各國火箭製造的的歷史，充滿如此豐富知識的地方讓孩子們意猶未盡，直呼不想離開。
香港本地及遊客的人潮多是遠近知名，我們吹著海風跟著人群散步到維多利亞港邊，看著穿梭不絕的船隻、高聳衝天的大樓，夜晚的維多利亞港充滿了要觀看幻彩詠香江的人潮。孩子們找尋著角度，拿出手機找到喜歡的角度拍攝結合探射燈、雷射、LED燈等燈光效果的音樂匯演，看著變換五顏六色燈光的大樓倒映在維多利亞港的海面上，讓人感受到香港夜晚是如此絢爛美麗。
來到香港當然就得試試八達通的魅力，在自動販賣機前嗶卡購買五花八門飲料，看到星光大道上披著電影底片的金像獎女神像，朝著天空高舉一顆明珠，標誌著香港電影業的年度盛事，重新設計過的星光大道，將名人的手印移至圍欄上，我們一起認識了許多留下手印的香港影星。
香港的第一天，就在多元文化、美食、天文知識及絢麗夜景下結束，孩子們回到飯店收拾休息，為明天的入班活動養精蓄銳。
換位體驗～當個香港小學生，秀茂坪天主教小學入班體驗
一早孩子們體驗搭乘香港的「的士」前往秀茂坪天主教小學。一入校門就遇見學生害羞地與我們揮手打招呼，許副校長熱請接待我們到了休息室，品嚐小吃部的三文治早餐，簡單的內餡卻深得學生的喜愛，學生們點頭如搗蒜的表示非常好吃。稍作休息後，就一同進入禮堂參與早會時間，聽著用廣東話的宣達內容以及天主教的早晨祈禱後，老師們介紹葳格的來訪並由葉校長致贈由學生手工製作的大卡片，今日的入班體驗活動，在我們帶來美味的鳳梨酥及太陽餅及台灣珍珠奶茶吊飾中展開。
交流活動孩子分成三組進到不同的班級，孩子們彼此都為對方準備了小禮物，每班的氣氛都不一樣，有的害羞、有的熱絡、有的興奮不已，在互相致贈禮物拍完照後，便正式開始一日課程體驗。孩子們在體驗課程的同時，本次的領隊黃副校長也與秀天葉校長及團隊進行教育及辦學上的交流，參訪不同的教室規劃，了解地狹人稠的校園空間設計及豐富多元的課程安排，並短暫入班關心孩子們的上課狀況。
午休時間，回到休息室的孩子們，在吃著校園健康餐的同時每個人都絡繹不絕的分享和班上同學的相處，有人分享班上有小老師忙翻譯廣東話，有人分享電腦課做了自己的立體吊飾，還有人分享宗教課的特殊性，不但驚訝秀林學校的一節課35分鐘外，對於3點10分後就安排不同的課後活動很羨慕。學校生活的交流、印象深刻的課程內容以及新結交到的好朋友，讓孩子們迫不及待用完餐就說要回教室，看見孩子們如此的開心，便覺得此次的交流不只師長有收穫，學生們一定獲得更多寶貴的回憶與經驗。
放學後，我們與秀天的師生，在葉校長的帶領下一起到零碳天地參訪，此地種植超過200種樹木及植物，同時集建築工法的展覽、教育及資訊於一身，孩子們認真聽著老師的講解，也認真拍照做紀錄，了解提升生態價值及落力實行低碳生活內容。
地鐵的搭乘也讓學生印象深刻，快速行走的行人再加上擁擠的車廂，讓大家了解到香港急促的生活步調。今天的晚餐也由Leslie老師帶同學們體驗茶餐廳文化，吃了出前一丁炒雞肋麵、太極鴛鴦炒飯、美極生炒雞絲飯、朱古力及港式奶茶後，還帶了葡撻當宵夜。今天的行程，讓孩子們在地理環境、人際文化、餐飲體驗上有難忘的收穫，直到睡前都還在分享今天在學校發生的一切。期待明天的STEAM成果展，相信我們的孩子們一定能好好把握明天與同學交流的機會！
活力STEAM創未來
本次交流重頭戲上場！秀茂坪天主教小學的STEAM成果發表日，邀請到其他友校一起參展，即使因為天氣因素改至禮堂舉辦，作為展場的二、三、四樓教室仍熱鬧非凡。葳格的Swift Club孩子們穿著亮眼的橘色團體服閃亮全場，與會來賓及同學看見直誇讚並紛紛留影合照！
不管是在禮堂內體驗VR的體適能App，運用數據教練分析可加強部分，或是在跳繩及運球時可以透過螢幕來調整姿勢；聆聽綠頭鴨的故事，了解如何透過科技觀察生態並維持生物多樣性；聽學生們介紹SDGs探究課程，分享與當地社區結合訪問年長者的需求，設計智能巴士站、顏色和超聲波感應裝置用來協助視障人士，甚至還設計「智方便手機App」，協助身障人士尋找近距離的無障礙廁所，同時也設計新款輪椅並邀請身障人士適用，並給予回饋讓學生加以修改及調整。葳格的孩子們認真記錄每一個體驗過的內容，相信這一次的交流成果展帶給孩子們不同的眼界，親身了解到科技如何幫助人類、維持生態環境。活動結束後，葉校長.許副校長及老師們也帶著孩子體驗香港茶樓文化，為上午的交流劃下完美的句點。
