#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
I am Craig Kemp, Head of Digital Learning and Innovation in Singapore, global EdTech Consultant & co-mod of #whatisschool Please introduce yourself, your location & role
Happy Friday! Welcome to today's #whatisschool chat! I'm Sean Forde, I'm the Elementary EdTech Coach at Chadwick International here in Songdo, South Korea! WOOHOO LET'S DO THIS!!!! #whatisschool
Hi friends! My name is Ken and I am a school district administrator and literacy researcher. I am from NJ and serve on the @NJLiteracy and @ILAToday Boards. Glad to join in! #whatisschool
#whatisschool Good Evening. Tama from Atlanta, Ga - K-5 Tech. Teacher, Sorry guys will be mostly a lurker tonight, but will read through later. Great topic!
Q1) What sparked your interest in wanting to break down those classroom walls and start thinking about global projects, connections, and/or collaborations? #whatisschool
Q1: What sparked your interest in wanting to break down those classroom walls and start thinking about global projects, connections, and/or collaborations?
#whatisschool
Hi everyone! I’m a grade 1 teacher in Hong Kong, and I’m dropping in when I can because you know how the beginning of the day goes! #multitasking#whatisschool
A1: #WhatIsSchool I am retired Navy, Lived in England, Hawaii, Iceland and Alaska. There is much to gain from reaching out to other cultures and developing connections and understandings. We eventually leave school and have to be ready for what's out there.
A1: I have always loved connecting & engaging as an educator. Twitter got me hooked because I learned what I wanted and when I wanted it. I wanted the same opportunity for my students #whatisschool
A1: my own experiences with discrimination and #racism, which translated to the classroom where I integrated issues related to #socialjustice#equity, #inclusion & #diversity - bringing awareness & igniting Ss to be social change agents #whatisschool
A1: My spark came when I started teaching in the remote fly-in village of Russian Mission, Alaska and realized those kiddos needed to see the world and what else was out there! #whatisschool
A1. I DON'T have global connections in my classroom but I'd like to because it expands the learning opportunities for my Ss. I'm looking fwd to hearing how others connect their Ss to the world #whatisschool
A1: Although school missions often include diverse global outreach, I wonder to what extent we are truly global 🌏 When I first heard about @EmpaticoOrg through @JenWilliamsEdu I started to think about the worthwhile work that needs to be done and there’s a lot! #whatisschool
A1: I think a lot of it comes from being an IB world school. How does what we do in Perth connect us to others in Aus and beyond. Does learning look different in other places? Does what works for me, work for others and why? #whatisschool
A1: My daughter (now 26) began school in British schools up until 4th grade when we moved back. having been exposed to multiple cultures has shaped her into the adult she is today. She also wants to move back to England. #WhatIsSchool
A1: we have the technology now so we need to using them effectively to fight Injustice and get ppl talking about systemic & institutionalized #racism & how we can better understand one another - this should be purpose of #globaled! #whatisschool
This question also reminds me that I am constantly learning and evolving, and that the NYC metro area isn’t the center of the universe, as tourist-y as we are. #whatisschool
A1: we need to ensure Ss see beyond their "bubble" and open their eyes to other people's stories and experiences and examine issues from a variety of perspectives - whose voice is present? missing? why? what can we do? #whatisschool
I have also been able to connect & learn Globally from so many others through Twitter. Time to open the World up to my Ss and let them draw on the expertise of others Globally! #whatisschool
A1: I have always loved connecting & engaging as an educator. Twitter got me hooked because I learned what I wanted and when I wanted it. I wanted the same opportunity for my students #whatisschool
A1: initially I reached out to other educators on Twitter to find solutions, since then it has turned into daily PD with educators and administrators around the world #whatisschool
A1: I got hooked on #mysteryskype and loved connecting my students to the world and helping others do the same. I wanted more & wanted it to be ongoing & genuine and got hooked on @EmpaticoOrg as a result --> https://t.co/BRpGCCbEt3#whatisschool
A1: After my daughter's exposure in her early years, when she hit high school she had her choice of two specialized academies, in the public school system, 1, health sciences, 2. Global Studies or going to her zoned High School. She chose Global Studies. #WhatIsSchool
A1: With having the spark to breakdown walls in a remote village, @cilcorg helped provide those opportunities for amazing virtual field trip connections to all over the place! #whatisschool
A1: I grew up moving around and also living internationally. I love the perspective it gave me: it helped me realize the world does not revolve around me. So many amazing cultures, perspectives & ideas are out there! Ss can experience this too in their own classroom #whatisschool
Q1: What sparked your interest in wanting to break down those classroom walls and start thinking about global projects, connections, and/or collaborations?
