TakingITGlobal.org is a social network that allows students to connect with youth around the world to discuss global issues. It provides a platform for students to express themselves and unite to make a difference locally and globally. The site features blogs, podcasts, educational games, and an online magazine where students can share writings. Incorporating TakingITGlobal in the classroom can help students gain a better understanding of the world and encourage them to get involved in both their local and global communities. Teachers must purchase individual, small school, or large school licenses to access educational resources and create virtual classrooms on the site.

1. TakingITGlobal.org Creating a Global Classroom Online Presentation Assignment Candace Musawwir Wilkes University

2. What is TakingITGlobal.org? A social network that allows students to connect with other young people around the world to discuss global issues. Provides a platform for expression and allows youths to unite and make a difference in local and global communities. “Inspire, inform, and involve the youth of our world who are actively shaping its future.”

3. Global issues relating to: Art Culture The environment Human rights Education Peace Technology Work Health

4. Other Features: Blogs Podcasts Educational Games “Global Gallery” -where students can express themselves through art Panorama Zine- an online magazine of student writings

6. Poverty

7. Hunger

8. Weather

9. Violence

11. Enhance learning Create international learning partnerships that promotes global awareness and understanding of other cultures. Create virtual classrooms that use discussion boards, blogs, maps, online file space, and live video chat. Database of lesson plans and activities utilizing TakingITGlobal.org.

12. Enhance Student Performance Virtual classrooms can encourage interestand increase productivity. Empower students with global issues in which they are interested in investigating. Take action on issues that are important. Encourage leadership skills. Motivate others to make a difference.

13. Get Started Teachers must have an account with the site. Three types of licenses that can be purchased: large school small school individual accounts

14. Individual Teacher Accounts $30 a year Users are given a link for a student homepage. A signup code is assigned, which allows students access to TIGed under the teacher’s classroom account. Teachers can make classrooms public or private and limit public access to classroom profiles.

15. In Closing TakingITGlobalhelps students gain an understanding of the world in which they will work and live. By incorporating this global network in the classroom, educators can encourage their students to get involved not only in their local communities, but the global community as well.

16. Works Cited bag_lady/Carol. (2008). “Poverty.” Retrieved November 17, 2009, from http://www.flickr.com/photos/bag_lady/3367663752/ TakingITGlobal. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2009, from http://www.tigweb.org/