下午參訪香港聖公會何明華會督中學，首先參觀的是貨櫃屋改造的5G智慧種植教室，以及太空艙造型的種植艙，因香港地狹人稠，所以會發想透過科技調節並控制變數以達到培養植物的生長至最佳模式。接著體驗碰撞球型無人機、人臉辨識系統、機器人雷射光模擬戰賽，讓孩子們都特別有活力及願意主動參與，了解AI新興科技並不斷發問及操作，玩到同學都不想離開。
離開校園參訪後，我們搭乘巴士來到太平山山頂纜車，坡度近乎垂直的纜車，讓我們可以俯瞰維多利亞港口的風景，認識我們這幾天活動的地理位置。到達山頂後體驗了杜莎夫人蠟像館，館內的蠟像栩栩如生，孩子們和認識的明星拍得不亦樂乎，也了解到蠟像製作過程的繁瑣及費時。最後體驗乘坐渡輪跨越維多利亞港，看見了相隔十年又再次回到香港展出的黃色小鴨，以及品嚐地道的富豪雪糕車所販賣的沁涼雪糕。
香港交流之旅接近尾聲，非常謝謝香港的Leslie老師、Rachel老師給予行程上的協助，全程的陪伴，體驗地道的香港文化及美食，在體驗不同交通工具時一起守護學生的安全，更熱心地為學生介紹香港文化，也要謝謝Corina老師請孩子們開心吃雪糕。 最重要的是謝謝秀茂坪天主教小學的葉春燕校長、許世超副校長、以及每位協助入班交流活動的主任、班級老師和同學，讓我們的孩子了有難忘的知識文化交流經驗，更獲得寶貴的友情和回憶。在香港的到數第二個晚上，結束在香甜的楊枝甘露和美味的飯糰，孩子們迫不及待整理行李，因為明天就要去迪士尼樂園一日遊囉！
Since its establishment, Wagor International School has always strongly emphasized technology, whether it's mobile learning, technology-assisted teaching and learning, programming education, or the promotion of AI. These efforts have yielded remarkable results, and in 2022, Wagor was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, becoming the first Apple Distinguished School in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, Wagor collaborates with the Apple Regional Training Center at Feng Chia University and engages in an online exchange program of technology courses with Sha Tau Kok Primary School in Hong Kong.
This semester, to help students better understand technology courses in different schools and to facilitate cultural experiences, the iWagor Swift Coding Club has organized an international exchange program for students to visit Hong Kong. During the program, not only will students experience a day of school life with Hong Kong primary school students, attend classes and meals together, but also participate in the STEMA Curriculum Exhibition. The exhibition allows the students to explore and understand the impact of programming languages on the environment and the real world.
