Before I begin, I want to share that ICE has created Google Docs that are being updated all day with notes from the presenters as well as attendees from the many sessions each day. Be sure to check them out!
Global Collaboration deals with our favorite C-word: collaboration. We’re always trying to find ways to work together, be it teacher-to-teacher, student-to-student, or a combination of ways. The purposes for collaboration are varied, as our its outcomes. Begin the process by reflecting on what your desired outcome is. Discuss what it means to collaborate, and foster opportunities for students to collaborate within the classroom before going global. This includes establishing student-created classroom norms. Use of circling, an aspect of restorative justice, can be useful in collaborative reflecting as it relates to student behavior after a collaborative moment.
We don’t necessarily need more technology in our classrooms. Let’s explore ways to use what me do have more efficiently and effectively. Don’t always feel like you as the teacher have to be the expert. It is perfectly o.k. to let the students use technology they are most comfortable with and knowledgeable of.
Tackk allows students to collaborate in the creation of a single-page website.
Animoto for educators is another collaborative animation tool.
Kidblog is great for student collaboration on a classroom blog.
Looking for ways to get started? Check out Projects by Jen, The Global Read Aloud, The Traveling Rhinos, The Digital Human Library, Skype in the Classroom, a hashtag collaboration on Twitter.
What can collaboration be used for?
- An open-ended question
- Discussion around a common topic
- A challenge
- A presentation
- A contest
- A community
- Create your own way
Build your own network of administrators and teachers. There’s tons of existing groups on social media. Share ideas/opportunities for collaboration. Be vulnerable yourself. Try the activities you want your students to try, and share your successes and failures.
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