As educators it is our responsibility to provide our students with opportunities to change the world and to learn global skills for the future. By connecting our classrooms, learning becomes endless. Global technology tools provide opportunities to connect with educators across the world, connect with experts, connect with communities and a chance to impact the world from their local community. Additionally, allowing students to connect globally, allows them to understand that the issues affecting their local community also affect other communities globally. This draws greater meaning to their community issues.
Tools for global communication in the classroom include social media, collaboration and global collaboration tools. Global communication tools such as Skype, Google Hangouts or Zoom.us allow us to break down the walls of our classroom and move the conversation globally. (Smokorowski, 2014) A classroom only needs a computer, a webcam with microphone and speakers in order to take students on amazing adventures and meet amazing people from across the world. Below, I have created a Symbaloo of some global tools that can be used for communication in the classroom.
References
Smokorowski, D. (2014, August 15). Learning is Boundless in a Globally Connected Classroom. Retrieved from Pearson: http://researchnetwork.pearson.com/educator-effectiveness/learning-boundless-globally-connected-classroom
Love the image you created. I have not used symbaloo before but it looks awesome. Have you ever tried thinglink? It's a great tool. Also, do you use Edmodo? Another great tool for connecting globally!
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