Global Collaboration
for the 21st-Century Learner
By: Holly Bauer
As technology-rich curriculum expands in classroom practice and adaption, so has the call for integrating technological resources to link K-12 learners with the world around. The ability to connect and collaborate with people of differing cultural backgrounds and identities further students’ global mindfulness and helps prepare 21st century learners for success as citizens in an ever-connected and globalized world. Today’s learner requires skills beyond the traditional rote and recall education of yesterday; K-12 students necessitate cooperative, inquiry-based experiences that provide opportunities to develop original, creative solutions. Integrating global collaboration project design in all K-12 disciplines can help meet these needs.
Previously, global collaboration was limited to the social studies field in which cultural geography courses are more pronounced in common core education; however, global collaboration participation has increased in all major subject areas, including native and foreign language-based courses, STEM, and early childhood education. Often, discipline-specific educators are collaborating with district peers to implement interdisciplinary projects that not only transcend national borders but content constraints as well. Existing programs are plentiful and readily available for all grade and skill levels, often providing flexibility for students and classroom leaders to modify for personal preferences and passions. Additionally, when the cooperative project is student-led and designed, it is often more intrinsically motivating to the student, providing deeper and authentic learning experiences.
Global collaboration education in K-12 classrooms helps prepare students to become compassionate and culturally aware global citizens. Projects with a focus on real world issues and crises, led by an empowered group of learners provide a platform for passions, higher order learning experiences and interdisciplinary design. Where can global collaboration take you and your students?
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