Global Cooperation Programs

The two global cooperation programs that I explored were The Global Schoolhouse and Epals. Both of these sited offered a tremendous wide variety of activities that can helps 21st century students around the world get connected and experience meaningful learning activities, as well as develop multi-cultural understanding. The purpose of Global Schoolhouse was to prepare students to become productive learners and offer students and teachers the chance to be a part of project-based learning opportunities. In which students can explore a diverse range of cultural topics and subject areas. Their main goal is to "help teachers understand how to use the internet to support education and collaborative learning around the nation." Epals is also a safe and productive site which offers students of all ages and from all over the world the opportunity to work together. "It has been specifically designed for primary-secondary use and it’s based on the latest research for effective internet-based learning." The purpose of this site is to offer authentic learning experiences and pedagogical approaches in which people can learn to understand real world concepts. What I loved so much about this site was the fact that it promotes computer communication tools, cross cultural learning, class projects, and the chance to interact with other students worldwide. Since I am a Spanish teacher I believe I could make good use of this tool in my classes. For example I would love it if my students could interact with other Spanish speaking students from Spain or South America and discuss how they feel about learning a new language or a new culture. Perhaps they could discuss important traditions or other important global issues which may be affecting them or will affect future generations. I think it’s a great idea to give our students the opportunity to connect to other students or teachers globally and together experience the power of "collaborative learning!"
Check them out…

http://www.globalschoolnet.org//index.html & http://www.epals.com/