Welcome Back!

 

 

The case studies throughout our final chapter have been great stories! They shared ways professionals and educators have kept global learning into their classrooms and how much they all benefited from it! I loved reading about their experiences and seeing how far they have come. Let me know what you thought about this chapter in the comments below! 

 

LETS EXPLORE! 

 

1. The one case study that I enjoyed was Case Study 4.5 which was called: Our Global Friendships 

   – This study was an enjoyable read because it was a way for all educators to learn from each other in the community! I love the idea of learning new things together and using two minds to conquer material. This study was helpful for educators to read because in the future teachers can be more open to learning and working together!

2.  Another case study that I enjoyed reading about was: Case Study 4.3 – THINK Global School: Learning to Be Global While Living Globally 

   – This case study promotes schools all around the world to learning to the fullest extent! “The school of about 12 teachers and 60 students from grades9-12 literally move each semester, relocating in a new environment and redeveloping curriculum objectives and learning outcomes based largely on that location”. In my opinion, this was such a moving scenario because you can truly understand the determination and motivation both the students and teachers have while doing this!

3. Case Study 4.10 – Larisa Schelkin: Global STEM Education Center- This case study grabbed my attention due to the label “STEM” after grade school they added something called STEM into our curriculum and I never knew what it was! It was interesting to see this study explain it. The study stated, “STEM disciplines by all students to meet the needs of an innovation-driven globally competitive workforce and to enable the next generation to be effective in and with other countries/cultures in solving the problems urgently” (236).

 

 

 

This blog will be my last blog! I hope you learned a lot from all of my posts in the past, and the stories that I have shared! Don’t forget you can always follow my Twitter @NavasFrancesca for updates.

SEE YOU SOON!

 

• Welcome Readers!

  
  Today I will be discussing research on the use of virtual reality in classrooms and discuss how it can contribute to successful global collaborations! There is also a few apps that are used when remaining globally connected. For instance these may include Google expeditions, Google Earth Tours, and/or Google Lit Trips! So hang on tight while we explore through this reality!

VISUAL REALITY (VR)

ClassroomVR is a versatile platform using the power of Virtual and Augmented Reality for education and training from the classroom.

https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/what-the-research-says-about-vr-in-classrooms

Above is a helpful link that shares research that has been done on VR in classrooms!

• Learning about virtual reality in the classroom has opened my eyes to a whole new perspective. It has amazed me to be able to continuously learn about new ways to use technology in our classrooms. We have learned over and over throughout this course that it is so important to keep children engaged and learning and globally technology has been the way! Now, learning about virtual reality I never want to turn back on my decision on becoming a teacher in the future. This is inspiring, and such a positive and fun way to do what you love with children of all ages.
  

Below is a link sharing an awesome example about virtual reality in the classroom!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN3JSk9xrhE

 

THE APPS: There is also apps that can be considered useful for “virtual reality”.
Google Earth Tools –  There are a few google mapping tools that can help you change the world and are virtually useful. For example, google maps, google street view, your builder, google earth, and more!

VISUAL TOURS: This was one example that I found very interesting and I hope you do too! Below is a video showing an example of what you can do when using google visual tours! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPnb_jKdxdo

 

Thank you for reading! I will see you on my next and last blog!
Follow me on Twitter at @NavasFrancesca

WELCOME BACK EVERYONE!!

Today I will be going into detail about the amazing photo based tool called: Animoto! So keep calm and READ ON!

– What is Animoto? 
Animoto is is an easy, fun tool used to create photo & music video stories.  You can upload your photos, arrange the order, select a piece of music and let Animoto do the rest of the work within just a short few seconds! Then before you know it you will have a great video slide show with transitions and effects the follow along to the music that you have picked!

– Why would I use Anitmoto?
Animoto is a great tool to capture special moments! For example, you can make this beautiful picture slide shows based on birthdays, weddings, or any huge milestones that have happened in your life! You may simply just want to use Anitmoto for a collage of your child/family member. Animoto is a fun and creative way to make someones day!

– How do I use Anitmoto?
https://animoto.com

Above is a quick way to explore the Anitmoto website in order to get started on making your masterpiece!

 

MY EXAMPLE: “I miss you, Dad”

 

 

• In the future my students can use this tool to make projects about their favorite family member or friend! How would you use it?

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed exploring “Animoto” with me and you decide to try it out!
UNTIL NEXT TIME.
Follow me @NavasFrancesca for more great updates that you won’t want to miss.

OUT OF EDEN WALK: 30 million steps, countless stories, one journey!

