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Bringing the World to Your Classroom

Tips and Tricks for Global Collaboration / Global Awareness Resources

The Importance of Global Collaboration in Education 



Today's students face a future where boundaries are abstract and global learning is critical. Tomorrow's citizens must be global communicators, must be able to participate successfully in project–based activities, and must have collaborative skills.

Technology is a tool that we can use to promote global learning, provide cultural understanding, and build relationships. Knowledge of other cultures around the world leads students to understanding and compassion. That, in turn, creates students who take action to make a difference in resolving problems and changing the world to be a better place. Standard curriculum is transformed into engaging projects with real-world applications and service learning opportunities.

This exhibit provides resources and strategies for implementing collaborative projects as well as philosophical reasons that emphasize the importance of global education. Reach outside your school, your city, your state, your country, and your continent—and bring the world into your classroom!

Global relationships ARE important in the classroom of today!
 

Global Education and Collaboration 

 Duration: 3:07
Through collaborative educational activities, students gain knowledge and compassion that can lead them to be action-–oriented, global citizens who can affect change and possibly help resolve some of the global issues that exist. Students can be empowered to help remedy problems such as global warming, the depletion of natural resources, worldwide infectious diseases, poverty, civil unrest, war, education for all, etc. Students can make a difference, and collaborative, global education can lead them to this realization. In the words of Dr. Jane Goodall, "Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." Dr. Jane's Roots & Shoots organization provides youth with resources to take action in their communities. Roots & Shoots focuses on care and concern for animals, the environment, and the human community. Help your students learn to "make a difference" by educating them to be global citizens! 
 

Why Collaborate? 

 Duration: 0:25
Featured in the Video:
Ryan, Student in California

Being a global citizen is a critical skill for today's students. In the book "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman, the importance of this is emphasized as we prepare our students for success in the workplace. Below are some of the benefits of collaborative, global projects.

  • Raise global awareness

  • Create relationships

  • Make content meaningful

  • Promote creativity

  • Address all learners

  • Provide success for all students

  • Empower students to make a difference

  • Provide an authentic audience

  • Engage and motivate students

  • Develop 21st century skills
 

The Power of the Internet in Education 

 Duration: 0:32
Featured in the Video:
Milton Chen, Executive Director, George Lucas Educational Foundation

Technology allows students around the world to interact with each other in many ways. Technology and the Internet are definitely "flattening" factors that take learners outside of their classroom walls, providing educational opportunities that are far–reaching. All of this has truly changed the paradigm of teaching and learning.
 
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First published on Sep 13, 2006. Content last updated on Jul 07, 2008.