Tools for Global Communication

Today's students are learning how to become responsible global digital citizens. A digital citizen is someone who understands the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use (Ribble, 2008). Students are discovering how to connect with each other to increase their global awareness and global competency (Hancock, 2011). It is important for teachers to have a list of the necessary tools and resources in order to enhance communication across the globe and foster the development of responsible global digital citizens. 

Tools and resources needed for K-12 classrooms to enhance communication across the globe:

The Flat Classroom Project

This website was designed by Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis and is based on the book The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century. The project allows students to partner with other students around the world and participate in activities about global awareness (Edutopia, 2014). Edutopia (2014) recommends creating projects that involve hands-on, real-world resources, such as teachers, community members, students, businesses, or nonprofit organizations.

Classroom Wikis

Classroom wikis are social writing platforms for education. Wikis allow for students to communicate and collaborate with each other and their teachers on projects. Wikispaces are used for classroom management through project-based learning and encourage safe social networking. It can be thought of as social writing with formative assessment (Tangient, 2014). Below are three of my favorite websites for creating wikis.

     WikiSpaces Classroom

     PBWorks

     Wikiswork

     

Video Conferencing Tools

There is nothing more engaging for students who are working with others around the world than to see and respond to them in real time. Video conferencing tools like the ones listed below can be used by students to share and receive information directly.

     Skype

     uStream

     LiveStream

     FlashMeeting

Global Learning Communities

Global learning communities make it possible for students to connect around the globe and work together to solve problems or participate in projects. Websites like the ones below provide a list of projects that teachers can choose from which relate to the topics being studied in school. Classrooms can link together to help each other gain more information and discover information about topics being studied. These websites help teachers and communities develop educational communities around the globe.

     Global School Net

     ePals

     iEARN

     

Technology Tools
In order to successfully utilize many of these tools, it is important that teachers have the following technologies available:
     *Computers/laptops/iPads
     *Web Cameras
     *Microphones
     *Acceptable Internet Use Policies signed by all students

References

Hancock, M (2011, Aug 3). Preparing our students for global digital citizenship success. iKeepSafe. Retrieved from http://www.ikeepsafe.org/educational-issues/preparing-our-children-for-global-digital-citizenship-success/

Ribble, M. (2008). Passport to digital citizenship. International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved from  http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/uploads/LL2008DCArt.pdf

Russo, A. (2007, Nov. 12) Global education on a dime: A low cost way to connect. Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/international-exchange-online-collaboration-projects

Tangient, LLC. (2014). Wikispaces. Retrieved from http://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroom/about

1-2: Web 2.0

      Technology has changed the future of education in significant ways. An abundance of research has been conducted which proves that the integration of technology across the curriculum has a variety of benefits for student learning. The main purpose of technology integration is to deepen and enhance student learning (Edutopia, 2014). When used appropriately, technology has the power to promote active engagement, participation, frequent feedback, and connection to real-world experts (Edutopia, 2014). The emergence of Web 2.0 tools has allowed for "individual, continual, highly personalized experiences" (Module one, n.d.). 
     There are four categories of Web 2.0 tools: presentation, video, mobile, and community tools. Community tools allow students to connect with peers across the globe (Module one, n.d.). In the book The World is Open, Bonk (2009) describes using UStream to connect with educators across the world in presenting information about the field of education. Students can use technology in a similar manner by creating video casts, podcasts, or live conferencing with students in other classrooms around the world. Students learn valuable skills in information literacy by participating in a networked public culture (Baumbauch, 2009). 
      Web 2.0 tools also allow students to create more than ever before. Many tools are user-friendly, requiring little to no prepreuiste knowledge. Students can use tools such as Animoto, Wordle, VoiceThread, MovieMaker, or Inspiration to create digital representations of their knowledge that can then be shared with classmates, parents, and community members. In this way, technology encourages creative expression for authentic audiences and promotes useful feedback (Baumbach, 2009). Meaningful learning tasks such as this will also help promote student engagement and interest in subject matter.
     Technology integration is no longer a question of should I do it? but more a question of how can I do it best? Teachers need to take the time to learn about new technologies and practice using them themselves so they are confident in intregrating them into their curricula. It is imperative that teachers integrate technology in order to prepare students for a successful future, as well as to meet federal and state guidelines.


References

Baumbach, D. J. (2009). Web 2.0 & YOU. Knowledge Quest, 37(4), 12-19. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.snhu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/194731808?accountid=3783

Bonk, C. (2009). The world is open. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass.

Edutopia,. (2014). Technology Integration. Retrieved 18 November 2014, from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration

Module one: Technology: A global education tool (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2014 from bb.snhu.edu