Journal #6
Educators are Going Global
Anita McAnear

In this article, Anita McAnear describes the need for educators to collaborate elctronically to share information that will eventually lead to a global workforce. Some of the methods that she talks about are global community boards or web sites, such as Classroom 2.0, which our instructor Mr. Heil describes as a "My Space" for teachers. Web sites such as this are designed for teachers to share information on new technologies, lesson planning, and other information that may be useful to other teachers looking for ideas. She also goes on to talk about other web sites that can be used for student to student collaboration, as well as student to teacher collaboration. All in all, the need for tools such as these have been in great demand for some time. The ability to share information and receive perspectives from a more diverse spectrum will help students and teachers begin to see things from a global point of view.

1. Why is it important to see things from a global perspective?

Imagine that you are living in a war torn country in Central America. Access to a tool which enables you to view out into the world can mean the difference between life and death. In places where civil war and unrest has dominated for many decades, people of those countries only know one thing, what they are being taught by either side of conflicting parties. Wouldn't it be nice to see students in those countries have access to a student to student web site, where instead of talking about what side of the war they favor, they could learn about different governments around the world and the principles which support them. That would begin a whole new way of thinking for new generations of kids who are being primed to take over their countries.

2. What are some global problems that can be addressed by global collaboration?

There are many to choose from. In every country around the world, there is at least one issue that requires the attention of the global community. Whether it be human rights, animal/environment protection or ethnic diversity. One particular item that stands out to me is the working conditions for primary school kids in the Zinc, Tin, and Gold mines of Bolivia. These children will attend school for three days a week, in the morning, and work in the mines the rest of the time. They have to in order to help support their families. However, the working conditions in these mines are dangerous enough for grown men, let alone kids. Especially when a typical work day is 12 to 16 hours long. Aside from the long hours, the only type of nourishment they receive during these long days, is the constant buzz received from chewing Coca leaves. By chewing the leaves, they are able to stay awake and work these long hours. Is that something anybody's child should be doing?