Week 2

This week we learned all about technology and global education. I researched two different programs that connect students on a global level. The first was called Empatico. The second was Skype for Education. Both applications are on the surface very similar. They both use video chatting as a main interaction tool. They both wish to foster empathy and understanding among classrooms around the world. They are both noble in their pursuits of trying to make the world a smaller place by helping improve communication and global understanding. But they are also very unique in many ways as well.

Empatico is a website the connects classrooms from all over the world and allows them to interact with each other. It matches your class with others based on what experience you are looking for. It provides activities and resources that allow students to share cultural and educational experiences with each other. The aim of Empatico is to “empower teachers and students to explore the world through experiences that spark curiosity, kindness, and empathy. We combine live video with activities designed to foster meaningful connections among students ages 6-11.” It is a completely free experience for educators and students alike. One thing that was unique about Empatico was the very structured layout. It has 3 steps: Prepare, Interact and Reflect. The structure allows for the experiences to become familiar to the students and help them know what to expect so they can just focus on what they are learning. As an educator, I must say I really liked it. I like the structure.

Skype for Education forms connections through sessions and posts on the website. By searching for a topic, location, etc. you can connect via Skype with others who post on the website as well. You can take virtual field trips, listen to guest speakers, and participate in collaborative projects through the use of the Skype application. Skype has a broader range of activities than activities in some ways, which is great. The activities are shorter, which allows for more small connections rather than deep connections, which has it’s merits as well.

One thing I can appreciate about both is the work that goes into implementing each into the classroom. It is not just something you do on a whim. It is something that must be carefully scheduled, selected and implemented in the classroom. Skype has so many different experiences that could lead to many new ideas and topics being introduced to students. Empatico is more about the relationships that students build with classrooms across the world. Either way, they are the future of understanding, empathy and global collaboration the classroom. After watching how teachers had used Skype in their classrooms through the Ditch that Textbook video made me really consider what opportunities could be opened up with my students in my own classroom. One teacher talked about the collaboration experience her students had through a mystery Skype activity. The way she spoke about how her students were engaged is amazing. And the age didn’t seem to matter. The variety of teachers and the range of students shows that older students and younger students not only can benefit from these experiences, but also can enjoy the experiences.

Overall these programs seem to be amazing for what the world needs. They have the same goal; understanding, collaboration and empathy. And they will help bring our students into the modern age.