Making+Global+Connections

=**Cool Tools and Hot Topics: Making Global Connections**=
 * Facilitated by: Mark Otter**
 * Room: Clark**

At VIF, we address Global Connections by building on a conceptual basis that addresses interdisciplinary concepts such as communication, globalization, revolution, and religion. Conceptually based teaching enhances students' ability to relate and connect concepts to provide a holistic view of the subject. It is teaching beyond the facts. It is our belief that students learn best when they are actively engaged and communicating their ideas about concepts. Today we'll work through one of the exemplar lessons we use to aid teachers in making their own global connections in their classrooms.
 * Overview **

Teachers will be able to identify multiple needs people in other countries face and create a microfinance plan to address those needs.
 * Learning Outcomes **

In this session teachers will also learn about effective grouping strategies and ways to promote collaboration among group members.


 * Sites for Today’s Session **

[|Global Gateway] This grade-level program provides opportunities for schools to prepare their students for success in a global society by promoting teacher collaboration and skill-building in global education.

Username: learning.center

Password: VIFlearning1@ (case sensitive)

[|Kiva] A non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.

[|CIA World Factbook] This site provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities. Our Reference tab includes: maps of the major world regions, as well as Flags of the World, a Physical Map of the World, a Political Map of the World, and a Standard Time Zones of the World map.

[|iEarn] iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) is the world's largest non-profit global network that enables teachers and youth to use the Internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects that enhance learning and make a difference in the world.
 * Additional Resources **

[|ePals] ePals is the leading provider of safe collaborative technology for schools to connect and learn in a protected, project-based learning network. With classrooms in 200 countries and territories, ePals makes it easy to connect learners locally, nationally or internationally.

[|twitter]

[|@][|APIStudyAbroad] and [|@][|AspireAbroad] (both part of the same organization) [|@][|BorenAwards] [|@][|ConnectStateGov] [|@][|DavidComp] (although he's recently announced that he's cutting back on Twitter) [|@][|EdUSATips] [|@][|ELIPrograms] [|@][|Geovisions] [|@][|PeaceCorps] [|@][|TEFLIntl] [|@][|GoAbroad] [|@][|rmsylte]

// Hashtags to follow //


 * 1) globaled
 * 2) globalclassroom
 * 3) globaled12

[|Global Schools Network]-Fall 2012

The Global Schools Network connects teachers, principals and partners with a deep commitment to international education and 21st century student preparation to improve student achievement and the economic fortitude of their communities.