Ideas for Going Global in Your Classroom

This post is inspired by a blog post from the Tarrant Institute (@innovativeED). It got me thinking about how we can use technology to enable our students to connect with the world outside of their classroom, school, and town. I'm a big believer in using authentic audiences to motivate students. But there are many plus sides to connecting globally.

From the Tarrant Institute...
"The world is BIG. And overwhelming at times. Especially for our students, who hear bits and pieces of what is happening across the globe, and have questions, worries, and thoughts.

It makes sense that we move students beyond their geography, perspectives, and comfort zones. That way we can expand their world, and grow empathy, compassion, knowledge, and perspective."

Here are some tools you can use with students to connect globally.

Epals
Connect, communicate, and collaborate with classrooms around the world.

Twitter
There are many ways to collaborate globally on Twitter. If you have an account, start by following @TeachSDGs

Start on online book club. Here's a local one for #vted educators interested in reading diverse middle grades and young adult books.

The Wonderment
The Wonderment is a free online platform where kids, schools and organizations come together to create a world of good.

Empatico
Build empathy by connecting with others classes worldwide.

Skype Global Connections
A Padlet full of connections to use with Skype (Note: Skype does not work on Chromebooks).

Quadblogging