• The out of Eden Walk was a walk that took place between 50,000 and 80,000 years ago. Ancestors began a long trek from Africa across the undiscovered world.
• The Out of Eden Walk is Paul Salopek’s multiyear, 21,000-mile storytelling odyssey across the globe in the footsteps of our ancestors.
• Paul’s goal was to tell the untold stories of people around the world.

ABOUT PAUL SALOPEK:

Paul was born in California in 1962. He was raised in central Mexico. As a writer and journalist, he has traveled to more than 50 countries and earned most of America’s top print media awards, including Pulitzers for his reporting on human genetics and the civil war in Congo. In his past lives, Paul worked as a commercial fisherman in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, mined gold in Australia, and managed a ranch in Mexico.

 

“Walking is falling forward. Each step we take is an arrested plunge, a collapse averted, a disaster braked. In this way, to walk becomes an act of faith”

WHERE I’VE BEEN: “Walking Jerusalem”

More than 800,000 people. At least 5,000 years of history. Two thousand archaeological sites. Hundreds of shrines sacred to the world’s three great Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

WHAT I SAW:
* Bridge of Strings
* Help wanted signs
* Jerusalem Light Rail
* Surrender
* Roadside Prayer
* Cinema City
* Skyway
AND MORE!

• Exploring through Jerusalem has been an amazing experience. Reading the stories and seeing the breath taking pictures has put this beautiful experience into perspective for me! What did you think?

How could YOU use this in your future classroom?
* Teachers may want to add this into their lesson plans by sharing this story, followed by a craft/activity!
How else do you think you could share this story to your students? Let me know in the comments below!

Click the link shown to Join the journey at OutOfEdenWalk.Org   An immersive digital storytelling experience hosted by the National Geographic Society!
Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter for more updates. @NavasFrancesca
#EdenWalk #GEN2108

 

WELCOME BACK,

Today I will be discussing two important Norms that are included in our textbook! These Norms are simply called Norm 1 and Norm 2. While reading in chapter ten I realized how important these Norms truly are for any future teacher!

NORM 1: BE PREPARED 
"So many potentially excellent global collaborations fail because, educators are not prepared, largely because they do not know what to prepare for".

There are two objects within this Norm and they are: Having a plan for connecting and determining how you will communicate.

WAYS TO TAKE ACTION: (Connecting) 
1. Using your PLN and PLCs to find partner for global collaboration.
2. Determine what common tools you will use to connect and collaborate.
3. Be sure to test all tools before hand: This can help with avoiding and little complications
4. Be sure you work out time zone differences.

WAYS TO TAKE ACTION: (Communicating)
1. Talk to other teachers and see how they are doing things!
2. Decide what communication activities you will want to do.
3. Make sure all students agree on the protocols.
4. Determine how many times a week this will take place.
5. READ, RECEIVE, AND RESPOND!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Kk6n6WU8A&t=86s

Above is an excellent example of the Norms that are being discussed in our chapter! 

Side Note: In order for Norm one to be effective you need to be connected through easy tools that everyone can use and access.

 

Norm 2: HAVE A PURPOSE
"Every connection, communication and eventual collaboration must have a purpose. Planning is the key to success"!

PURPOSES: 
1. Cultural exchange: (Q) Is the purpose of the project clear?
2. Inquiry and exploration into a topic (Q) Is the length of the collaboration clear?
3. Global project, short, or long, curriculm based (Q) What are shared inputs from participants?
4. Shared outcomes, student summit (Q) What are the shared outcomes?
5. Artifact exchange and/or co-creation (Q) Will there be artifact exchange?

Side Note: The purpose of this collaboration will determine the amount of planning and curriculum design that needs to take place by the teacher(s).

 

I hope you had fun exploring these two Norms with me! Follow me on Twitter at @NavasFrancesca for more updates on our future chapters!!
Thanks for reading! #GEN2108

W E L C O M E , 

• This blog will be all about the most popular video connection tool… Skype! I haven’t used Skype in many years however, since this class I have learned many useful things about it! Not only have I used Skype but I also learned that in the future, I can include this tool in my classroom.
  

  STOP & THINK: Do you see yourself using Skype in your future careers?

Q: What can you do with Skype?

1. Make and receive video calls
2. Share Screens: More than 2 people could be on the call
3. Make phone calls (you can even call people through cellphone carriers such as, sprint and T Mobile)
4. Send Text Messages

Above shares a few positive things that you can do with Skype. These are all great ways to stay connected to your friends, family, co workers, classmates etc.

Skype in the classroom
https://twitter.com/sdtitmas/status/1107674531265687552

Above is a link to twitter that shows an example of a class using  Skype into the classroom! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YVeMPY5FqU 

To go along with the Twitter post above, I have also added another helpful link sharing the Skype experience in the classroom!

