Teachers' First Experiences With Global Projects: Bridging From Surface-Level Cultural Awareness to Constructive Collaboration

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 35
  In Roundtable Session: Technology and K–12 Learning Environments

Abstract

In the spring of 2016 and 2017, two cohorts of 15 teachers each participated in a global professional development program designed to prepare them to incorporate global perspectives and activities into their classrooms using contemporary technologies. One part of this program requires teachers to plan and carry out a global project between their classroom and an international classroom. This paper summarizes survey results from teachers and their K-12 students to depict the types of global projects undertaken. Results indicated high interest in global projects, support for both traditional and non-traditional learning outcomes, limited student interaction, and developing cultural understanding that might be improved with added collaborative elements. Also reported are common issues teachers face when implementing global projects.

Authors

• Mike P Cook, Auburn University

• Kevin M. Oliver, North Carolina State University

• Angela Michelle Wiseman, North Carolina State University