INTERNATIONAL PROJECT-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES LIST

Tools and Resources for Global Classrooms

 Web Tools to Facilitate International Communication

 Initiatives and Organizations that Support Collaboration between Global Classrooms

 Lesson Plans and Student Resources with an International Focus

Teachers for Global Classrooms

Please note that IREX provides this list of websites, tools, and opportunities as a resource, but does not take responsibility for the content or accuracy of the information found on these online tools and sites.

Web Tools to Facilitate International Communication:

 Groupsite: IREX uses this web portal for the TGC, TEA, and ILEP programs. It provides a platform to upload and share lesson plans, photos, and resources. It also hosts web discussions between alumni teachers. Content is secure and only available to alumni of the TGC, TEA, and ILEP Programs. TGC teachers will receive an email invitation to join upon program completion.

 Social Networking:

o The U.S. Department of State sponsors its own social networking site, Exchanges Connect, for alumni of its programs. You can also register with State Alumni.

o You are welcome to join the IREX groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. Many of our international teachers are members and check these social media sites regularly.

o Twitter is also a social networking tool that can connect you with other educators and professional development organizations.

 Photo Sharing Sites:

o These sites allow you to upload photos so that they may be viewed over the internet

o Picasa Web Albums (Google), Flickr, Snapfish, Facebook, Zoomr, Photobucket, Photoshop

 Video Sharing Sites:

o These sites allow you to upload videos so that they may be viewed over the internet

o YouTube, SchoolTube, Google Video, Vimeo, BrightCove, PhotoBucket

 Video Chat Sites:

o These sites and services offer video and computer-to-computer conferencing. Some sites (like Sype) offer computer to phone calling anywhere in the world for a very low rate per minute.

o Skype, G-Chat (sponsored by Google), iChat (Mac only), TokBox, Vsee (Windows only)

o View this list of 50 creative ways to use Skype in the classroom: http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/

 Document and Template Sharing Sites:

o These sites allow interactive same-time editing of documents and presentations. In many cases, they also allow you to track changes by editor.

o They also offer templates of documents, certificates, etc. to download.

o GoogleDocs, Scribd, DocStoc, Microsoft Office Online, Gazhoo, Prezi

 Blogs

o Blogs allow students and teachers to offer short informal comments or create longer postings. You can upload pictures, text, sound bytes and video clips to blogs.

o EduBlogs, Wordpress, Blogspot, Blogger, LiveJournal

 Podcasts

o When you create a podcast, you develop audio content that you can upload and listen to over the internet and then transfer to audio devices like iPods and other MP3 players.

o GarageBand (Mac), Adobe Soundbooth, SnapKast, Audibook

Initiatives and Organizations that Support Collaboration between Global Classrooms:

Below are examples of organizations and initiatives that aim to connect U.S. and international educators in a variety of high-tech and low-tech ways. For more examples, you can visit the National Peace Corps Association's Education Program (http://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/resources/education/) or find ideas on the State Alumni website (https://alumni.state.gov).

• iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) is the world's largest non-profit global network that enables teachers and youth to use the Internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects that enhance learning and make a difference in the world. (http://iearn.org/)

 ConnectAllSchools is an initiative iEARN with the goal of connecting all schools in the United States to another school in the world by 2016. Connecting schools provides an opportunity for students to gain exposure to another culture as well as for teachers to incorporate ideas of global competence in the classroom and curricula. The website offers a platform for schools to share their stories and projects. (www.connectallschools.org)

• WorldWise Schools is a Peace Corps program for schools, offering speakers on global topics, correspondence with a current Peace Corps volunteer, lesson plans, teacher guides, videos and global education links. (http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws)

§ Peace Corps volunteers are matched with U.S. teachers to exchange ideas, stories, pictures, and artifacts from their experiences

§ Returned Peace Corps volunteers visit classrooms to speak about their experiences

