6 Tools for Delivering Global Learning Experiences

Teachers are expected to do more than teach lessons—they’re expected to deliver rich experiences in the classroom that prepare students for the connected, wide world. Old teaching models where educators spoke and students listened are slowly but surely being challenged and replaced by global learning models that encourage students to think critically about and thoughtfully engage with the world. There is still debate over how educators can effectively define and assess the impact of global knowledge and skill building on students. That said, a few global learning organizations have defined four key thinking skills that we agree are critical to encouraging global competency. According to their definition, a globally competent student is taught to investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, recognize the perspective of themselves and others, effectively communicate ideas with diverse audiences, and translate their ideas into progressive action.

Teachers will need to be comfortable using mobile and web technologies to deliver engaging, global learning experiences.

We’ve compiled 6 resources and digital tools you can use to start developing the global competency of students now so that they excel well into the future:

1. Sample unit plans: John Stanford International School, a progressive model public elementary school, has shared sample unit plans for teachers interested in incorporating global competency into their lessons. Each unit introduces global perspective to the standard state curriculum, and includes sample questions, timetables and classroom goals for teachers to consult when incorporating global learning into their curriculum.

2. A closed email and blogging portal: ePals was created to connect students and educators in a safe digital learning environment. Teachers can connect their classroom with students from over 130,000 classrooms across 80 different countries to discuss and learn about foreign cultures with students who are native to those places.

3. Videoconferencing: Many teachers use free videoconferencing software like Skype for their students to video chat with other classrooms. “Live” discussions with international classrooms allow students to learn firsthand what similarities and differences they share with global citizens. Short conversations where students simply share their daily experiences can be eye opening.

4. Encourage language learning: Communication through language remains one of the most powerful ways to connect with fellow human beings, no matter where you both are from. Duolingo is a mobile and web application that enables users to learn multiple languages for free. Being able to access language lessons on a smartphone or tablet can improve students’ commitment to learning a new language for pleasure.

5. Partner with an international classroom on a project: Tools like Google Docs allow anyone with Internet access to collaboratively work on a class project together. Students can put together documents, spreadsheets, task lists, and more to complete an assigned project with their international peers.

6. Promote intercultural collaboration: Teachers across the globe use blogs to connect with other classrooms, sharing photos and short stories online to update their web-pal on recent projects, events and experiences. This is a great option for teachers with international PLNs who can communicate directly with teachers in foreign countries via the web.

How do you shape students into global citizens capable of understanding, interacting with and changing the world around them?