Global+Connections

__**Making Global Connections: Communication Tools That Enable Your Students to Interact with Students in Other Classrooms - All around the World (Cora Roush, Spring Grove)**__

Discover many different tools that enable your students to make connections with other students from all around the world.

1) Skype

Pictures from a video conference

Go to Skype and click on "Join Skype." - Under "Create an account," enter the required information. NOTE: Because anyone on Skype can see your profile information, you do not have to enter anything but your country and language. - Enter your Skype name and password and record this in a safe spot. You will need it later. - You'll be asked to add $10 to your account. Just click "Not now, thanks." because we will be using the free stuff. - This will take you to the step-by-step process of downloading Skype to your desktop. (FYI - If this isn't the computer you use in your classroom, you'll have to download it to that computer too.)

With Projects on Skype you can search for classroom projects that are currently taking place on Skype. Enter the age group with which you’d like to work, the language in which you’d like to speak, what you're looking for (a class), and a category if you’d like to.

With Teachers on Skype you’ll find a directory of teachers who want to connect with other teachers using Skype. Narrow your search by entering the age group with which you'd like to work, the language in which you'd like to speak, the country with which you'd like to speak, and a category if you'd like to.

2) ePals - Go to ePals and we'll watch the video "See what ePals can do for your students" together. - In the "Join Now" section, enter your email address and then enter the required information under the "Teacher" tab. - Create your classroom profile. Example: //My students are in 9th and 10th grade, ages 14-16. Their first language is English, but they are learning Spanish as their 2nd language. We would like to collaborate with classes in Spanish-speaking countries once a month to improve our use of the Spanish language and knowledge of the Spanish-speaking culture.// - Explore the "Find a Classroom" and "Find a Project" Links. Use the search tool bar on the left to narrow your searches. View the details provided to determine if the project would work for you and your classroom. - Have an idea for a project? Click on "Start Project" and set one up! - Explore ePals other resources. - See the lesson plans, projects, and resources created by and for ePal teachers. - See student work from around the globe.

3) TakingItGlobal Mission: To empower youth to understand and act on the world's greatest challenges Vision: Youth everywhere actively engaged and connected in shaping a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable world. - Go to TakingItGlobal and watch TIGed video for a brief introduction. - Discover more about the program. - Join it for free. - Are there any Global Issues that you would like your students to become aware of and act upon? - Use the provided Global Education Resources (lesson plans, videos, games) - Would your students be interested in any of these programs?

4) Global Kids Connect Goal: To influence cultural change and to promote global citizenship by empowering youth to take positive action on the global stage. - Learn about Global Kids Connect. - Teach your students to be a global citizen. - Explore the resources provided for teachers. - Check out some fun activities for your students. - Make classroom connections with the "10 Things That Make Us Smile" project. (You can even contact these classes after you register with sylvia@ri.org.

5) Google Plus Hangouts

6) Global School Net

7) World Savvy

8) Go to Edmodo and click on "I'm a teacher" and enter the necessary information in the Teacher Sign Up section.