#whatisschool
#whatisschool A1: It's a big wide world out there and Ss need to know what's going on beyond their 4 walls. I love @SkypeClassroom and their virtual field trips
A1. #mysterySkype sparked my interest a few years ago. I started seeing my students naturally learning from others and started seeking out new opportunities from there #whatisschool
That's been the one fun things since jumping to international teaching is being able to see the different teaching styles and expertise from other walks of life! #whatisschool
A1: Students deserve an opportunity to explore the world because there is so much to learn beyond the classroom walls. By exposing students to the global society, they can develop a cultural awareness and work to solve problems that can impact the world #whatisschool
A1: Having a 2nd grade student come back from Anchorage excited about Taco Bell and all he did was only SEE the sign was a big WOW for me! #whatisschool
#whatisschool a1 Initially I really was a neighborhood thinker looking for other signers but a world of quite amazing people awaited and they reached in. So many stimulating, funny and wise folk. Very lucky am I.
A1) Knowledgeable wisdom always multiplies when we share and learn from others. Global collaboration is almost like virtual traveling and it’s a great to model that to students #whatisschool
A2: It allows people to see life from another angle and learn in different ways from different perspectives. We can connect & engage with experts from all over the world, most of the time for FREE #whatisschool
A2: Instantly connecting with new people! This week alone, my #PLN now includes a passionate like-minded literacy connection in Nigeria. I would never connect with friends like @SuleJacobs without global connections through Twitter. #whatisschool
A2 The students appreciate our differences and realize we have many more similarities than we always thought. And they can teach their parents this.#whatisschool
A2: Working on and building global collaborations give those students and staff a glimpse outside of your classroom walls that we get stuck between so often and in turn builds your own PLN to help drive your creativity and ideas as an educator!
#whatisschool
A2: Students get to experience other cultures instead of just read about them. Talk to the people they read about and not have things slanted by the author of who wrote the piece, then ask questions and dig deeper into the why not just the what. #WhatIsSchool
A2: For schools, it opens up learning opportunities for everyone within and outside of the buildings. It breaks down the walls and allows people to connect & engage with anyone, anywhere, anytime #whatisschool
A2: global collaboration brings together a variety of people from a multitude of backgrounds and histories. That wealth of knowledge is exciting! We can teach each other so much beyond what you will ever be able to find in a textbook. #whatisschool
A2- collaboration makes our world smaller and thus helps our students develop understanding of the world they live in. This understanding aids students in becoming globally-minded citizens. #whatisschool
A2:
6. examining different perspectives
7. understanding global issues & impact on earth
8. learning about different curricula and teaching methods
9. effective use of tech
10. inquiry and asking good Qs
#whatisschool
A2: @mrkempnz is a big benefit! Without him and the @21cli conference I never would have jumped back onto this Twitter thing and been able to take my global collaboration game to the next level! #whatisschool
A2: Any time you interact with someone who isn’t just like you, the potential is there to increase your empathy, tolerance, open-mindedness...for students AND teachers! #whatisschool
A2. Global connections gives us the platform to understand issues in our world, empathise with others, learn from each other and improve ourselves #whatisschool
A2: we must go deeper than just learning about their culture - we must learn about their histories/stories and the issues that have impacted them. Integrate #socialjustice issues via the curriculum...many ways to do this. #whatisschool
I’d have to say I realized early on that teaching and learning by rote or just going through the motions didn’t make sense. Having students find the why and make connections has become just part of my teaching. #whatisschool
Q1: What sparked your interest in wanting to break down those classroom walls and start thinking about global projects, connections, and/or collaborations?