 

STOP & THINK: What are some ways you would use Skype in your classroom/career?

TIP:  Things classmates can do with their peers through Skype

1. Talk about chapters/lessons: This allows students to get learning, thinking, and most importantly interacting with peers in a fun way!
2. Create music: A music teacher could benefit from this idea!
3. Practice Techniques: For example, doing study guides together, reading, practice foreign languages.
4. Students could receive tutoring sessions through Skype: This could be a convenient tool for the student, the parents, and teacher.

 

Thank you for reading my blog post! This blog shared basic information about Skype such as, what students/teachers can do with this tool in their classroom, and what Skype is all about. I hope you learned something interesting that you would like to use in your future! I also hope you enjoyed the few questions asked throughout this blog in order to get you thinking about your future. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at: @NavasFrancesca for more updates!

 

• We are half way through the semester and have already learned so much during short 8 weeks! Therefore, in today’s blog, I will be breaking down the things that I have learned and enjoyed most thus far in Web Tools: Global Learning course! There are many sites, and Apps that I have enjoyed using in this course already. I have truly learned and got a great idea of what Global Learning is all about. So, keep reading to get the insight of it all and read about all about the fun and interesting things that come along with it!

  1. BLOGGING: I am someone who uses social media very heavily and before this class I “thought” I knew what blogging was. It turns out Blogging is so much more than just receiving a comment or like on a post. Blogging is where you can come to express your feelings, or talk about topics that interest you most! Not only can you type them up for yourself, but most importantly you can share with the world! WordPress is were we upload our blogs, and we can even share them to Twitter! I never knew what WordPress was but now I love it and love how quick it is to access with our Stockton log in information!

  2. TWITTER: This course has let me explore Twitter in ways I have never done before! I use my personal Twitter on a regular basis but I really like having a professional page and interacting with my classmates on this social media site. I have learned to use more hashtags, create moments, and participate in twitter chats. Twitter is a great way to expand your knowledge in your future career path!

  3.  FLIP GRID: I have recently learned how to navigate this site called “FlipGrid”. At first, I was not thrilled to know that we would be recording ourselves but I think it is actually a great idea to get to know your peers. I like how quickly I was able to learn how to navigate it using the FlipGrid app via smart phone! I record myself and soon I am exploring with all the interesting things my classmates are talking about!

4. GOOGLE CLASSROOM: This was my first semester exploring with google classroom. One of my other courses also uses google classroom and I really like how it is set up. I think google classroom is a great tool to use as a teacher, and I hope to one day utilize it with my students. Google classroom allows you to complete assignments and is even organized with separating your assignments and classwork. After each assignment you can indicate that you’re done and wait for new assignments to show! It is also very convenient because, it can be linked to your email and than you will never miss a notification.

– Below is a quick little trailer on Google Classroom!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DCOe9v9CuM

5. GLOBAL LEARNING: Last but not least, GLOBAL LEARNING! Global Learning is how all of the things above exist! Global learning is how we stay connected around the world while using the technology and resources we need in order to be successful. I learned how many teachers use global learning, and others do not. However, I believe one day I will try and add global learning into my classroom!

 

 

• I hope you enjoyed reading about all the fun tools we use, and the things we learn about in Web Tools! If you have ever used this tools before, leave a comment and let me know which tool is your favorite! Also, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @NavasFrancesca for more updates! C YA on the next blog!

“Boy Missing”

Below is a link to the trailer of the movie that I watched with English Subtitles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiY_ACsLVw0

 

• I watched a movie called “Boy Missing” on Netflix that was in Spanish. This movie was a horror/ suspenseful mystery that I truly recommend. This movie was about a deaf little boy named Victor. Victor lived with his mom, and did not know who his father was. His mother was a very busy lawyer and she spent most of her time working which allowed them to become very wealthy. However, one day this small families lives changed forever…

Q1: What you noticed about the cultural aspects of the characters and the settings?
This movie was very suspensful and kept me very interested. When it came to the characters I noticed that the main characters worked with the law, and some where detectives. Another main character was the villain who “supposedly” kidnapped Victor (his name was Charles). I believe victor and his mother grew up wealthy and were very fortunate of their surroundings. Their house was beautiful, and victor even attended public school. The son and mother were extremely close and throughout this film we are able to see just how inseparable they are.

