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Borderless Learning: Using Technology to Connect Classrooms Worldwide ASCD Annual Conference Orlando • March 15, 2009 Vincent Pienaar, Helen Crompton, Jonathan Charney

Helen Crompton

VIF educator from Manchester England. • Teaching experience in England • 13 Years • Pre-K -University Mainstream and Special Education • Teaching experience in North Carolina • 3 Years • 5th Grade • •

Aim I wish to bring classrooms to life with culture. To open the students minds to new perspectives; creating excitement and tolerance to cultural differences.

Vincent Pienaar

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Mr. Vincent Pienaar is a 25 year veteran math teacher from South Africa.

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He has been very successful teaching math at middle school level for the past 5 years in the USA and is familiar with every aspect of the school system.

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Also notable is the fact that he has been a principal of an elementary school in his native South Africa for nearly 6 years before he became an International Teacher.

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He has been teaching on 3 Continents and is on his final year as cultural exchange teacher in the USA.

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He also won the prestiges “VIF National Cultural Educator of the Year Award for 2008"

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His moto is: "Vincenti Dabo" Translated: It shall be given to the conqueror.

Video conferencing

• Connecting people. • Students are able to explore, communicate, analyze and share information and ideas with one another.

Connecting via video link

Connecting two locations through a real time audio and video link. Tools needed beyond a computer • Webcam, speakers, high speed internet connection. Programs to connect • Microsoft, Skype, SnapYap.

WWII

Myths and Legends

• Social Studies Project • Interview on 3 continents

What can you do with Skype?

Skype will allow you to: • network with other instructional technology teachers • connect students with experts worldwide • connect students who are learning similar & related content • allow parents to see their students presenting • allow students who are absent a chance to participate • allow teams of teachers to meet virtually • allow administrators to connect with classrooms from their office • become the "teacher as facilitator"

10 Ways Wikis Can be Used in Your Classroom (From Classroomtech)

1. Lesson Summaries 2. Collaboration of Notes 3. Concept Introduction and Exploratory Projects 4. Dissemination of important classroom information beyond the classroom 5. Individual assessment projects 6. Creation of a simple website 7. Sharing of initial thoughts about, and knowledge of a new topic 8. Student portfolios 9. Location to aggregate web resources 10. Collaboration among teachers

Wiki examples

Wikispaces for teachers

• 250,000 ad-free, private K-12 Plus wikis! • All the features and benefits that normally cost $50/year - for free • No fine print, no usage limits, no advertising, no catches. • Start a Wiki in 30 Seconds

Vodcasts

• Video on demand, video podcasts. • Vodcasting to teach concepts and learn about different cultures.

Metric measurement

Vodcasting materials

• Video camera • Program such as Movie Maker or imovie • Make them available on DVD and a web site if available.

Research Projects

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Authentic projects that integrate math, reading and writing, through advanced internet research.

Taking students to places through technology and their imagination.

Voicethreads

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What is a voicethread?. Ed.VoiceThread.com, a secure site just for educators and their students Teachers can keep Voicethreads private or publish them 5 innovative ways to comment you can draw on top of the media as you record your comment Embedding easy- add interactive group discussions to any website

How Do I get started with Voicethread?

• Join the site and set-up an account for FREE. • Set up student identities. You will need a microphone to create Voicethreads. • Invite parents to share. • Embed or share the link • As many uses as you can imagine.