The document introduces the Global Classroom project, which aims to connect teachers and students around the world through online discussions and collaborative projects. It provides an overview of the history and goals of Global Classroom, describes some of the initial projects and online platforms being used, and invites teachers to get involved by joining projects, setting up penpals or video chats, or sharing their own project ideas.

1. Deb Frazier (@frazierde ) Global Classroom Creator Ohio, USA Michael Graffin ( @mgraffin ) Global Classroom Coordinator Perth, Western Australia Launch Webinar September 30 / October 1, 2011 [email_address]

2. Aims of the Session To explore our history, philosophy, and community goals for Global Classroom 2011-12 To explain how you can join & participate in our online community & discussion platforms To provide an opportunity to connect, share, and talk with other teachers around the world. To celebrate the launch of our very first global projects!

3. Poll: Where are we at? A B  C D I've just heard about the Global Classroom Project , and I'm here to learn more about it! I've signed up, but I'm wondering where to start. I'm keen to start making connections & collaborate with other teachers and classes around the world! I'm familiar with global projects, and can't wait to share my project ideas with my fellow teachers!

4. Our History "While sharing new learning about India, Puja, whose family is from India, commented “My dad says that’s not really true.” From there we knew we needed more than books . We needed to talk with people i n other cultures to discover the ways in which they meet their needs." A Global Learning Community Is Born (23/9/2011) Through the power of a single blog post, Primary Perspective, and a single Tweet, GlobalClassroom came to be. VoiceThread extended our classroom walls, opened our ears, and shared our voices to the world.

5. We're building a Global Learning Community Did you know? The Global Classroom Manifesto was written by 40 teachers from 15 countries?

6. Getting Involved In Global Classroom 2011-12 "Global Classroom is about encouraging global connections and conversations between teachers and students around the world ..." You could: Join an existing project Participate in a mascot / Flat Stanley Exchange Establish connections with teachers and classes in other countries via blogging, penpal, or skype exchanges Share and build your global project ideas Sign Up Here: Teacher Registration Forms

7. Global Classroom - Web 2.0 The Global Classroom Blog Latest news and projects Guest posts from experts A place to share your stories, projects, photos, and learning Global Classroom 2011-12 Wiki Project Overviews ICT Help Class Pages Student Pages, Videos, Photos, Writing, etc

8. Global Classroom Teachers' Communities "We're building the online spaces where teachers can engage in global conversations with teachers around the world" We also provide Contact Directories for our K-3, Grades 4-6, and Grades 7-12 Groups (shared via email)

9. Edmodo & Global Classroom 2011-12 What is Edmodo? definition benefits for teachers/students Getting Started/User Info Teacher/Student Set Up Moderation Grouping Global Classroom Teacher Group - Code di7r4m Theresa Allen Edmodo Manager Illinois, USA @tdallen5 [email_address] Tina Schmidt Edmodo Manager Pennsylvania, USA @MrsSchmidtB4 [email_address]

10. Our First Projects! Let the conversations and the learning begin ...

11. "Kids Speak" (K-3 Project) Goals of the Project: To allow students to create authentic work that represents the thoughts of and voices of children around the world. To provide students an opportunity to develop global awareness in the ways cultures meet their needs. To give students a global audience and learning community. Students around the globe will work collaboratively in ONE VoiceThread to share and learn about the ways others live. Deb Frazier (@frazierde ) Ohio, USA DM @frazierde / email to join

12. A Glimpse Around the World A global classroom photo project for 8 to 11 year olds Using photography as a medium to reflect upon and understand culture, community, and environments at home and around the world. Monthly theme suggested by students. Photos taken by students. Monthly slide shows. Creation of a book as a final project. DM @sarah_wg or join the discussion over on the Grades 4-6 Google group.

13. Authentic Global Voices Grades 7-12 Project "I like your poem because it shows how someone (you) changes in life. It also shows how you changed your attitude from good to bad. This stands out because a lot of people go through changes from bad to good or from greedy to generous.” - New York City student in response to a composition from a student in Virginia Goals of this project: to provide adolescents with a global writing community to give students an authentic audience for their writing to offer opportunities for students to practice giving meaningful feedback to other authors to learn about cultures and communities different from one’s own Kyle Dunbar @edtechdunny Alexandria, Virginia Authentic Global Voices Wiki: Changes Poem

14. Authentic Global Voices (7-12 Project) Topics and Themes: My life -- Change Family -- Friends -- Choices Fairness -- Courage -- Survival Ways to become a part of Authentic Global Voices: Listen and read Comment Contribute Collaborate By db Photography | Demi-Brooke By John LeGear Join the conversation!

15. Questions? Feedback?

16. Quick Links Sign Up: Teacher Registration Forms Email: [email_address] Blog: http://theglobalclassroomproject.wordpress.com Wiki: http://globalclassroom2011-12.wikispaces.com Please read our Global Classroom Participant's Guide (shared in our Welcome Email ) for further details and links to our (members-only) Contact Directories .