UMUC Summer Semester

2014

Global Network Analysis

Memo
A Review of Three Global Classroom
Networks

Alicia K. Staton
EDTC 645: Dr. Tamara Blesh

MEMO
To:

Mrs. Danielle Moore, Principal

From:

Mrs. Alicia K. Staton, 6th Grade Math. RELA, SS

Date:

June 16, 2014

Re:

Review of Global Education Networks

The importance of a global education is far reaching. A global education can help further
business ventures, combat racism, fight religious intolerance, break down borders, and improve
the welfare of people throughout the world. Most importantly, understanding the world from a
global perspective can help you see and understand that people are interconnected no matter
where they live and work in the world. Ultimately, a global education can open you up to new
ideas, opportunities, beliefs, languages, cultures, and groups of people that you previously did
not know existed (Dempsey, 2014). Our students are primed, poised, and ready to embark upon
such a journey. They are just waiting to be infused with all the benefits that a global education
offers. Now is the time to really help them to see that the world is not such a vast place. That we
are all interconnected. In her speech at the Stanford Center at Peking University in Beijing,
Michelle Obama said, Study abroad is about shaping the future of your countries and the world
we all share. Studying in a different country gives students the chance to immerse themselves in
another culture. Thats how you realize that we all have a stake in each others success that
cures discovered here in Beijing could save lives in America. That clean energy technologies
from Silicon Valley in California could improve the environment here in China; that the
architecture of an ancient temple in Xian could inspire the design of new buildings in Dallas or
Detroit. Even though Mrs. Obama is speaking about physically studying abroad, it is important
to remember that the desire to do so began somewhere. At some point these students were
introduced to the concept that being able to participate in such a venture was a possibility. We
have a responsibility to our students to be that introduction and to help them to see the bigger
picture. Deepak Chopra said Instead of thinking outside of the box, get rid of the box. Our

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students must understand that we are simply a drop in a pond, which leads to a lake, which flows
to a river, and spills into an ocean. It is that ocean that we aim to cross in order to expand their
horizons. Let us move our students to an education without limits that encircles the world not
encloses them in it.
I have prepared for your review three different global networks by which we can begin the
process of globalizing our school and preparing our students for their future. The three networks
and projects, ranked in order that I would like for you to consider are:
1. ePals: Outside My Classroom WindowA Community-Inspired Project
http://www.epals.com/#!/main
2. Global School Net: The Day I Was Born
http://www.globalschoolnet.org/
3. iearn: Photojournalism
http://www.iearn.org/
The purpose of this memo is to address the following for each global network:

General Description

Strengths and Weaknesses

Specific Project that the school/classroom/content areas could join

Content standard associated with each project

Network amenities f or teachers and students

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This site offers students

and
teachers
the
opportunity
to
collaborate with other
classrooms from around
the world. According to
the
website,
ePals
enriches K-12 learning in
the classroom and at
home with innovative
web-based tools and the
highest
standard
of
childrens stories, games
and digital media on the
Web. The best part is
that there is no fee
associated with this site.
Another great feature are
the security protocols
that are adhered to. Each
classroom has to be sent
for approval, you must be
associated with a school
community, and you
must provide proof.

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Another great features to the ePals site is the

Learning Center. The learning centers consist
of different activities outside of the actual
global projects that the students will
participate in with their class. These
environments allow students to connect in a
safe place to engage in such activities as:
Games- That allow students
to cooperatively complete task
or simply compete against
each other.
Book Clubs- Which promotes
reading, by allowing children
to read around the world with
children just like them
News Now- Where children
read and write about current
events in their communities
Common Core, Global Citizens, Science Center, Smithsonian, and much more

With ePals you are able to create

your own classroom page which
allows your students to have 24/7
access to all of the information
that they will need. This
particular site reminds me of
other popular social networking
sites such as Facebook, Edmodo,
etc. Thus making it familiar and
easily navigated by the students.
This is a screenshot of my home
page, you can see that from this
page I have access to all of the
ePals amenities.

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Amenities:
Separated by age, grade, subject, and
topic.