#whatisschool
I am excited for our connection Dr! Your passion towards ensuring literacy is commendable. Our collective global efforts will continually yield immense results. Keep moving!
#whatisschool
A2. Understanding. Developing empathy and curiosity. Collaboration and compromise. Drawing on others expertise, experiences & creativity to solve authentic problems & in the process provide Ss with the best #learningexperiences#whatisschool
A2 As I mentioned - follow the expertise. Especially if that expertise presents a different perspective or emphasis. It will almost certainly lead you to a larger school of interactions. (pun intended) #WhatIsSchool
Q3) Global collaborations can be difficult! What are some hurdles you’ve experienced with global projects/collaborations and how did you/didn’t you overcome them? #whatisschool
A2 Also, exposure to multiple cultures and viewpoints, and fostering the deliberate effort to view the world through different lenses is invaluable. #WhatIsSchool
Q3: Global collaborations can be difficult! What are some hurdles you’ve experienced with global projects/collaborations and how did you/didn’t you overcome them?
#whatisschool
A2: global connections bring the world to students who may not get to experience it first hand themselves. How cool is it for a child to start to see the world beyond their personal community. Global collaboration is necessary for the 21st century student #whatisschool
#whatisschool a2 Finding other people to refresh, review or reinvigorate your thinking. All these have been benefits of working with others around the globe.
#valentinesday2019 have you seen the like turns into a flower, surprisingly sweet.
A3: Time zones can be a real stinker! However it's a fun challenge to have as it forces you to find new and unique ways to keep the doors open to connect to EVERYONE! @Flipgrid has been my BFF for allowing these to happen! #whatisschool
I'll jump on your bandwagon @Sean4d and say that @mrkempnz included & embraced me on twitter & encouraged me to persist. That has connected me to a world of opportunities & resources for my Ss. #whatisschool
In reply to
@Sean4d, @mrkempnz, @21cli, @Sean4d, @mrkempnz
A3: I may regret saying this, but I’m WAY better at literacy than math, and timezones confuse me. So I rely on my buddies in Ireland and Sydney to help coordinate our chats! 😀Even if the times aren’t 100% convenient, they’re worth the conversation! #whatisschool
A3: quick enough methods of communication to make it timely and effective. My district is now one to one digitally and that offers new possibilities. But you do have to get the division network folks on board. For example many divisions use a Walled Garden approach. #WhatIsSchool
A3: time zones will always be a struggle for Skype visits. But pre-recording video messages can be a way to combat this. It’s the 21st century friendly letter. #whatisschool
Q3. Timing was sometimes a hurdle. But @Flipgrid took care of that problem. Wanting to do everything and not being able to was my biggest regret. #whatisschool
A3: Another frustration is communication with the partner class teacher. Staying in constant communication and getting more than just a one off connection is something I always strive for .... #whatisschool
A3: I'm excited to look deeper and work with @Belouga_ to get students and classrooms connected around the globe and allow students to make a difference as well! #whatisschool
A3:
1. difference in curriculum content - that doesn't matter - focus on the skills
2. time difference - can do asynchronous work
3. lack of technology - use of common tools & advocacy w/ admin
4. language barriers -use of interpreters and technology to translate
#whatisschool
Focus on curriculum, it has to be in the curriculum or we can't do it. It has to be aligned to state standards or we can't do it. Those can be significant barriers as well. Having the same issue with the tech integration at times. #WhatIsSchool
#whatisschool A3. Consistency. Relationships first. Helping students see that the reciprocal learning and friendships formed globally can be rich and deep but it takes unique skills to follow through and care. Find ways to facilitate that through @OECDEduSkills
A3: The biggest hurdle in Aus is time difference. At the moment the east coast is three hours in front of the west (except QLD). Its hard to keep track in Aus let alone the world! #whatisschool
A3: Curriculum differences...It might be easier to connect and be open to collaboration projects in the PYP setting compared to a common core setting and what not elsewhere. #whatisschool
If anyone can share a website/document/app or something that accurately converts times, I would join more chats and would be VERY appreciative! #whatisschool
A3. Finding schools in my time zone (Singapore). I’m actually thinking of putting together a list of teachers around Asia to have on hand! #whatisschool
A3: relationships, relationships, relationships! Build those relationships first before starting to collaborate & work on (service) projects. #whatisschool
That’s a good point. I’ve done many once offs, and only managed to keep the connection going twice before using @Seesaw blogs and @Flipgrid#WhatIsSchool
#whatisschool a3
Time is a big hurdle that can be tricky.
