Global Collaboration
Global collaboration is a such an important part of the Common Core initiative. On any given day, it is not uncommon for administrators to evaluate teachers lessons and ask about what the global implications are for each lesson. As a new teacher in 2011, I often struggled to find global materials that encouraged critical thinking at a second grade level that also incorporated technology.
Through my L2 technology course, I was introduced to ePals. EPals is a website that inspires students to actively engage with learners around the world through written correspondence. Technology makes it possible for students to keep in touch with other friends and classmates, minus the snail mail. EPals prides itself on instantaneous networking through online correspondence. Students are able to build profiles based on class, age, interests, etc then select other students that meet their criteria of interest to correspond with. EPals even provides teaching ideas and potential resources that meet specific grade level material qualifications. All in all, ePals is a valuable resource for the classroom as it encourages global awareness, 21st century technology skills, and creates room for the influence of cultural perspectives.
Through my L2 technology course, I was introduced to ePals. EPals is a website that inspires students to actively engage with learners around the world through written correspondence. Technology makes it possible for students to keep in touch with other friends and classmates, minus the snail mail. EPals prides itself on instantaneous networking through online correspondence. Students are able to build profiles based on class, age, interests, etc then select other students that meet their criteria of interest to correspond with. EPals even provides teaching ideas and potential resources that meet specific grade level material qualifications. All in all, ePals is a valuable resource for the classroom as it encourages global awareness, 21st century technology skills, and creates room for the influence of cultural perspectives.
I think it is valuable to think about the global implications for each lesson as the world becomes a smaller and smaller place. No matter where we live we can be impacted by events all over the world. Being able to reach out like ePals allows is a great way to do that for students and teachers and to conform to new standards as well.
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