Instructional worksheets
Videos
Audio

Edu blog, ELearning, Wiki

Global forums where

people can connect and share ideas

Teacher Spotlight
Class of the Month
Global Calendar

Project: Outside My Classroom Window- - A Community-Inspired Project

Description:
According to the project description page, students will discuss and describe what they see
outside of their classroom window. They will explain what is unique about their view that would
help to give students in other countries some insight into their world. The will discuss landscape,
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culture, and other aspects of where they live. Students will then create both a written and visual
project to share their classroom view and what is unique about this view to their own
community. They then have a choice to share and upload their presentation or present via Skype.
This project is done in conjunction with a class from Russia.
Rationale:
This project is simply amazing. It allows students to explore their surroundings and put it into
pictures and words. It gives them an opportunity to express themselves without restriction then
choose a presentation medium that is comfortable for them for the final project. It encompasses
all the elements that help students to be successful writers buy digging into their own personal
views, feelings, and experiences.
Objectives:
The objectives listed with the project are as follows:
1. Students will observe, describe, and share
2. Students will discuss the views that other students have and compare/contrast the outside
views in different countries
3. Students will develop collaborative relationships with children from other
cultures
National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies
10: Civic Ideals and Practices
Common Core State ELA Standards
Writing Standards:
W-2: Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and
information clearly
W-4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are
clear to task, purpose, and audience
W-5: With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing
as needed by planning, revising, and editing
W-6: With guidance and support from adults use technology to produce and publish
writing as well as to interact and
collaborate with others. (digital
presentations)
W-8:
Recall
relevant
information from experiences or
gather information from print and
digital sources, take notes, and
organize information and evidence
into categories (ePals, 2014).
With the ePals projects you can
find all of your information in one
central location. At the bottom of
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each project there are tabbed sections which makes it very easy to identify objectives and
standards, culminating activity, lesson plan, resources, timeline, and match information (this
section gives the description of the classroom that you will be working with). Each project
must be approved by the ePals site and you will also see the date that it was approved.
Overall ePals, is very user friendly, full of all kinds of extra goodies, secure, and free.

Global SchoolNet's mission is to support 21st century, brain-friendly learning, and improve
academic performance through content-driven collaboration. We engage educators and students
in brain-friendly e-learning projects worldwide to develop science, math, literacy and
communication skills, foster teamwork, civic responsibility and collaboration, encourage
workforce preparedness and create multi-cultural understanding. We prepare youth for full
participation as productive and compassionate citizens in an increasing global economy.
Founded in 1984, GSN is a 501(c) 3 non-profit education organization. Let's work together to
give youth the skills they need (Global School Network, 1990-2011).

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There are so many valuable aspects to

this site that I just dont know where
to begin. Global School Network has
a plethora of information, projects,
and activities that connect students
and teachers with the global
community. Listed below is a brief
synopsis of just a few of this sites vast
capabilities.

Amenities:
Once you become a member
you are eligible to receive a free
newsletter
You can receive tweet updates
There is a media gallery
inclusive of videos, photos, and

podcast

Along with these projects, here are a few

more that I found notable:
Online Expeditions
Thanks to the Internet you can have
incredible adventures in exotic locales
without spending a dime or leaving the room.
Whether explorers travel the Silk Road of
China or climb Mt. Everest, learning
becomes an unforgettable adventure as
students join thrilling, real-time expeditions
to remote and fascinating locations (Global
School Network, 1990-2011).
GeoGame (Geography)
Helps students learn geographic terms, how to read and interpret maps, and increases
awareness of cultural diversity (Global School Networks, 1990-2011)
Newsday (Journalism)

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Students create newspapers and share them with classrooms around the world.
These programs offer a variety of activities that will enhance students global awareness as well
as their cultural sensitivity. Through the programs students will work on skills such as writing,
geography, mathematics, research, and collaboration. All of which will serve to enhance and
enrich their educational experiences.
There is a tab called Collaborate Now, which allows you to do several different things as
follows:
Take a tour of GSN
Find partners or projects
Featured Projects
This area contains featured projects and opportunities from Global SchoolNet and from
our partner organizations (Global School Networks, 1990-2011).
Friendship Thru Education

(Global School Network, 1990-2011)

Collaboration Center
o Offers a list of tools, content, and resources for collaboration
Competitions
o Learn about global competitions such as Thinkquest, Doors to Diplomacy, etc.
News and Discussions
o Global Schoolhouse Mailing Lists are designed for educators and parents
interested in receiving topical information and/or participating in ongoing
discussions (Global School Networks, 1990-2011).
One last feature that I really like is:

According to the homepage iPoPP is a place for educators and youth worldwide to find global
learning projects and partners. iPoPP combines the best offerings of Global SchoolNet and
eLanguages, to improve academic achievement, encourage workforce readiness, and give youth
skills to become responsible global citizens. What a great idea, combining the best of both
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worlds into one place. This is a wonderful resource for ESL learners. The students who are
taking
foreign
can also

participate in global projects and communities within their classrooms.

