Global Collaboration
Standard four focuses on global collaboration, throughout the lesson I was given several examples of what that may look like classroom to classroom. I will speak on a global collaboration project I found most appealing, as well as what collaboration means for students and educators.
According to ISTE standards collaboration is the time taken by educators to connect with students and communities. Collaboration also provides the opportunity to share and create with others around the world. According to Julie Lindsay successful collaboration needs to have like-minded educators, curriculum outcomes, accessible tools, and collaboration management. When I think of ways to incorporate collaboration into my classroom I have thought of ways to execute these four steps. In my future school and classroom, I could ask my colleagues if they have ever been a part of a global collaboration project, or if they would like to help me search for one. Moving forward we could ensure curriculum, accessibility, and management are in place so we can make sure our students are successful. Thinking from a student's perspective, I can't help but think back to my pen-pal in elementary school. Although it was not a digital relationship I loved writing letters and learning new things about my partner. I would love to give this experience to students in my future classroom.
A global collaboration project I could see myself implementing is GridPals. This digital tool allows classrooms both across the hall and across the world to communicate and work together. Set up is very similar to Google Classroom which entices me as an educator. Once you create a profile for your classroom there is an option to share your email address, where teachers from around the world can reach out and ask to collaborate. This is an amazing tool that will not only benefit and engage students but educators as well. By connecting with teachers around the world they can share ideas and experiences, and knowing myself I would love this opportunity. As a special education major, I can see this being a great tool for my students. Having learning disabilities myself, I remember how lonely and angry it can make you. It is hard to imagine that someone else in your school has a disability, let alone in the world. It is crucial in elementary education to create a foundation of curiosity and acceptance, so students can move forward without fear of their disability holding them back. GridPals will allow my students to hear from other special education students as well as share their experiences. I would have benefited from this opportunity not just emotionally but educationally as well. This tool holds endless opportunities for projects, creative writing assignments, and much more. For example, in my classroom, I would use Gridpals as a way to connect two students for a project. The project would be along the lines of finding what tools or technology that may help them in the classroom.
In conclusion, educators are told from day one how important it is for students to socialize with their peers. In a world that is held in the grip of a pandemic, this tool would be a great way to keep students engaged and excited about the class, even virtually. It is our job as educators to make sure our students are learning, but we also need to hold ourselves accountable for learning as well. Gathering new information and tools that will make our classrooms a fun place to be is one of the best parts of being a teacher, and I can’t wait to try some of these ideas in the future.
References
Fingal, J. (2021, April 15). Bring a real wildlife safari to your classroom. ISTE. https://www.iste.org/explore/iste-standards/bring-real-wildlife-safari-your-classroom
GridPals: Connect with educators ... - flipgrid help center. GridPals: connect with educators and classes around the world! (n.d.). https://help.flipgrid.com/hc/en-us/articles/360052560614-GridPals-connect-with-educators-and-classes-around-the-world-
Lindsay, J. (2016, July 19). 5 levels for taking your classroom global. ISTE. https://www.iste.org/explore/In-the-classroom/5-levels-for-taking-your-classroom-global
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