I have come across several wonderful posts for the International Week of the Gifted 2012 Blog Tour (#IWG12). This tour has provided me with insights into what’s going on in gifted education around the world from folks who are dedicated to advocating for this very unique learner population. I almost feel like the guest who is a bit tardy to the party, but nonetheless would love to jump in by sharing the importance of connecting our children on a global scale.
Over my short career as a gifted education teacher, I have found that technology has opened our classroom and our minds. It has allowed my students to see themselves beyond their homes, communities, and even country. It has exposed them to life models, who much like themselves, have faced some challenges but have succeeded. But more importantly, technology has allowed my students to connect, learn, and share with other children like them. This communication and collaboration is crucial if we are to prepare today’s 21st Century learners into tomorrow’s leaders. If you currently serve or work with gifted learners, I strongly encourage you to start making these connections! There is no right or wrong tool or even approach to make this happen.
To celebrate my gifted students, I am sharing our adventures in connecting with the world through this video. I hope you enjoy it and welcome you to join us and other gifted classrooms around the world!
This post was written as part of the International Week of the Gifted 2012 Blog Tour. Here is a short list of a few of my favorite posts from this blog tour. You can also follow conversations and check out more posts by using the Twitter hashtag #IWG12.
The Quirky Child & The Soul of Giftedness via Gifted Parenting Support (USA)
International Week of the Gifted 2012 #IWG12 via Ingennios Illuminare (Mexico)
Why Gifted Kids Should be Sponges Not Spongers via Gifted Chatter (New Zealand)
Why Gifted Kids Should be Sponges Not Spongers via Gifted Chatter (New Zealand)
International Week of the Gifted 2012 via SO(bre)S(alientes) (Mexico)
Giftedness, Creativity, and the Fear of Being Wrong via Life with Intensity (USA)
Be Creative with the Dabrowski Dogs via Gifted Resources (Australia)
Great Ideas from Kiwi Kids via Creating Curriculum for Gifted Children (New Zealand)
Gorgeous video! Oh for the bandwidth - we mainly use Skype for voice only here.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! Yeah, the bandwidth can be an issue for some locations. Have you tried Google+ Chats? I would love to test it out with you if you're interested. Just let me know. Thanks for all your hard work on this blog tour, it's been a pleasure participating this year and I can't wait to dig into these blogs posts!
DeleteHugs,
Elle
Hey, my name is Ethan and I'm new to blogging, but im trying to fine some help with my Spanish class.
ReplyDeleteHola Ethan!
DeleteThanks for stopping by. Are you a student or a Spanish teacher?
Hello, I'm an education major at the University of South Alabama and after reading your blog I am reminded of why I want to teach and the importance of technology to educators and students alike. I like the way you incorporate the use of Skype in your classroom. That is a great way to broaden students horizons. You are getting them to interact with other students all around the world and I never would have thought of using this approach. Your blog was very helpful and insightful to me!
ReplyDeleteHI I am a EDM 310 student at the University of South Alabama. I Am so glad that I read your blog it taught me that technology is very important for the teacher and the students in the classroom. I never knew tools such as Skype could be such a important part in education until I watched your video. The interaction between the students in your classroom and other students around the world Is so amazing. I really enjoyed reading your blog it was very eye opening.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI also think it is important for students to make connections using technology. I liked watching the video of your students' Skype adventures throughout the year. It looks like they learned a lot and had fun at the same time. I hope to keep my students engaged in learning as well as you have. Thanks for all of the great ideas on your blog!
Kaitlyn
Hi Kaitlyn,
DeleteWe have had a blast with Skype in our class throughout the years. It's been quite a journey! Thanks for stopping by.
Elle