 Asia Society’s Partnership for Global Learning is an initiative to provide resources to educators and schools about global education. Resources include information on policy initiatives, world languages, funding, and strategies to incorporate global competence and global learning into the classroom. (http://asiasociety.org/education)

 Around the World with 80 Schools is an ongoing project to connect classrooms and schools in different countries. The website provides opportunities for educators to exchange dieas and connect with each other. Tutorials on technology to achieve the objectives of the project are also offered. (http://aroundtheworldwith80schools.net/)

 ePals Classroom Exchange is a site that provides educational technology and resources for classrooms to connect in a safe environment. The website serves a location for schools to find each other and develop a virtual exchange, as well as providing ideas for project based activities and lessons. (http://www.epals.com/)

 Flat Classroom Project is a global collaborative project that joins together middle and high school students. The Project uses Web 2.0 tools to make communication and interaction between students and teachers from all participating classrooms easier. The topics studied and discussed are real-world scenarios based on 'The World is Flat' by Thomas Friedman. Four mandatory components for students include an audio or video introduction, a written collaborative report using a wiki, a personal multimedia response (digital story/video), and a post project reflection. (http://www.flatclassroomproject.org/)

 Global Nomads Group fosters dialogue and understanding among the world's youth. GNG’s educational programs include video conferencing and videos for learning content on a variety of international issues relevant to teachers and students. All GNG programs are directly linked to school curricula, education standards and 21st century learning objectives, and are accompanied by lesson plans and training to teachers. Programs are broadcast during the school day and cover a range of topics in the curriculum, including civics, social and global studies, geography, world history, science, economics and politics. (www.gng.org)

• The Global SchoolNet aims to improve academic performance through content driven collaboration. Links teachers and K-12 students in meaningful project learning exchanges worldwide. (http://www.globalschoolnet.org/)

§ The U. S. Department of State sponsors the "Doors to Diplomacy" educational challenge to encourage middle school and high school students to produce web projects

§ Other projects include an International CyberFair and student-produced newspapers that reach a global audience

• People to People International's School and Classroom Program connects teachers and their students with similar-age classrooms in other countries to facilitate pen pal exchanges. (http://www.ptpi.org/programs/SchoolClass.aspx)

• International Studies for Indiana Schools (ISIS) is an innovative distance-learning program using interactive video (IAV) technology to connect international students, scholars, and specialists with elementary, middle, and high schools. The programs are "tailored," originating with teachers who contact the Program Coordinator to request the development of IAV programs focusing on particular topics. (http://crlt.indiana.edu/isis)

• Omprakash Foundation facilitates communication, collaboration, and mutual learning within a diverse international network of social actors. (http://www.omprakash.org/classroomportal)

§ Sponsors a database of global Partners (organizations, individuals) who can help teachers enrich their school’s academic curriculum and service-learning programs.

§ Offer grants to help applicants build lasting relationships with international partners

 Primary Source connects educators with other cultures and peoples to promote the incorporation of global content into schools and curriculum. Programs include seminars, institutes, and study tours for educators. Primary Source also produces resources and curricula available for use by educators. (www.primarysource.org)

TOP 10 TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL ONLINE COLLABORATION

(Source: Connect All Schools- http://www.connectallschools.org/node/132302#Tips)

1. Do not assume that other students will know if you are male or female by your first name. If you want them to know that you are male or female, tell them.

2. Almost all other countries use the metric system for measurement. A temperature of 30 degrees may seem cold to you but warm to your partners. (30 degrees Celsius is 86 degrees Fahrenheit.) Convert your measurements to metric in your communication. Most often the other student will have to translate the rest of your communication into their first language. Science Made Simple has a metric converter that is easy to use.

3. If you use slang or colloquial expressions be sure to explain what they mean.

4. Remember how tedious it is to look up words in a dictionary. Use simple English words. Consider how phrases are translated literally. Can you imagine what someone would think if you wrote you had dirty blond hair?

