By: Mia Lopez

Students’ ability to collaborate globally in the classroom can be greatly improved by using virtual reality. Instead of just studying the surface, our students may learn more about many cultures and locations throughout the world by using virtual reality (VR). Students might, for instance, take virtual tours of various nations and locations worldwide. It may take students to locations like ancient Rome or the inside of a beating heart that they would never be able to see in person. Particularly in disciplines like science, geography, and history, this practical experience assists learners in understanding difficult ideas. AR & VR can have many purposes in the classroom as mentioned in the video below:

The use of virtual and augmented reality in the classroom creates countless opportunities. These technologies reinvent learning rather than merely improving it. We prepare students for a world where creativity and adaptation are essential by providing them with immersive, individualized, and interactive educational experiences.

By: Mia Lopez

To be honest, I don’t personally want to work as a teacher. However, because its primary goal is to influence education and change I believe that this organization will be highly helpful to any aspiring teachers. While exploring the website, I discovered the Virtual Learning Center, which serves as a basic overview of everything WE has to offer to educators and students.

https://weschools.we.org

It provides teachers and students with plenty of resources. I would personally use virtual workshops in a future classroom. You and your class or service group can work through these courses at your own speed. Each workshop lasts roughly 60 minutes and is packed with engaging exercises that help students become more aware of issues and build their leadership abilities. It also helps you create an action plan. Although workshops are created with the idea that students are present in the same space, you are welcome to adapt the activities to your classroom’s needs and the materials you have on hand.This tool may be used for any grade level and, in my opinion, would benefit both the teacher and the students in the classroom while also providing an effective lecture.

By: Mia Lopez

For students who struggle with reading, writing, taking notes, and managing their time, the Wellness Center has put together a list of products and applications that can be useful with anyone who has a disability. These tools listed below include apps that may be downloaded for free or at a very low cost from the Apple and Android app stores. This blog post focuses on the following Audio/Speech and Reading applications that are offered in the Accessibility Toolbox on Stockton University’s Website under the Wellness center tab.

https://stockton.edu/wellness-center/disability-services/accessibility-toolbox.html

Here some Audio/ Speech Applications:

1. QuickVoice Recorder: A useful tool that consists of one-touch recording that syncs recordings to computers for a few seconds or hours during use.
2. Speechify: (Text to Audiobook) Creates audiobooks out of any material, then listen to any pdf or highlighted text with just a tap of a button.
3. NaturalReader Text to Speech:  This accessibility tool converts Microsoft Word documents, PDF files and e-books into spoken words. Then, assists students who want to hear the flow of documents written before submitting the document.
4. ListNote Speech-to-text Notes: Takes notes as you speak.
5. Speak It!: Documents, emails, PDF’s, and web pages can be placed into this app and the text will be repeated back. After, the app will create audio files which can be sent via email.
6. Dragon Dictation: This awesome tool dictates emails, documents, and status updates on social networking apps with Dragon NaturallySpeaking’s voice recognition.

Reading Applications:

7. Easy Reader: This resource can make books more accessible for individuals with dyslexia or visually impaired.

8. Learning Ally: Through a Learning Ally membership, you will have access to nearly thousands of titles, including the world’s largest library of audio textbooks.

By: Mia L.

In my opinion, Hyperdocs are a great way to teach kids a lot of information and aid in their retention. With the use of this digital teaching tool, conventional classes may be transformed into dynamic, self-paced experiences that actively involve students in their education.In essence, HyperDocs are Google Docs that have been arranged to help students learn a topic and provide all the resources they require in one location. With the help of the questions, videos, graphics, links, and directions, students may study, apply, and show what they’ve learned at their own pace.

By: Mia Lopez

The American Museum of Natural History’s Invisible Worlds exhibit is a must-see if you’ve ever wondered what life looks like outside of our visual range! Invisible Worlds demonstrates how microscopic organisms and natural processes maintain the smooth operation of our globe through enormous screens, interactive exhibits, and breathtaking graphics. You will have the impression that you are a part of an amazing adventure through animals and habitats that are rarely seen yet have a daily impact on our lives. This exhibit provides an insight into the miracles of nature that are all around us, regardless of your interest in science or the undiscovered mysteries of our planet.

link to website: https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/invisible-worlds

By: Mia Lopez

Communication was one of the seven essential skills that were emphasized in this chapter of Microsoft Education’s “Introduction Sail the 7 C’s”. It talks on the value of communication in education and explains how students must be able to communicate ideas, thoughts, and information clearly on a variety of platforms. Since technology touches every aspect of today’s society, students must learn how to interact not only with one another but also with digital tools like social media, emails, and other platforms for collaboration like Microsoft Teams, as discussed in the chapter. Students are now given the ability to clearly express their views thanks to these digital tools. Collaboration was also brought up, and it relates to classroom communication. Collaboration is impossible without communication! Students learn how to communicate in the classroom using a variety of ways including written, oral, and visual, depending on the situation and audience. Finally, the chapter presents platforms like Teams, OneNote, and PowerPoint that help and improve students’ communication skills by giving them creative, interactive, and collaborative ways to express themselves. This is perfect for kids who are introverted as well, encouraging participation and a comfortable learning environment for every student.

Video on Communication/ Social skills: https://youtu.be/IcUR8NxLdG4?feature=shared

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

By: Mia Lopez

Lesson plans and free materials for teaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals are available from The World’s Largest Lesson. To help learners and educators address these global issues, the website also offers suggestions for student action plans.This website is partners with UNICEF and UNESCO in order to advocate for Education on Sustainable Development and encourage the use of Global Goals. Since 2015 this website has assisted to bring Global Goals around the globe to over 160 countries. Includes organized tabs on the site shown in any chosen language. They offer many lesson plans organized by Theme, SDG, Resource Type, Age Group, Duration, and Language. Giving a faster way of finding what you want to teach and explore. If interested and want to find information visit the site https://worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org

Here is a video giving an overview of The World’s Largest Lesson website and its purpose:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This week’s topic is covered in Chapter 3 Article 2 titled “The ISTE Standards” on pages 57–62, written by EdTech coach Kirstin Harrington. Harrington emphasizes the value of teaching students about global collaboration, which she specifically highlights during the COVID-19 pandemic. I found this information interesting after reading EdTech for the K–12 Classroom, Students can collaborate on a variety of topics and hear other people’s perspectives on the material being taught in the classroom by using digital tools to interact with other students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Even the most shy learners may be able to push themselves even further by interacting with others.

The Global Collaborator standard emphasizes the use of digital tools to ensure students are given the option to work not only locally but worldwide also. For instance, Wadsworth Elementary School in Flagler County, Florida, connected K–6 kids to classes in Nigeria, Mexico, New York, and other places via a website called Empatico. (pg.58) Students wouldn’t be able to interact with other classrooms without websites like Empatico and #GoalsProject. Through these collaborations, students have the opportunity to learn more about global issues, which inspires them to take action and improve the common good. While international collaboration is highly recommended in the classroom, certain school districts have particular limitations. Before attempting to engage in any kind of global collaboration, be sure to review their policies. In general, teachers should let their students participate so they can make a difference in the world.