International Project-Based Learning Opportunities
Depending on your location and context, it can sometimes seem difficult to bring the world into your classroom. Below is a short list of opportunities and resources that you can use for globally minded project-based learning activities with your students and classes.
ePals ~ http://www.epals.com
From website: “Teachers use the free ePals Global Classroom to create real world, culturally- enriching learning experiences for their students. With ePals classroom matching, a high school class studying Chinese can connect with a class studying English in China, or the classes can work on a special project together.”
Worldwise schools ~ http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/about/
From website: “Peace Corps’ innovative Coverdell World Wise Schools program brings the Peace Corps experience home to American classrooms. The newly redesigned World Wise Schools site makes it easier than ever for you to find your favorite free cross-cultural learning materials including videos, lesson plans, podcasts, publications, and much more." Through Worldwise schools, you can arrange for a returned Peace Corps volunteer to come and speak to your class.
iEarn (International Education and Resource Network) ~ http://www.iearn.org/
From website: “iEarn is the world's largest non-profit global network that enables teachers and youth to use the Internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects that enhance learning and make a difference in the world. iEARN is a non-profit organization made up of over 30,000 schools and youth organizations in more than 140 countries. iEARN empowers teachers and young people to work together online using the Internet and other new communications technologies."
Taking It Global ~ www.tiged.org
From website: “Offered by TakingITGlobal and the Centre for Global Education, the Global Encounters program brings together students from across the world through live video conferences that explore global issues and the potential youth have to shape a better common future. These exciting events connect youth to expert guest speakers who share their experiences with students on the topics of human rights, climate change, HIV/AIDS, and more."
Web 2.0 and Emerging Learning Technologies ~ http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Web_2.0_and_Emerging_Learning_Technologies
From website: “This book on Web 2.0 resources is an aid to English language teachers in their use of learning technologies and web based materials. Web 2.0 technologies are highly useful tools to explore and use in everyday lessons. In this book, you will find an overview of relevant technologies applicable to ELT along with classroom activities and links to online resources.”
World Affairs Council ~ https://www.world-affairs.org/programs/global-classroom/
From website: “Global Classroom extends the World Affairs Council’s message of global engagement to K-12 classrooms by providing curricular resources, professional development programs for teachers, and leadership activities for high school students. Education in global affairs builds a globally competitive workforce while enriching the learning experience through the examination of current issues, cross-cultural exchange, and the dialogue of ideas shaping our future.”
Google Earth ~ https://www.google.com/earth/
From website: "View satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, galaxies far in space, and the deepest depths of the ocean." We usually have a Google Earth station at Digital Harbor's International Fair.
People to People ~ http://www.ptpi.org/community/SCP.aspx
From website: “School & Classroom Program - PTPI's School & Classroom Program is a free service that links classes and youth groups in different countries for pen pal exchanges and projects that foster cultural understanding and friendship. Teachers of students ages 4-18 are invited to register. Participating teachers receive a manual that offers guidance, tips for communication and project ideas. Contact details are exchanged between partner teachers so they may communicate directly. Groups may communicate via email, postal mail or both. Registration is open July - October each year."
Global Nomads ~ http://gng.org/
From website: “Fostering dialogue and understanding among the world's youth: Global Nomads Group (GNG) is an international NGO whose mission is to foster dialogue and understanding among the world’s youth. GNG engages and empowers young people worldwide using media, including: interactive videoconferencing, webcasting, social networking, gaming, and participatory filmmaking. GNG operates at the intersection of international and peace education, striving to serve as a vehicle for awareness, bridging the boundaries of cultural misconceptions and instilling in our audience a heightened appreciation and comprehension of the world in which they live.”
One World Education ~ http://www.oneworldeducation.org/
From website: “Provide middle and high school Common Core literacy programs and publish student essays on cultural and global issues, which promotes peer-to-peer learning, and builds college and career writing skills…The One World Writing Program offers three- to four-week, middle and high school, thematic units aligned to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for argumentative and persuasive writing. In order to create an age-appropriate, non-repetitive path for students, each grade has a different theme around which students can choose a topic that is important to them. By grade, those themes are: Grade 8 - School Issues; Grade 10 - Cultural & Global Issues; Grade 12 - College & Career Issues. Each One World Unit Includes: Common Core Lesson Plans and Rubrics, Student Notebooks, Student & Educator Portals, Professional Development, Evaluation."
Below is a great resource that has lots of the above and more ideas for bringing global perspectives and connectivity to your classrooms and teaching.
tools_and_resources_for_international_classroom_collaboration.pdf | |
File Size: | 693 kb |
File Type: |
“This website is not an official U.S. Department of State website. The views and information presented are the grantee’s own and do not represent the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, IREX, or the U.S. Department of State.”