5. Explain abbreviations when you use them.

6. Remember that most of the world uses a 24 hour clock. Three in the afternoon would be written 15:00. (You add 12 to the number for the P.M. hours)

7. Most other countries will write dates with the day, month, year (e.g. 21/09/2010) or even year, day, month (e.g. 2010/21/09) rather than our system of writing month, day, year (e.g. 09/21/2010). Write out the name of the month to avoid confusion (e.g., September 21, 2010).

8. In written communication, remember the reader cannot see your face. Humor may often be interpreted literally and misunderstood. Use emoticons (smiley faces and other symbols) and punctuation such as asterisks to make emphasis. Be certain to state your emotions, do not assume they are known.

9. Much of the world learns British English language rather than US English. Words such as centre or colour may look misspelled but are correct for them.

10. Avoid using season names (spring, summer, etc.) as they are often not at the same time of the year in other hemispheres. Instead use month names (June, August, etc.)

Lesson Plans and Student Resources with an International Focus

The following websites contain lesson plans or educational materials designed for teaching students about global issues and weaving international themes into subject-specific curriculum.

• The United Nations’ CyberSchoolBus: a collection of U.N. Global Teaching & Learning Project resources including lesson & project plans on many global issues; an Information Database; Global Issues briefing papers for students; Peace Education units; Poverty Curriculum and more. (http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/)

• TeachUNICEF is a portfolio of UNICEF-focused resources designed and collected by UNICEF’s Education Department for educators, afterschool instructors, and parents. TeachUNICEF resources cover grades PK-12, are interdisciplinary, and align with national standards. The units, lesson plans, stories, and multimedia cover topics ranging from the Millennium Development Goals to water and sanitation. All TeachUNICEF resources can be downloaded for free. (http://teachunicef.org/)

• WorldView Magazine Lesson Plans: WorldView Magazine is a source of news and information relating to the developing world. The materials are suitable for high school level and higher and were written by Dr. Angene Wilson and her graduate students at the University of Kentucky. (http://peacecorpsconnect.org/discussion-guides-worldview-magazine)

 Edutopia is a site sponsored by the George Lucas Educational Foundation. It offers “practical, hands-on advice, and invaluable tips and tools” for teachers. Edutopia offers resources on project based learning, education technology, assessment, and social and emotional learning. The site also differentiates resources by grade level. Space is also provided for educators to learn more about certain issues and connect with other educators. (http://www.edutopia.org/)

 World Youth News is an global online news project for secondary school students from around the world. It is managed by iEARN. Adhering to the highest journalistic standards, students select the issues they want to report on, and write, edit and publish their articles on the web-based news service. School publications can reprint articles from World Youth News to add an international component to their news. Any secondary school student (between 14-19 years old) can join this project as a reporter after successfully completing an online training and certification course. (http://worldyouthnews.org/)

 WorldSavvy Monitor is a published by World Savvy as a tool for educators to explore world events. The publication offers strategies and lessons for the use of current events within the classroom. (http://worldsavvy.org/monitor/)

• TeachGlobalEd.net is a resource for teachers created The Ohio State University’s Social Studies and Global Education Program in collaboration with the area studies centers. TeachGlobalEd.net provides education resources for teachers organized by regions, themes, and issues. It also provides additional information on opportunities for professional development and study. (http://teachglobaled.net/)

• The Center for Teaching International Relations is the outreach arm of the University of Denver and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. CTIR has a 40 year history of helping K-12 educators teach about global affairs. (http://www.du.edu/ctir/)

• National Geographic Society offers online activities, maps, lesson plans, an educator network, TV programs, and a searchable database. (http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/)

• Outreach World: Interdisciplinary, cross-regional and standard-specific units, lessons and instructional aids designed by teachers and scholars. (http://www.outreachworld.org/)

•Critical Multicultural Pavilion is a project to provide curriculum, activities, and trainings to educators about multicultural issues and communities for use in the classroom. (http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/)

