Slides from my recorded webinar - October 30, 2012. for my FLAT Action Talk, hosted by Flat Classroom Projects. Recording Link is available on Slide 2.
The Global Classroom Project - a F.L.A.T Action Talk
1. The Global Classroom Project
A F.L.A.T Action Talk
Bhaktapur, Nepal Ohio, USA
Bucharest, Romania
Michael Graffin (@mgraffin)
Global Classroom Co-Founder & Coordinator
Perth, Western Australia
http://theglobalclassroomproject.wordpress.com
2. Webinar Recording
This presentation was delivered via a BlackBoard
Collaborate webinar.
It was part of the Flat Learning Action Talks
series, hosted by Flat Classroom Projects.
You can access the full recording here:
http://flats.flatclassroomproject.org/
https://sas.elluminate.com/p.jnlp?psid=2012-10-
30.0404.M.74A74F81D9B32AB68AF6C94A8B542
7.vcr&sid=2007066
3. About Me
• Primary Relief / Substitute Teacher
(2009 - Present)
• Global Classroom Project Co-
Founder & Coordinator
• iEARN Australia Representative
• Blogging since 2010 -
mgraffin.edublogs.org
• @mgraffin, @gcporganisers, @iE
ARNAustralia
4. Aims of the Session
• To provide an overview of the
origins, history, and the community
spaces which define The Global
Classroom Project
• To explore some of the key lessons I've
learnt about building & coordinating a
global projects community.
• To extend an invitation to #flatclassroom
teachers interested in mentoring /
sharing their expertise with teachers
new to global collaboration.
Magic Skype Moment
at #ACEC2012.
Skyping with
@SAVSchool, Nepal
6. The Story So Far
Global Classroom 2011-12 ran from October 2011- June 2012, hosting
over 15 major projects, and helping connect teachers worldwide.
Highlights included presenting at the Global Education Conference
2011, and establishing the monthly #globalclassroom Twitter Chats.
Global Classroom 2012-13 will be launched at #GlobalEdCon12 in
November 2012.
• 40 Countries
• 6 Continents
• 300+ Teachers
• 1/3 Active Members in 2011-12
7. Our Community Spaces
"We're building the online spaces where teachers can engage in
global conversations with teachers around the world"
Contact Directories for our K-3, Grades 4-6, and 7-12 Teachers
8. "Global Classroom is about encouraging global
connections and conversations between teachers
and students around the world ..."
We invite teachers to:
• Join a project / Flat Stanley exchange
• Establish connections with teachers and classes in other countries via
blogging, penpal, or skype exchanges
• Share, build and promote their own global projects via our blog and wiki
• Join as a teacher mentor, assisting teachers with project design, best practice, etc
9. Projects
During 2011-12, we hosted over 15 major global
projects, and promoted many more.
For details, please visit http://globalclassroom2011-
12.wikispaces.com.
Some Highlights:
@WinnersSchools - The Sunny Thought Project
@hthehippo - A Global Hello
@MrsSchmidtB4's - Edmodo Pen Pals
@snskole - The Global Lunch Table
@mgraffin - The Global Classroom Scrapbooks
13. Transforming Learning & World Views
• They were thrilled to take part in a project where they could exchange info and show the world
something about our country.
• They loved meeting and speaking to kids in other countries. It was exciting for them to explore
the similarities and differences in our cultures. It made the learning real for them.
• My students would ask, "Who can we talk to today?", or "What new project are we doing?". They
loved connecting and they enjoyed participating in the projects. -Theresa
• My students feel so cool ... to meet other classes across the oceans ... (Lin-lin, Taiwan)
• My students had the chance to actually "feel" being in the world that is larger than their
classroom. It is beyond authentic - it is real, and taps into human bonds and similarities.
• My students felt connected and developed relationships.
14. Lessons Learnt
• Global collaboration is about
empowering people and
building community, not
about the latest technology
• By sharing ideas, and
professional support, we can
help teachers transform
their teaching practice.
• Teachers, working
together, are capable of
turning dreams into reality.
15. As we begin Global Classroom 2012-13
We will be:
• Exploring new ways to better engage and support teachers'
engagement in global collaboration - including the introduction of
"The Handshake Space"
• Launching a completely revamped wiki and new-look blog
• Building a partnership with Open World Cause to support the work of
Govinda Panthy, and the SAV School, Nepal
• Trying to ensure I don't lose so much sleep!
16. Project Launch: November 16, 2012 @ #GlobalEd12
http://globalclassroom2012-13.wikispaces.com
http://theglobalclassroomproject.wordpress.com
Do you have
stories, expertise,
or ideas to share?
Kindy Student (Japan) @tashacowdy
18. Find Us Online
Blog: theglobalclassroomproject.wordpress.com
Twitter: @GCPorganisers
Google Group:
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/theglobalclassroomprojec
t
Wiki (2012-13): globalclassroom2012-13.wikispaces.com
19. The Global Classroom Project Co-Founders
Michael Graffin is a third year relief (substitute) teacher in Perth, Western Australia.
He has yet to teach a class of his own, but takes pride in his role in leading the
creation of the Global Classroom community. He still has no idea where this project
will ultimately take him, but is happy to go along for the ride.
Michael blogs at mgraffin.edublogs.org, and tweets as @mgraffin.
Deb Frazier, from Ohio, USA, is currently teaching and learning with 20 very excited
first graders who love learning as much as she does! She began her teaching career
as a special education teacher/intervention specialist, and finds her special
education background a true blessing working in the early years!
Deb blogs at deb-frazier.blogspot.com/, and tweets as @frazierde.