Integrating global perspectives with existing subjects being taught is one way to effectively implement international education initiatives. Students learning and connecting with students in other countries via technology is an effective way to enhance global awareness. Not only does it make the learning authentic and motivating, it creates a deeper understanding of cultural awareness.
Erin Young cited many innovative ways teachers are engaging their students in global education. I was disappointed Young did not take this global understanding a step further (or backwards) and discuss the positive implications of increased cultural awareness within our own classrooms. The demographics of our classrooms are changing rapidly. Fostering understanding of similarities and differences between students within our own classrooms, seems like a huge benefit of global education.
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Hi Deborah. You made some valid points about engaging students more though the use of technology globally. What did you mean by within our own classrooms? Did you mean physically in each class or every classroom in the U.S. as a whole? I wonder if using this technological connection more in the Unites States classrooms amongst towns, cities and states if this would bring the U.S.'s educational system closer together and allow students to experience the diverse culture that the U.S. has and then also use it globally and be able to compare different cultures with their own locally and amongst the U.S. culture as a nation.
ReplyDeleteJessica, The point I was trying to make was global education could also help students understand the diversity within their own individual classrooms. It could open up more dialogue between students. I think you are correct about connecting between towns, cities and states as a way to bring the US education system closer together.
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