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