Classroom isolation is a real issue in today’s growing cultural economy. However, connecting your classroom with other global classrooms in an authentic experience seems daunting but it doesn’t have to be. The following suggestions make connecting outside the four walls of your classroom easy and provide authentic learning experiences with the added bonus of creating cultural conversations and problem solving opportunities.
Have students participate in a Global Learning Project. In October of 2019, the global learning project was Climate Change. Students on six continents and in over 100 countries participated in both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities.
Connect students as pen pals through PenPal Schools. PenPal Schools provides an easy and safe way to connect students virtually to students all over the world. Teachers can choose topics and are connected to other classrooms instantly. My students could not wait to log on and connect with their pen pals.
Connect through video using Flipgrid, a video response tool connecting students asynchronously. I have personally used Fligrid to connect students from North Carolina to students in France, Argentina, and Haiti. Students in both countries love being able to communicate with students in other countries.
Connect with another class in your own school for a cross grade project. There are teachers and students doing amazing things in your own school. Connect with other disciplines or with other grade levels to create connections with your students.
Next Steps
Interested in learning more? Check out the websites below for great information.
References:
All sourced information is hyperlinked as applicable above.
TLDR (too long didn’t read):
Classroom isolation is a real issue in today’s growing cultural economy. However, connecting your classroom with other global classrooms in an authentic experience seems daunting but it doesn’t have to be. The following suggestions make connecting outside the four walls of your classroom easy and provide authentic learning experiences with the added bonus of creating cultural conversations and problem solving opportunities.
@hollandkaylah