Global Awareness

Oddizzi allows students to travel the world. Students click on a region on a map and they can learn about geographical features, food, farming, fair trade, climate, weather systems, cultures and customs. These lessons are done through writings, videos, pictures, fun facts, and links to related topics. Quizzes can be used to test recall and understanding. There are also newsreels to keep students up-to-date on information in different locations. There is also ClassPals, which is a virtual pen pal program that can connect classrooms from around the world using text and images in electronic postcards. There are also a limited number of downloadable worksheets for off-screen extensions. The program allows students to learn more about the world and connect with students in different places and countries.

Skype in the Classroom connects partner classrooms and utilizes lesson plans to enrich students learning about places other than where they live. Skype in the Classroom can bring guest speakers from far away into the classroom for video discussions. You can also hook up with Mystery Skype, this component brings two classrooms together to solve mysteries. This program can enhance students learning by connecting with other students and people from all over the globe.

Google Lit Trips lets teachers and students use Google Earth to explore the real-world locations of more than 100 books. This program will enhance not only students' understanding of a book they are studying, but it will also allow exploration of places all over the world. The Lit Trips follow a specific route based on the book selected. Users advance through their trip by zooming into locations either in the order provided or by clicking each location in the sidebar. Once zoomed in, users see a pop-up video, photo, tutorial, informative text, or question(s) about that geographical region or place in the storyline. Advanced students can also use the Our Own Stories section, to create their own Lit Trips based on personal narratives.