Session+9

=Session 9=

= 9.1 Global Education Opener = = = Fostering Students' Global Awareness

I would define Global Awareness as not only being versed in geography and the cultures, societies, and customs of other people, but also having the ability to be a more accepting, open, and collaborative human in the world. It's the recognition of differences and similarities in people and the understanding of different perspectives. As quoted in the article, (Pike an Selby, 1988) global awareness is understanding how different cultures interact, leading to the empowerment of students to act in matters of local, national, and international interest. It is one thing to learn about the Huichol Indians of South America. It’s another thing to actually take on the role of the Huichol Indians, talk their talk, walk their walk, to imagine a day in the life of someone else. “Do not judge a man unless you have walked two moons in his moccasins.” This Indian proverb hits the idea of global awareness home. Most humans are guilty of not following this train of thought because we have certain ideas about the way we believe things should be. The ways we believe people should behave are strongly conflicting with how others believe it is “appropriate” to behave. Even in our own home, town, state, or country, we have certain ideals but who really dictates how we should be? When we cannot answer that question, we need to really look at asking ourselves, “How can I accept this person for who he is?”

Global awareness is of utmost importance in the 21st century. We are only getting smaller and smaller due to the easy access to so many people and places in the world. It is important to not only have access to these people and places but to also possess the ability to be openminded to them. As stated in the article, “because students’ success in a global society is dependent upon their abilities to collaborate with others, be open to differences, and think critically, teaching from a global perspective is critical. David Thomburg t alks about skills for becoming a “knowledge-value” worker are technological fluency, effective communication skills, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and creativity. As I think about my students, I know these are all skills that are a work in progress, but we could be teaching them at such a deeper level. The idea of teaching global awareness is so exciting! As noted in the article, time constraints, and limited budgets are barriers to teaching about world cultures in meaningful, engaging ways.

=9.3 Google Map= =Google Map of a Chilean Bus Excursion- if my embedded map doesn't show up properly, here is the link. I desperately need a new laptop. :(=

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I think one way I could use this in my classroom would be by presenting the students different discoverers routes to new lands. I like the idea of not only showing them the map, but also having the ability to add a photo or a video to a location. It’s a very systematic and organized way to see the path and it can be accessed by the student after class as well.

=9.4 Use of Blogging=

Blogger Edublogs Perspective blogging is so beneficial that it could gain insight for both the blogger and the reader. Accepting through understanding and education is the key. Critical thinking and putting oneself in the shoes of another is so much more beneficial than just reading an account of someone. The effects of understanding are long-lasting and more meaningful to think of how an immigrant would behave in a certain situation rather that just the who, what and where. The why and the how show deeper understanding and these questions and answers come to fruition through investigation of others’ perspectives.