DAY-1
Since its establishment, Wagor International School has always strongly emphasized technology, whether it's mobile learning, technology-assisted teaching and learning, programming education, or the promotion of AI. These efforts have yielded remarkable results, and in 2022, Wagor was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, becoming the first Apple Distinguished School in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, Wagor collaborates with the Apple Regional Training Center at Feng Chia University and engages in an online exchange program of technology courses with Sha Tau Kok Primary School in Hong Kong.
This semester, to help students better understand technology courses in different schools and to facilitate cultural experiences, the iWagor Swift Coding Club has organized an international exchange program for students to visit Hong Kong. During the program, not only will students experience a day of school life with Hong Kong primary school students, attend classes and meals together, but also participate in the STEMA Curriculum Exhibition. The exhibition allows the students to explore and understand the impact of programming languages on the environment and the real world.
Before the trip, the principal, vice-principal, and directors of Wagor took a group photo with the students who will represent Wagor in the international exchange program with Sha Tau Kok Primary School in Hong Kong. They extended their best wishes and hopes that this journey would be fruitful, enjoyable, and safe.
DAY-2
Exchange Experience - Being a Hong Kong Primary School Student...an Immaculate Heart of Mary School's Class Experience
Early in the morning, the children experienced how it was to take a Hong Kong taxi to the day's activity location, Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Sau Mau Ping. As soon as they entered through the school gate, shy Hong Kong students waved at and greeted them. Following Vice Principal Xu, they arrived at the school’s lounge where they enjoyed sandwiches from the school’s snack shop for breakfast. Students enjoyed the simplicity of the ingredients and fillings and their nods of approval indicated how delicious they found them. After a short break, they entered the auditorium together for the morning assembly. After listening to the announcements made in Cantonese and the morning prayers of the Catholic religion, the faculty introduced the Wagorian’s visit, and Principal Yip presented a large handmade card crafted by the students. The host class was then presented with delicious pineapple pastries, sun cakes, and Taiwanese pearl milk tea ornaments that the students from Wagor brought.
The participating children were then divided into three groups and went into different classrooms. The atmosphere in each class was unique, with some children being shy, some enthusiastic, and others excited. After exchanging gifts and taking photos, the official day of classes began. While the children were engaged in their class activities, Assistant Principal Wong, who led the group, also had educational and school management discussions with Principal Yip and the team from Immaculate Heart of Mary School. They visited different classrooms, learned about the campus design in a densely populated area, and experienced their diverse and rich curriculum. They also briefly visited the classes to check on the children's learning progress.
During lunch break, the children returned to the lounge and, while enjoying a healthy school meal, they enthusiastically shared their interactions with their classmates. Some shared that they had classmates acting as translators for Cantonese, others shared about creating their own 3D decorations in computer class, and there were even those who were surprised by the special nature of religious studies, admiring how the school arranged different after-school activities beyond the 35-minute class period at 3:10 pm. The exchange of school life, impactful course content, and the thought of making new friends made the children eager to return to the classrooms as soon as they finished their meals. Seeing the children so happy, it was evident that this exchange brought not only insight for the teachers but also invaluable memories and experiences for the students.
After school, while accompanied by teachers and students from Immaculate Heart of Mary School, the students visited the Zero Carbon Building. The facility houses over 200 species of trees and plants while also exhibiting architectural techniques, providing education and information about eco-friendly practices. The children attentively listened to the explanations from the teachers and took photos to document their visit, gaining an understanding of enhanced ecological value and the implementation of a low-carbon lifestyle.
