The importance of technology infused classrooms.

1. “Access Denied: You do not have permission to view this site” has become one of the principal frustrations
for my district’s teachers and students. Our administration‘s existing policy uses the “walled garden
approach” for browsing the Internet at school. “Walled garden” refers to firewalls instituted by school
districts to control access to particular websites for students. This includes limiting access to all social
networking sites, including student e-mail and blogging.
Today’s students are participants in a world where global communication is imperative for their success,
now and in the future. In the 21st century, students are required within state standards to participate in
learning activities requiring collaboration with students from all over the world. Internet browser
restrictions make it nearly impossible for students to connect with learners globally in order to problem
solve, and to lessen the barriers of their concrete classroom walls.
You may ask, “What is global communication, and how should students apply it to their critical thinking
skills?” Global learning projects are easily achieved using a variety of access tools; i.e., e-mail, video
conferencing, digital photography and video, digital storytelling, instant messaging, blogs and social
forums. Students are capable of joining groups such as ePals or education wiki sites such as Ning. Within
these group examples, students can connect to a classroom consisting of similar age students with similar
interests to research and collaborate with on a specified topic. The group ePals has a terrific unit of study
on global warming (Global Warming; The Planet is Heating Up, 2010). Students discuss the effects of
global warming and create a presentation explaining methods of reducing global warming. The selected
partner school students discuss the issues in tandem with your students. There is a required amount of
communication within this engaging lesson. Children’s Dreams at Global SchoolNet
Foundation (Children of Dreams, 2000) is another excellent lesson for student global collaboration. This
very practical activity requires higher order thinking skills allowing students to develop a vision of the
future by visualizing their county’s past in relation to the future. Students develop an appreciation for the
various viewpoints of others by encompassing differing lifestyles and cultural backgrounds. This
fascinating interaction with students in different countries is accomplished without ever having to leave
the classroom.
It has become amazingly simple to establish a topic of interest and locate a participating school from
around the world, resulting in communication for your students within a safe Internet setting. According
to Julianne Reed (Reed,2010), global project based learning “promotes creativity, address all learners,
provides success for all students, makes content meaningful, provides an authentic audience, motivates
students and empowers students to make a difference.” This statement confirms my conviction for the
use of open technology and supports my understanding of the subject. Schools should be required to
open up the “walled gardens” to social networking sites. Our students use their cell phones, computers,
Twitter, Facebook, etc. as soon as they leave our classrooms. Why not round-up that energy? Although
some networking sites may not have a relative advantage with in the classroom environment, there
remains a multitude of safe networking sites with carefully monitored incoming content and membership
access. Students have the ability to safely connect and collaborate with other students, teachers and

2. experts from around the world. Teachers have the ability to restrict groups or web pages access by using a
required password or invitation code. This open technology provides students with the opportunity for
freedom of expression, as they enjoy with their peers when they are not in the school setting Students’
cherished form of communication can always be tweaked for educational purposes. The result of
collaboration with students from other schools and other areas of the world are sure to increase
motivation and enthusiasm. As the old adage goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them”! There is no better
place for students to experiment with social networking, than in the safety of their own school. It is a win,
win situation for all. I challenge educators to convince administration about the disadvantages to site
restrictions and blocks. Someone has to throw the first hammer or the “wall” will never crumble. Make
your students proud!
Children of Dreams. (2000). Retrieved March 3, 2010, from Global School Net: Linking Kids Around the
World:http://www.globalschoolnet.org/programs/dreams/lessonplan.html
Global Warming; The Planet is Heating Up. (2010). Retrieved March 3, 2010, from ePals Learning
Space: http://www.epals.com/projects/info.aspx?DivID=GlobalWarming_overview
Reed, J. (2010). Global Collaboration and Learning: How to Create a World of Success Without Leaving
Your Classroom. Retrieved March 3, 2010, from ED TECH Focus on K-12:
http://www.epals.com/projects/info.aspx?DivID=GlobalWarming_overview
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