Since there is no fee associated with this site there is also a tab where you can make donations to
the site to help with the upkeep.

Project: The Day I Was Born

Description:
Students will use the internet to research interesting things that occurred on the day they were
born. They will then compile the information and create a report, digital portfolio, audio file,
video file, etc. to share the information that they found. The information may include but is not
limited to news, literature, music, television. The age range for this project is 9 19 years of age.
It address the areas of art, language, social studies, math, science, technology, information
technology, and history.
Rationale:
I feel that as a school this would be a great project. I see the students as well as the teachers
completing the activities and not only uploading but displaying their projects around the school.
This project gives each person the opportunity to explore and research something that is
meaningful to them in a different manner and share a piece of their history. I also see this as an
activity to bridge the gap not only culturally but between generations as well. I see this project
expanding to the home community, thus bringing all stake holders within the students
educational experience together on one accord.
Objective:
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To find and share information about what was happening in the world on the day students were
born.

Common Core State ELA Standards

Writing Standards:
W-2: Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and
information clearly
W-4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are
clear to task, purpose, and audience
W-5: With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing
as needed by planning, revising, and editing
W-6: With guidance and support from adults use technology to produce and publish
writing as well as to interact and collaborate
with others. (digital presentations)
W-8: Recall relevant information from
experiences or gather information from print
and digital sources, take notes, and organize
information and evidence into categories (ePals,
2014).

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Although this site offers an assortment of wonderful material, the one drawback that I found was
that the projects were not linked to stated standards. Whereas they tell you the curriculum areas
that the project addresses, it does not indicate the common core standards that it addresses. This
correlation would have to be done by the classroom teacher. I find this to be a huge drawback
especially with all of the other requirements that are currently placed on teachers. Being able to
choose a project that has already been aligned to the curriculum standards would assist with a
smooth implementation in the classroom. The one thing that worked out well with this project
choice is that it aligned nicely with the project from ePals, so I was able to use the same
Common Core ELA standards. I choose to use these standards because the culminating project
falls into the realm of language.

iEARN (International Education and Resource Network)

iEARN is a non-profit organization made up of over 30,000 schools and youth organizations in
more than 140 countries. iEARN empowers teachers and young people to work together online
using the Internet and other new communications technologies. Over 2,000,000 students each
day are engaged in collaborative project work worldwide (iEARN, 2014).

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In the process of trying to glean more information,

as with each site I joined. However there are fees
associated with iEARN, so I was limited in my
access to the site. If we find this to be a viable
option the information that you would need
regarding pricing has been included. According to
Option 2: the cost for a one year membership for an
unlimited amount of teachers is only $400.00. In
the grand scheme of things, participating with
iEARN for a year would not be a costly venture. I believe that we will find that the benefits far
outweigh the cost with all that iEARN has to offer.
iEarn has the capability of being explored based on countries. This page will ask you to select
your country, then lead you to another page that informs you of the different activities that are
going on. I like this aspect of the program because you are not just limited to your own country,
you can also click on other countries and explore.

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Ame

nities:
These are just a few of the screens that I could access without being a member, however there
are other amenities such as:

Forums, media, groups and educators

Educator search engine
Media: images, videos, and files
Group project search

Project: Photojournalism

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Description:
A digital media project supporting young people around the world to share images about issues
and stories from their communities. In 2013 - 2014, the project is focusing on the theme of
'Heritage, Hunger, and Food Security.' The project will culminating in creating a published 60page "Local and Global Food Systems" photo book featuring images by students participating in
the program in Pakistan, Tajikistan, and the
U.S. (iEARN, 2014).

