Global Virtual Classroom

Type of Resource: Virtual Tour, Student tools and information, Online Activities, Administrator Tools and Information, Teacher Tools and Information, Training Tool, Online Unit
Free or Fee: Fee
Computer Needs: None Apparent
Link: Visit the Site!

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Recommendation:

This site provides a meaningful collaboration tool for teachers and students. Not only do students plan and create a website, they learn about other cultures and communication skills along the way. Commitment to the project is necessary to ensure a good experience for all involved. While it is hard to see exactly what the project involves before beginning, be sure to visit the 'Award Winning Websites' page under 'Contest' to view the many samples of completed projects. These ideas and examples are impressive. The clubhouse is a great alternative for teachers and classes that have less time to commit. Just like the contest, it provides a connection to other schools and collaboration on a project. Teachers need to know how to make simple web pages -- insert images and make hyperlinks to other pages, and how to upload and download files to and from a Web server via FTP. The site is willing to support teachers learning this information.

Description:

The Global Virtual Classroom is a project of the Give Something Back International Foundation. The site contains two main components (1) The GVC contest in which schools from around the globe collaborate to create a website. The contest runs from October to March with winners announced in April. (2) A "clubhouse," which is a kid-safe environment for students to come together to collaborate on topics of their interest. From the website: "The Global Virtual Classroom (GVC) project is a collection of free, on-line educational activities and resources. It aims to complement the efforts of governments and education departments around the world to integrate technology into their classrooms and curricula and to link their schools to the information superhighway. "The GVC vision is to empower, enable and connect students around the world using Internet technology. It aims to teach students three essential skills they will need in the 21st century: cross-cultural communication, collaboration and computer skills."

Possible uses:

The 'How it works' page under the 'Contest' area provides an outline of the project. Classes or clubs can participate in creating a website based on their interests, with classes from other countries. The ideas for these sites are open ended and left to the creativity and collaboration of the students. With teacher guidance, students can embark on this project and sustain it while interacting with other cultures and improving their communication skills.

Related Resources:

K-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-12+

Technology
Tools : Teacher
Social Studies : Cultures

Virtual Tour, Student tools and information, Online Activities, Administrator Tools and Information, Teacher Tools and Information, Training Tool, Online Unit