The subway ride also created a lasting impression on the students. The fast-paced pedestrians and crowded train compartments gave everyone a glimpse of the rapid pace of life in Hong Kong. For dinner, Leslie, the teacher, took the students to experience the culture of a local tea restaurant, where they enjoyed dishes such as stir-fried chicken leg noodles, Tai Chi-style mixed rice, Mei Jia stir-fried shredded chicken rice, chocolate, and Hong Kong-style milk tea. They even had Portuguese egg tarts as a midnight snack. The day's itinerary provided unforgettable experiences for the children in terms of geographical environment, intercultural interactions, and culinary experiences. They continued to share everything that happened at school until bedtime.
As of the time of writing, we are looking forward to tomorrow's STEAM exhibition and believe that our children will make the most of the opportunity to exchange ideas with their classmates!
DAY-3 : Creating the future with STEAM
The highlight of this exchange has arrived! Showcasing the achievements of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) at Xiuping Catholic Primary School, the school invited other friendly schools to participate in the exhibition. Despite the change in venue to the auditorium due to weather conditions, the second, third, and fourth-floor classrooms, which served as the exhibition area, were still bustling with excitement. The children from WeGo's Swift Club, wearing vibrant orange uniforms, shone brightly throughout the venue. The guests and fellow students applauded their presence and eagerly took photos with them.
Not only could the students experience using the school’s VR fitness app in the auditorium which utilizes data analysis to enhance and strengthen specific parts of the body, they were also able to adjust their posture while they skipped rope or played ball by using interactive computer screens. Additionally, they listened to the story of the green-headed duck to understand how technology can be used to observe ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. The students were also presented with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) research projects, in which they shared how they integrated with the local community by identifying the needs of the elderly by designing smart bus stops. Furthermore, they presented color and ultrasonic sensing devices to assist individuals who are visually impaired and also developed the “Smart Convenience Mobile App” to help people with disabilities locate accessible toilets nearby. On top of that, the children also designed new wheelchairs and invited individuals with disabilities to provide feedback for further improvements. The children from WeGo diligently recorded every experience. We believe that this exchange has broadened our students’ horizons and allowed them to understand how technology can assist humanity and sustain the ecological environment. After the event, Principal Ye, Vice Principal Xu, and the teachers also took the children to experience the culture of Hong Kong tea houses, concluding the morning exchange on a perfect note.
In the afternoon, the students visited the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Bishop Hall Secondary School. The 5G smart planting classroom was the first place they toured. It was transformed from shipping containers and resembled a space capsule-shaped planting pod. Due to the limited space and dense population in Hong Kong, the idea of using technology to regulate and control variables to achieve the optimal growth for cultivating plants was conceived. Afterwards, they experienced first-hand the most state-of-art technologies which included collision ball drones, facial recognition systems, and robot laser simulation battles, which inspired the children and they passionately participated in all the activities. They gained an understanding of emerging AI technologies and continuously asked questions and operated different devices. The students enjoyed themselves so much that they didn't want to leave.
After leaving the school campus, the students took a bus to the Peak Tram on Victoria Peak. The cable car, with its almost vertical slope, allowed them to overlook the scenery of Victoria Harbour and understand the geographical location of their activities over the past few days. After reaching the Peak, they visited the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, where the lifelike wax figures brought joy to the children as they took photos with familiar celebrities. They also learned about the intricate and time-consuming process of creating wax figures. Lastly, they experienced crossing Victoria Harbour on a ferry, and saw the return of the yellow rubber duck, which had been exhibited in Hong Kong ten years ago, and enjoyed refreshing ice cream from the authentic Fuhao Ice Cream Truck.
Sadly, the Hong Kong exchange trip is coming to a close. We are very grateful to Leslie and Rachel, the teachers from Hong Kong, for their assistance and companionship throughout the itinerary. They helped us experience authentic Hong Kong culture and cuisine, ensured the safety of our students during transportation, and enthusiastically introduced Hong Kong's culture to us. We would also like to thank Teacher Corina for treating the children to ice cream and making them happy. Most importantly, we want to express our gratitude to Principal Yip Chun Yin, Vice Principal Xu Shichao, and all the directors, class teachers, and students who assisted in organizing the exchange activities.
