Flatten My Classroom
KICK DOWN THE WALLS OF YOUR CLASSROOM
We live in a global society. Borders have become blurry and even the smallest companies are working with people from other countries. As emerging technologies continue to shrink the world, it’s vital that today’s students are prepared to collaborate with peers across cultures. One way to do this is to create global classroom opportunities. We can now work with almost anyone, any place, and at any time – and our classrooms should reflect that. The flat classroom is about introducing our students to the world in safe, meaningful ways that will enrich and augment the things that are already working in our schools. Educators need to flatten classroom walls, said global educator and author Julie Lindsay. By flattening classroom walls, we’re also able to flatten the learning process. The goal is to eliminate the borders and obstacles that separate students and education. ~ ISTE
Badges
This is not an exhaustive list of tools that you can use to flatten your classroom. The list below is there to help get you started or further your growth with this instructional practice. If you have a tool that you would like us to consider adding, please click on this Suggest a Badge Form.
Virtual Field Trips
Virtual Field Trips help break down the walls of your classroom and show students what it takes to be global citizens of tomorrow. Integrating our virtual field trips will allow you to reach all your learners more successfully due to their visual nature. This highly engaging strategy is a great way to integrate technology.
Skype
The ultimate field trip! This is a tool for live learning. Skype is a great tool for global learning! The more we can foster connections, relationship and interactions with those outside of their natural comfort zone will make our students better global citizens.
Mystery Locations
A Mystery Location Call is when two classes connect via a videoconferencing tool like Skype or Google Hangouts to guess each other's location using deductive reasoning and geography skills. In these calls, students are assigned jobs to complete as the call takes place. The objective is to narrow their search down to a country, state/province, city, and even a school! This process is also done through a series of yes and no questions.
Google Maps
Google Maps for Education provides resources to help teachers and students explore, create, and collaborate with mapping tools. Students who are taught geography are better equipped to understand how human and physical systems interact and to make informed decisions based on that knowledge.
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is a communications service that allows members to initiate and participate in text, voice or video chats, either one-on-one or in a group. Hangouts are built into Google+ and Gmail. Google Hangouts is Google's free video-conferencing tool that is available for teachers to use as part of Google Apps for Education. Up to 10 participants can join a Google Hangout at a time. It's a great way to connect your classroom with other classrooms anywhere in the world.
Google Cardboard
Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform developed by Google for use with a head mount for a smartphone. Virtual reality is about using technology to make you feel as though you're somewhere else.
Blogging
A blog is a frequently updated online personal journal or diary. It is a place to express yourself to the world. A place to share your thoughts and your passions. Really, it’s anything you want it to be . This is a fantastic tool to give your students a voice. By using this medium you are giving your students a global audience and helping them build a positive footprint.
Twitter
Twitter is the place to find out about what’s happening in the world right now. Whether you’re interested in music, sports, politics, news, celebrities, or everyday moments.
Nearpod Virtual Reality
Take your students on a virtual reality adventure from your classroom. Break down the walls of your classroom! This tool will work on iPads, Chromebooks, Mac's or PC's. No headset is required to enjoy these virtual field trips.
Global Read Aloud
The GRA is a 6-week period beginning in early October where classes around the world read the same book at the same time and make connections with others, usually with some type of technology.