Q2:  What was similar to your culture and what was different. How did they travel?  What did they eat as staple foods?  What was the weather like? Where do they go for fun? What did the characters value?
I think it was a little hard to try and figure out similarities based on our cultures because, it was an action movie that was constantly on the move. Also, it was surrounded by a wealthy family (which is different from the way I live). They traveled by car, and the only encounter they had with food was when their maid Alba tried giving Victor food after his “Kidnapping”. This was also a difference in my life and culture because, I do not have a maid in my home. The weather was warm, and some parts showed rainstorms and lastly, I believe the mother and son valued each other!

 

• This movie was truly interesting and showed a major turn that I was not expecting. It was also fun to witness a movie in another language and pick out things that I could relate too. I hope if you’re reading this I have sparked your interested in watching “Boy Missing”.

  Thank you!!!!
  Don’t forget to follow me on twitter for more updates
  @NavasFrancesca
  

Welcome, To My Twitter Experience!

 

Thoughts on Twitter: Before this course, I used and still use twitter on a regular basis. However, I only use twitter for personal reasons and never thought about creating a professional account. At first, I dragged the idea of making another twitter but now I enjoy the idea of having a professional account because, it can benefit me for the future! In fact, on the app I can quickly switch from my personal and professional accounts which makes things even better

How have those social media space conversations affected the way you think about learning? I personally really enjoy staying connected to my fellow classmates and other educators who can relate to me being a education student. I believe, these chats and twitter conversations has sparked my thinking and makes learning new things about my future career FUN! These conversations, and Twitter Chats also motivate me to keep going  and helps remind me why I started this journey!

Have you learned anything significant? Although I already have a personal twitter, I have still learned a few things about twitter on the professional perspective. For example, I knew NOTHING about Twitter Chats and now that I partake in them I can honestly say I enjoy them and have learned a lot. Secondly, I never worked with the “Lists” and “Moments” categories on twitter until this class so it is interesting to pick out the different things you can do on a personal vs. professional page. There are just so many things that I thought I knew about Twitter when in reality, there was SO much more!

Twitter Chat/Chats 

2.   
   Above are two examples of the tweets that I’ve made on my account. These tweets allowed myself, and my classmates to interact with one another and got us thinking!

Here is an example of a “Reply Tweet”. This was when I did my very first Twitter Chat!

 

Conclusion:  Overall, I truly enjoy using my professional Twitter account. Truthfully, I thought that after this course I would delete the account…  but now there is NO WAY that is happening!

Whats your opinion on Twitter? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @NavasFrancesca for daily twitter updates that you WON’T want to miss!

 

Textbook FUN!

• Today I will be discussing a case study in our textbook. I will be referring to this blog as a chapter FOUR recap! I will be introducing one case study topic from chapter four and a relatable outside source based on the case study that I thought was the most interesting to share with all of you! Overall, the case study will show how reaming globally connected in the classroom can benefit educators and students! So, sit back, relax, and keep scrolling!

CASE STUDY: KAREN LIRENMAN
* EARLY YEARS STUDENTS GO GLOBAL *

This a case study about Karen Lirenman. Karen is an early year’s educator in Canada, and was given an award for winning primary school teacher who “is transforming education by connecting her students with the world using twitter, blogs, and video conferencing”. Her students have the choice in how to learn, show, and share their knowledge! In 2013, Karen was awarded ISTE’S Kay L Bitter Vision Award for excellence in technology based around PK-2 Education!

Response: In this case study, we are able to see just how passionate Karen Lirenman is with her students. I found this case study most interesting because, we are able to see global technology being used in such young years. I personally would have never thought of ways to include technology in the classroom in the early childhood education years.

Our textbook, even gives us a way to stay connected to Karen Lirenman!
Twitter: @Klirenman
Professional Blog: http://learningandsharingwithmsl.blogspot.ca/
Class blog: www.mslirenmansroom.blogspot.com

Below is a link with five reasons as to why educators should stay globally connected in the classroom! (Can refer to topic on page 52)

https://www.capella.edu/blogs/cublog/benefits-of-technology-in-the-classroom/

 

1. Engages students and creates active learning: The use of technology allows the students to learn in their own ways and they can quickly start to engage more in the classroom! 
2. Encourages individual learning and growth: Staying globally connected in the classroom can only benefit children from here! 
3. Facilitates peer collaboration: I love the idea of students working together! 
4. Prepares students for the real world: Technology has surrounded our lives so heavily. Therefore, added it into the school curriculum would surely help students in the future. 
5. Creates more engaged and successful teachers: I agree because, this is fun and more exciting for both the teacher and student! 

“My students are more interested in my classes and listen to my words more than other teachers that do not have global view” (Marzih,Abedi).

I hope you enjoyed this recap on chapter 4 as much as I did!
Follow me on twitter at: @NavasFrancesca