These two chapters made me immediately think of the examples of this type of learning that I know are already occurring right here in our own state. At the Maine Council for English Language Arts conference this past March, I saw two teachers from Belfast Area High School presenting on their creation of a Global Classroom. This course combines World Geography and World Literature and the internet to offer an incredible experience for ninth graders. These two gentlemen could have written these two chapters about how necessary it is for our students of today to have a global mindset and to use the technology in ways to advance their own thinking, growth, and learning. The course combines readings that are all online along with connections of classes within multiple countries. The students get to Skype with the classes in other countries, have email pen pals, and actual classmates doing similar work in other countries to exchange with feedback. The teachers have both traveled extensively and have been Fulbright Scholars as well as a part of iEARN, a global network of teachers and online projects. If you'd like to take a peek at their work, it is all set up using a moodle at globalclassroom.rsu20.org . It's well worth a peek and a great example of how to combine global education and technology!
I also learned about The Telling Room out of Portland that offers a nonprofit writing center to children and young adults. They offer after school and online services to students, not only in writing but in audio production and video production. The two presenters walked us through an activity creating "Vox pops" which are short for vox populi, or "voice of the people" or 'man on the street' interviews. They explained how to capture some great impromptu responses, combine and edit them into some wonderful radio shows! You can find them at the tellingroom.org.
Some interesting finds! Like we've discussed before, the new technology today is a GREAT find for a worldly educational experience to take place.
ReplyDeleteI will be implementing a new Maine fishing unit this year looking at how Maine fishing (northern vs coastal) can be used (recreational, economical, scientifically, etc) and comparing the two. We will be connecting with students on Swan's Island and other coastal schools to facilitate discussions and interviews and such. I'm really excited, but I'm really looking forward to see how actively engaged my students are.
Thank you for sharing your resources!
This is exactly what I referred to in my posts. It is important to look at what others are doing ( and great that it is right here in Maine) and using it to help or own thinking and growth as teachers. Even for teachers of elementary levels there are a lot of ways to adapt this to our own curriculum. I signed up to use a secure sight known as epals. There you also have a chance to work with classrooms all around the world and on different projects. Thanks for the great ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe "telling room" sounds fascinating and like a great way to inspire students to dig deeper and share what they find. I'll definitely be checking this out!
ReplyDelete