#mfltwitterati would appreciate too that not all sign languages are the same so links across oceans can be hard. Still the hurdles leapt have been great and I've run in races i hadn't imagined.
A3: struggles with global projects in #nyc schools at least are always due to #connectivity. Our solution was to partner with a local #CBO who offer us space, time and bandwidth to lead amazing projects. Plus kids get to go offsite. #whatisschool
A4: We try to encourage global connections at my library through programs celebrating cultures, like this one: https://t.co/TxkYiPpPWA
We're always looking for ways to better support the schools in our district and their educational aspirations. Open to ideas! #whatisschool
A4: I've been working over the last year to build unique read alouds with @flipgrid where every page is recorded by someone from around the world called @worldreadalouds! The finished stories can be checked out here: https://t.co/wdDRk55Eh7#whatisschool
A4: I sorta mentioned that already.. We started using Schoology last year. I wanted to try in division between elementary schools first using Schoology. I created a course and got teachers at my school and another school to join it and set all the teachers as admin #WhatIsSchool
A4:
1. creating a YT video together (PSA)
2. World Read Aloud
3. Twitter chats
4. IG stories
5. use of #GAFE to collaborate
6. use of @flipgrid, @padlet, & @mentimeter#whatisschool
A4- a group of students recently took some of their designs to a factory in China. It was great to see them meet with an industrial designer and talk about their designs & the feasibility of having them built at the factory. Authentic learning for them. #whatisschool
A4: While this work is new to me, our district embraced the Global Read Aloud this year thanks to the work of @pernilleripp & the #GRA community. We saw our kids embracing different perspectives and falling in love with being read to—what could be better than that? #WhatIsSchool
Although we were never able to run the program fully due to connectivity and capacity, @PenpalSchools offered great forms of engagement on various topics. #whatisschool
Q5) Let’s keep it simple! Who are your global collaboration all-stars everyone should follow?! Keep the answer simple, to be able to add as many of your all-star friends as you can! #whatisschool
Q5: Let’s keep it simple! Who are your global collaboration all-stars everyone should follow?! Keep the answer simple to be able to add as many of your all-star friends as you can!
#whatisschool
A4. Partnering with various community groups to solve problems in the community. Through service students see the power they have to change the world. #whatisschool
Thank you for the global connection Steve! Your leadership is thrilling and phenomenal. Excited to collaborate with you and many others globally.
#whatisschool
In reply to
@inspirecitizen1, @OutoftheBlocks1, @Theinspireproj3, @WaterforSoSudan, @SDGLabSchools
Q6) Want to be part of a global charity project right now?! @Flipgrid#WORLDReadAlouds is creating a story with author Andrea Beaty & raising money for the charity Room to Read. Click the link in the tweet to record your page! #whatisschool
Its been a global blast folks. I may DM some of you to see if we can get something global, even if just for one day going with my 2nd and 3rd graders. If I can find a willing teacher. #WhatIsSchool
Thank you @mrkempnz for allowing me to co-host with you and thank you a bajillion to everyone that participated and will be participating in today's #whatisschool chat! You all rock!
If you’re still energetic #whatisschool folks, join @ILAToday in the next hour for a great #ilachat around independent reading and its value for students and promoting equity! Would love to see you there!
A4: #whatisschool holding a hunger drive for the entire school as well as inviting the community to participate! This was a great collaboration between our schools Ag program, the students, and @Oxfam
