Global Opportunities in Learning

When you think about global opportunities in learning, the most traditional is a Study abroad or exchange program, but with advances in technology the opportunities have been greatly expanded. The traditional routes still exist, but now platforms such as Skype, video conferencing has become much easier to facilitate. Social networks have also enabled learners to expand their network globally and make connections with people from around the world.

Image by Melinda Kolk
via Pics4Learning

It is also easier than ever to get international tv programming and news through internet sources. When I was in high school we used to watch German television programming and read German newspapers online. This was useful and also helped us get a feel for their culture. I think a newspaper can tell you so much about a culture. It allows you to see what's important to a countries citizens, how their government operates.

The Role of Blogs in Education

While blogs are not new in education (they've been on the scene since 2004), their role like all instructional technologies is constantly evolving.

Two of the leaders (in my opinion, at least) in using blogs in education, Will Richardson and Anne Davis, have had lots to say over the years on how to effectively use blogs in education.

Anne has worked with a variety of ages and subject areas as well as presenting at national conferences. In her presentation at the 2004 NECC Conference, she lists dozens of possiblities that fall into 5 main categories, using blogs to enhance learning, using blogs to distribute classroom information, using blogs as a professional development tool to reflect on their teaching, having students create blogs to express themselves creatively and finally using a shared blog to work collaboratively.

Several years after her initial presentation in 2004, she shared a Lessons learned post that was a result from a NECC Panel Discussion as well as her own experiences. She emphasizees how blogs can help create a feeling of ownership and control over the curriculm for students. In addition to Anne's list of lessons, Will also posted his own list, and the biggest thing I took away from his post was that"blogging is thinking", that and "blogs take work".

Having at least one personal blog, that I try and post to occasionally I can relate to the blogs take work, but they are also such a great resource. I'm looking forward to regularly posting and seeing what conversations can develop. I'd love to hear your comments on how you view the role of blogs in education.