Flickr Creative Commons Photo by wilmack
The September #globalclassroom chats proved, yet again, to be an engaging conversation around the magic of flattening your classroom, connecting with others around the globe and collaborative sharing by participants. Our topic, “What is Global Taxonomy”, inspired by the tremendous work done by Julie Lindsay & Vicki A. Davis in Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds, proved to be lively and informative.
When asked if there was a progression of global collaboration, it became quickly apparent that there are MANY valuable global projects taking place at all levels within the education system, at each of the levels within the GlobalTaxonomy. There is truly NO lack of opportunity to become involved in taking your classroom global, and this #globalclassroom community shares readily and willingly! Many of the projects are predesigned, “managed global connections” described as level 3 within the Global Taxonomy framework:
@rentonl Yes! @tashacowdy and I were partnered in K Around the World last year, & this year @jasongraham99 is joining us. #globalclassroom
— Michelle Hiebert (@MauiMickey) September 15, 2012
The younger the students in your care, however, the greater the intentional scaffolding needs to be. Modelling, focused large group experiences and discussions around digital citizenship, online safety, quality commenting and etiquette are critical pieces of the puzzle which must be thoughtfully addressed and revisited often as you strive toward “gradual release” moving up the levels of this Taxonomy.
@swaygrantham @mauimickey That scaffolding is SO critical, though – the growth in independence & “voice” dev is inspiring. #globalclassroom — Laurie Renton (@RentonL) September 15, 2012
The tools classrooms are using to connect and share globally are as diverse as our learners and inquiries are:
@rentonl K Around the World pairs classes fr different locations to tweet and connect w/ each other. kinderchat123.net/2011/10/kinder… #globalclassroom — Michelle Hiebert (@MauiMickey) September 15, 2012
Children as young as Kindergarten are learning how to tweet! It is certainly inspiring to hear that classrooms now include such 21st Century jobs as “class tweeter” and “class photographer” to capture the learning which is later shared through blogging … gone are the days of the “blackboard cleaner”!
Skype is a logical, inexpensive and synchronous tool for connecting our students in real time, as are video conferences, live meetings and chats! The use of asynchronous tools, such as wikis, blogs, google docs, podcasts, e-mail, as well as posting to websites, etc., provide invaluable opportunities to further share our learning discoveries and to continue our learning with a global audience.
Through the tireless and talented efforts of @clivesir, each of these monthly chats are archived and absolutely worth checking out. Even better, this chat is held at three different times during the month, in order to accommodate as many time zones as possible. Although the topic remains the same for each, it is always interesting to see how they develop differently, as a direct result of our own differences in perspective and experience! Check below for the archive links to September’s #globalclassroom chats:
September 17, 2012 (still being archived)
@rentonl definitely and similar ideas spark others! Always good to hear what there is out there. Thanks for link #globalclassroom
— Sway Grantham (@SwayGrantham) September 15, 2012
These #globalclassroom chats, held the second or third week of each month, are priceless opportunities for connecting with others interested in flattening the walls of their classrooms. The resources, projects and conversation shared will have you bookmarking, favouriting and researching for WEEKS to come!
@tashacowdy I TOTALLY agree … certainly not enough of it happening … YET! Once people get their TOES wet … there’s NO looking back!
— Laurie Renton (@RentonL) September 16, 2012
Go ahead … JOIN an already established project or create your own based on your desired outcomes … but DEFINITELY get your TOES wet! It will be WORTH it!
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