Global Citizenship
How can technology & web 2.0 assist students in gaining global perspective, world-wide connections, and sustain student engagement?
Theory & Research in Global Learning, Spring 2010
Through the guidance of Dr. John Lee during a course entitled Theory and Research in Global Learning, I was able to explore and examine teaching and learning in a global context. Two major course artifacts I developed was my philosophy on global learning, as well as, a comparative educational study of the United States, China, and Japan. As a result of this course, I developed a strong interest in learning more about working with students in China and Japan. Upon Dr. Lee’s mentoring, I decided to further develop my understanding of content knowledge about history, culture, and daily life in China and Japan. Since this study, I have since revised my global philosophy essay and have designed a unit 7th grade students at Centennial Campus Middle School (Era of Globalization Focus on Asia). This unit serves to help widen student’s perspective on people living in these areas and will also help students develop global awareness. When students understand other parts of the world they can serve others in a global community. |
Ongoing Partnership with Beijing Royal School
After the completion of the comparative education study, I have had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Dr. John Lee, Dr. Hiller Spires, and the faculty and students of Beijing Royal School. I collaborated specifically, with Dr. Lee to create course work for the collaborative exchange between Beijing Royal School students and Centennial Campus Middle School students. Students from BRS and CCMMS build cultural connections by discussing schooling experiences, cultural traditions, and utilize web 2.0 tools to synthesize what they have learned (for example, Today's Meet). In conjunction with working with Beijing Royal School, I have also had the pleasure to work individually with two students from China. Both students spent six months at Centennial prior to their return to China and we enjoyed leaning a lot about each other’s culture and beliefs. Since these two students returned to China we have been continuing class discussions based upon relevant current events and global issues. We have been communicating via Google Video Chat. Continuing a partnership with these students has been an enriching experience for myself and my students. Overall, after the completion of Dr. Lee’s class I have witnessed first-hand the importance of global communication and collaboration with my students and other students around the world. Through global cultural exchanges students are able to gain global perspective, strong global connections and remain actively engaged in what they are studying. |