As the 21st Century presents an increasingly complex and interconnected world, human progress demands intensive global knowledge and skills, particularly of our young leaders and innovators. Teachers can foster a sense of global citizenship and intercultural skills through global project-based learning and collaborative projects that allows students to resolve global problems and communicate across cultural, political and geographic boundaries. With the use of technology, teachers can seamlessly integrate global themes and perspectives across all grade levels and academic disciplines.
If you don’t know what project-based learning is, this video explains it nicely.
Here’s what it’s not: students being talked at, and soaking up the ‘awesome’ (read boring) lecture by the teacher in the front.
In a nutshell, it is students working together, doing projects that they care about, taking ownership of their education, and becoming lifelong learners.
According to Edutopia, well-designed project-based learning (PBL) has been shown to result in deeper learning and engaged, self-directed learners. They believe there are 5 keys to doing it right:
- Real-world Connection – Students are more engaged when learning relates directly to the world they live in. See how to extend your projects beyond classroom walls.
- Core to Learning – You see the students learning as they interact with each other. Easy to match to your standards, not just the Core.
- Structured Collaboration – PBL provides a unique opportunity to help students practice critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. A structure within the structure must be in place however, scaffolded so as they reach one level, they can move on to the next.
- Student Driven -When they are directly involved in planning and steering projects, students are more invested in their learning. They take ownership of their learning.
- Multi-Faceted Assessment – Assessment can be integrated seamlessly into project-based learning. Students can be assessed at each stage of the project.
PBL is one of the greatest examples of how technology is changing the learning landscape and global education. Many connected educators are realising the importance of global collaborative projects and the amount of potential they offer their students.
One of the very first online collaborative projects that I heard of years ago (2007) was the Flat Classroom Project, run by Julie Lindsey. I was always intrigued by how people from around the world were able to work simultaneously on a single project through Wikispaces. The projects and ideas to connect and collaborate have grown considerably over time and that is now reflected in her new site titled Flat Connections.
I have to admit that my experience in working on a global scale is pretty limited. I’ve joined in on chats, helped fill in forms, but never really had one of my classes take part in a planned unit that stretches beyond the walls of my own room. Facepalm, followed by a sigh. A lot of that has to do with my previous job. When you’re teaching a class of 27 Year 1 students for 5 years, it’s pretty hard to see through the forest for the trees some days, let alone plan or join in on a global project.
I’m planning on changing that this year and have already been in discussion with teachers to see what we can do. Ironically enough though, Global Collaboration Day just passed. If I were on the ball then I would probably be blogging about something much different, like a positive reflection on our experiences. Oh well, too bad. Have added that one to my calendar for next year though.
I do have my school participating in ‘Hour of Code‘ once again this year, but I would like to extend beyond that one week timeframe to make it more personal for some of my classes. I love the idea of Codeathon and will try and get involved in that if it continues (their website hasn’t been updated for 2016 yet).
I’m sure if I introduce Pana’s Travelling Teddy program to my Early Years teachers they will be keen to investigate it further. It’s a meaningful hands-on experience that is looks really engaging for the little guys.
I was talking with one of my colleagues the other day about doing some Mystery Skype sessions. We’re in the preliminary talks but have been in contact with Craig Kemp for some help. Seeing as neither of us have ever done one, we’ve been using Twitter to reach out to our PLNs for support. Seeing as he will be presenting in HK for 21CLHK, it’s a good place to start. Funny enough though, just this morning and out of the blue, I was contacted by Beverley Ladd relating to this very matter:
Looking for classes to learn w as we discuss and find solutions to global issues! https://t.co/ppxB6PM8N9 #pypchat pic.twitter.com/qc4K77TQxz
— Beverly Ladd (@BevLadd) October 19, 2015
There are many great global projects on the go already. I think it’s time to jump in and take the risk and get something going. If we follow the 5 keys above, I see no reason for why it won’t be a huge success at my school.
Do you have a project that you need help with? Are you looking to collaborate with a year group on a specific unit? Drop me a line and let me know. Let’s connect and make something special for our students. Let’s extend the cable.
Thanks for reading, Jamie
Featured Photo: ‘Local Call’ by gfpeck @ https://flic.kr/p/8ymgpW