Over the last 6 weeks, I've attempted to connect my students with others in our extremely large world. This year I've introduced my students to the MetoWe movement in hopes of teaching them about global citizenship. Now its time to move into digital citizenship. Technology is our world, therefore it is my belief that we should embrace it and teach our students how to use it in a positive way.
Using google+, I joined numerous communities such as ConnectedEducation and MysteryHangouts in an attempt to find classes that would be willing to connect with my class. The response was overwhelming. In a few short hours I had so many replies it was difficult to keep track of everyone.
I set up a Education Skype account, asked my administrator to order a microphone and camera and went from there.
In 6 weeks we've either completed a mystery skype or mystery hangout (which uses google+) to chat with 5 classes throughout the United States (Alabama, Washington, Illinois, Virginia and Iowa), as well as a class in Edmonton. This upcoming week we will be completing a google hangout with a class in Brazil and Argentina.
If you haven't attempted a mystery skype or hangout I highly recommend it! The students are so engaged and what a great opportunity to meet students all over the world. The best aspect is when you hear a student say "wow we are so similar, yet so far apart". I love the idea of my students seeing both similarities and differences in one another and embracing those qualities.
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