How to Connect YOUR Classroom!

@Capt_KK and I have been on quite the journey as we build a global classroom together. If you are interested in reading the posts leading up to this one, here they are:

Learning with Tomorrow
Connecting our Classrooms via Daily Emails
International Naval Warfare
Connecting our Classrooms - Weekly Video Series
Student Success Stories
Future Plans

The final post in this series will focus on how YOU can connect your classroom with another classroom around the globe.  Looking back, I think the most important thing that happened was that Jacqui and I share a similar vision as to what we wanted for our global classroom.  It's very important to find the right teacher to take the journey with you!

Here are some things to consider as you take the leap:

1.  Set time limits - How often do you want your students to contact one another? Daily? Weekly? Monthly?
2. How will your students contact one another? Email, Videos, Blogging, Twitter, Skype, etc. I just found this example of a Global Classroom Voice Thread  (Here's the link to to @Deb_Frazier's Global Classroom Wikispaces)
3. Blend your curriculum! See where you have overlaps and the students can help teach one another!
4. What are your GOALS for your students?

Here are some places you may be able to find educators interested in creating a global classroom.

1. Skype in the Classroom
2. Flat Classroom Ning
3. Twitter - follow the #flatclass and #globalclassroom hashtags to find other educators interested in connecting or to find ideas.

Finally, seek out other opportunities online or at conferences. Here are a few places to start:
1. Global Education Conference
2. Flat Classroom Conference 2014

I know that the resources above don't even scratch the surface. If you have any suggestions or resources to add, please do so in the comments. Finally, I hope you enjoy the journey and have as much success as Jacqui and I are having. Teaching in a global classroom has opened so many doors to our students' learning and the most amazing thing is that the students are the ones with their hands on the knobs. They're the ones now opening the doors to their own learning. We're just putting the doors in front of them, and it's their job to turn the handle to see what's behind each one!

Thanks for reading,
Arin (@ArinKress)