The creation of the internet has given us the ability to
bring the entire world into the classroom, yet we have not begun to tap the full
global possibilities that exist as a result of this innovation. Reading about world news, researching various
cultures and environmental issues are all formats that teachers are using to
incorporate globalization into the class; however there are many other ways to turn your students into citizens of
the world.
Why not involve your students in an authentic learning
project that will connect them to classrooms around the world? i-EARN (http://iearn-canada.org/
and http://www.iearn.org/) is the
International Education and Resource Network, which is a non-profit
organization made up of over 30 000 schools in more than 130 countries. With over 150 projects to choose from on
topics ranging from science and technology to language arts and humanities, you
are sure to find a theme which fits your curriculum and will engage your
students. Through an online forum
teachers and students connect and collaborate with others working on the same
project. Writing an online novel, an international
teddy bear exchange and holiday card creation and exchange are some of the
amazing possibilities that your class can participate in with iEARN.
You’ve tried pen pals but have you ever thought about
ePals? ePals (http://www.epals.com/index.php)
provides a framework for teachers to connect their classrooms to others around
the world based on student age, world region or discussion themes and
content. Students are able to practice
their language skills via secure online written forums and web camera
applications. This is a great
opportunity for students to practice their French and English language skills
(both written and oral) with students whose first language may not be our own. In addition, classrooms can be matched up based
upon the topics they wish to discuss such as children’s rights, environmental
issues and even school life and common activities. There are thousands of students waiting to
connect with others around the globe and share their knowledge and experiences.
United Classrooms (http://uclass.org/), Skype in the Classroom (https://education.skype.com/) and Flat
Classroom (http://www.flatclassroomproject.org/)
are only some of the many other opportunities which exist online and break down
the walls of your classroom, inviting students of the world to learn with your
class. I feel that in today’s society if
we are going to ever hope for peace and coexistence, we need to begin by
teaching students to think globally and have compassion for others around the
world who are more like them than they tend to realize.
Cheers,
Stace
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