Rationale:
Students get the opportunity to experiment
using digital print as they explore the local and
global food systems. They are able to decide
on a single photo, or a photo story dealing with
food heritage, hunger, or food security. This
project pushes students to think about how
food is produced, look into the current FDA
regulations regarding security, or explore
world hunger. Through their pictures students
will embark upon a story telling journey. This
will be a challenge since it is all done through
images. The students will be allowed to be
creative in their own right, giving them total
ownership of their project with the end result
culminating in a photo book. Even if their
images/story isnt selected for the global
project, we can still create a school photo
book.
Objective:
Students will use digital images in order to identify or tell a story based on the food themes of
heritage, hunger, or security.
ISTE Standards
1. Creativity and Innovation
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Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative

products and process using technology.
c. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
2. Communicate and Collaborate
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively,
including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of
others.
c. Develop cultural understandings and global awareness by engaging with learners of
other cultures.
Maryland State Stem Standards

1. Learn and Apply Rigorous Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Content
STEM proficient students will learn and apply rigorous content within science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines to answer complex questions, to
investigate global issues, and to develop solutions for challenges and real world
problems.
B. Apply science, technology, engineering, or mathematics content to answer complex
questions, to investigate global issues, and to develop solutions for challenges and real
world problems.
2. Integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Content
STEM proficient students will integrate content from science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics disciplines as appropriate to answer complex questions, to investigate
global issues, and to develop solutions for challenges and real world problems.
B. Apply science, technology, engineering, or mathematics content to answer complex
questions, to investigate global issues, and to develop solutions for challenges and real
world problems.
4 Engage in Inquiry
STEM proficient students will engage in inquiry to investigate global issues, challenges,
and real world problems.
A. Ask questions to identify and define global issues, challenges, and real world
problems
B. Conduct research to refine questions and develop new questions

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As an educational institution it is our responsibility to make sure that our students are prepared
for the world that they are about to face. No longer can we simply contain education to the four
walls within which we reside during the hours of 7:30 to 2:50 PM. It is our job to make sure that
the students are equipped to become productive contributing members of society upon their
graduation and we all play an important role in this achievement. When speaking of society, I
am not just speaking in terms of our localized area, but a global society. Our students must
become citizens of the world. Times have changed, we no longer dwell within a single living
space where our community is all that exist. We are no longer bound by physical travel in order
to explore our world. With the advancement in technology we can virtually travel to anyplace in
the world. Web tools such as Skype and Face Time have made it possible to connect with
anyone, anyplace, and anytime. Our students have already begun to explore these tools within
their local community/country by connecting with family members in other places and friends
that have relocated. We are on the cusp of unleashing the full potential of all that technology has
to offer, thus making it possible to now reach out and connect with classrooms around world. As
an educational institution, this should be our end goal:

References

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References
Dempsey, C. (2014). A Citizen of the World: The Importance of Global Education. Retrieved 6 20, 2014,
from Answers: http://geography.answers.com/career-and-education/a-citizen-of-the-world-theimportance-of-global-education
ePals. (2014). Outside My Classroom Windows--A Community-Inspired Project. Retrieved 6 20, 2014,
from ePaLs Global Community Where Learners Connect: http://www.epals.com/projectdetail.php?id=9b4f1b6f-bccc-4100-b0c9-763bbb6dfe18&search_text=outside
Global School Network. (1990-2011). Our Mission. Retrieved June 19, 2014, from Global School
Network: http://www.globalschoolnet.org/
Global School Networks. (1990-2011). Programs. Retrieved 6 20, 2014, from Global School Networks:
http://www.globalschoolnet.org/index.cfm?section=Programs
iEARN. (2014). About Us. Retrieved 6 18, 2014, from iEARN: http://www.iearn.org/about
International Society for Technology in Education. (2014). International Society for Technology
Education. Retrieved 5 29, 2014, from ISTE: http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/2014_ISTE_Standards-S_PDF.pdf
Maryland State Department of Education. (2012, 4). Maryland State STEM Practice of Stamdards.
Retrieved 5 31, 2014, from School Improvement in Maryland:
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/NR/rdonlyres/3ECF0379-2EE9-42AD-A5FCCA81E8F3FEEA/32260/MarylandStateSTEMStandardsofPractice_.pdf
Taking it Global. (2013). Social Networking for Social Good. Retrieved 6 14, 2014, from TIGed:
http://www.tigweb.org/tiged/bp/

Photo Credits:
Cover Page
http://vins2010.blogspot.com/2013/04/global-education-first-initiative.html
Last Page
http://www.barrington220.org/cms/lib2/IL01001296/Centricity/Domain/13/Global_Ed2.jpg

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Turnitin Receipt
A. Staton

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