Spotlight on Digital Media And Learning

4.9.10 |

Students and teachers used to have to study abroad to develop an appreciation for other cultures. But today’s educators can internationalize their classrooms right here at home using global project-based learning. This comes from a National Education Association policy brief (PDF) on global competence released this week.

In addition to arguing that global competence is a vital part of education in today’s interconnected world, the brief highlights multimedia resources for educators to use in the classroom.  One example is the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) that uses social networks to allow students to interact with peers from other countries.

Ed Gragert, iEARN-USA’s executive director, explains more:

iEARN enables young people to go beyond learning about the world, to learning WITH peers around the planet by using connective technologies. Instead of just a few students who are able to physically visit another country, the entire class can have personal and educationally valuable experiences with other cultures.”

iEarn has programs in more than130 countries.  Available teaching tools include online thematic-based projects for teachers and students to use as part of their classroom or after-school programs and online professional development.

The professional development focuses on how to integrate global projects into curriculum and align with standards; for example, “Internationalizing Social Studies for the 21st Century.” You can read more about iEARN’s projects and course offerings here.

iEarn also partners with outside organizations to facilitate international collaboration. It is currently working with Adobe Youth Voices, and recently brought together U.S. educators with educators in Argentina and Belarus, among others, to talk about using multimedia and digital tools in the classroom.