One of the things I have enjoyed most about this IT&DML program is how relevant the assignments are to my work at school. I have been able to create and use many projects, lessons and teaching units over the course of the past year that I have used in my classroom. The feedback I have received from my professors and fellow students in the program has helped me to become a better teacher. I have also enjoyed how the courses in the program have complemented each other and have reinforced themes around digital literacy from different perspectives.
My most recent project for the Teaching, Learning and Assessing in the Digital Age class is a collection of resources about using technology to teach global competencies. The Global Literacy class I took last semester provided many resources for teaching global competencies and connecting classrooms. Over the course of the last year, I have become increasingly aware of my responsibility to provide my students with opportunities to practice the four strands of global competencies (Asia Society, 2011):
- Investigate the world,
- Recognize multiple perspectives,
- Communicate effectively with students from other cultures on authentic projects,
- Take action to promote a positive change in the world.
One of my goals for next year is to implement a cross-cultural teaching unit where my students will connect with students in other cultures to practice the four areas of global competencies. The LiveBinder I created is a resource for how to do this. It includes background and rationale for teaching global competencies, sample lesson and unit plans, and many digital tools to connect with other classrooms. I provided an annotated directory of the binder on the first tab to make it easier for teachers to find what they are looking for. There are over 60 resources currently in the binder. I will continue to add to it and welcome suggestions for new resources to add.
Mansilla, V. B., & Jackson, A. (2011).Educating for global competence: preparing our youth to engage in the world. New York: Asia Society.
cc image by: Monisha.pushparaj