• Sesame Workshop is the non- profit organization behind Sesame Street. It produces materials for educators that support the themes of health, multiculturalism, literacy, numeracy, and emotional wellbeing, which are promoted on the television program. (http://www.sesameworkshop.org/aroundtheworld)

•Global Citizenship Education is a site from Oxfam UK that aims to develop the global aspect of the classroom. The site contains resources on curriculum and global citizenship education by subject and age. (http://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/)

•Oxfam UK has also created a guide to Global Citizenship Education with more information for teachers and additional activities: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/teachers/globciti/downloads/gcguide06.pdf

• Asia for Educators: Classroom materials and teaching guides on Asia for use by faculty and students in world history, culture, geography, art, and literature at the undergraduate and pre-college levels. Search for content by subject area, document type, or time period. Features several multimedia units on Asia-related topics, as well as maps, timelines, and primary source readings. (http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/)

• UN Works: This website puts a human face on serious issues (Business, Children, Development, Education, Emergencies, Environment, Health, HIV/AIDS, Human Rights, Labour, Peace and Women) by telling stories about real people. Filled with resource links for teachers and students who want to learn more about the issues and get involved. (http://www.un.org/works/)

•Beyond the Fire provides the stories of adolescents who have survived conflict zones and currently reside in the US. The site provides lesson plans and background information on the conflicts. (http://www.itvs.org/beyondthefire/)

•Globalization 101 intends to guide students’ understanding of globalization and the issues surrounding it. The site provides lesson plans and sample assessments for teachers on issues of globalization. The site also provides information on how the learning objectives fit with the learning standards of 16 states. (http://www.globalization101.org/)

• African Studies Center of Boston University: Resource Library for educators wishing to improve their teaching about Africa: curricula, lesson plans, videos, slides, children's books, handouts, maps, posters. (http://www.bu.edu/africa/outreach/index.html)

•Exploring Africa is a resource for educators with curriculum and activities about African history and society. (http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/)

•Africa Access is a place for K-12 educators to share lessons and activities related to Africa, especially literature. (http://www.africaaccessreview.org/aar/index.html)

•The Global Education Collaborative is an online community for educators to share resources and engage in dialogue on a wide range of topics related to global education. Be sure to check out the “Global Education Resources” and “Collaborative Projects” discussion forums. (http://globaleducation.ning.com/)

•Latin American Network Information Center (through the University of Texas at Austin) has resources for educators developing geography, language, or history curricula with a Latin American focus. This site also includes information for native speakers of Spanish and Portuguese. (http://lanic.utexas.edu/la/region/k-12/)

•The World Affairs Council of Seattle has free lesson plans (developed by teachers for teachers) on global topics. (http://world-affairs.org/globalclassroom/curriculum/default.htm#georgia)

•Population Connection provides materials and tools for teachers about the human population and its changes, and how that impacts the world. The materials include activities and fact sheets and are sorted by grade level and academic subject. Population Connection also organizes professional development opportunities for educators about these themes. (http://www.populationeducation.org/)

Resources for Further Information about International Topics

The following websites provide access to multimedia resources from the United States and other countries that can be used by educators and students for a wider understanding of the global world.

 Gapminder is a site that uses statistics about the world’s countries and regions to graphically show how the world has changed through time. The tool is interactive and has data on many indicators. There is a section for teachers with resources and uses for the tool in classrooms. (http://www.gapminder.org/)

•Global Voices Online is a site that provides links to literature and people from countries across the globe. The site is searchable by country or topic. It can be an additional resource for information on different places or themes. (http://globalvoicesonline.org/)

•LinkTV: Television Without Borders offers access to news and documentaries from around the world. (http://www.linktv.org/)

•Onlinenewspapers.com provides a comprehensive location to access newspapers from around the world. (http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/)

•The Newseum provides access to the front page of newspapers across the US and around the world. (http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/default.asp)