Going Global and the Connected Classroom
This week we are learning about globally connected classrooms. Two leaders in globally connected classrooms are Vicki Davis and Julie Lindsay, who established the Flat Classroom Project to help establish students as global citizens (Module nine, n.d.). In order to connect globally, students and teachers must have a strong internet connection. Students can use wikis, podcasts, and videos to solidify world-wide connections.
Podcasts and vodcasts are digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and can be downloaded through the Internet (Solomon & Schrum, 2009). They are useful for students who are learning about real-world events or phenomena, such as scientists who are actually working in a field that students are studying. Students can also create their own podcasts of vodcasts to demonstrate their understanding of material (Solomon & Schrum, 2009). Teachers can also use them to help with their professional development.
Many argue that creating global citizens should be a goal of all educators ("Teacher Reboot Camp, 2010). When students exposed to connected classrooms, they help develop collaboration and communication skills. Other tools available are Skype, blogs, and wikis.
Resources:
Module 9: Going global and the connected classroom
(n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2014 from bb.snhu.edu
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2010). Web 2.0 how
to for educators. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in
Education.
