These links are really worth it.
While reading about integrating technology into reading, I consistently came across references to Thomas Friedman and his book The World is Flat. While I’ve not had occasion to read the book myself, I found an interview in which he spoke about his book. He reiterates in the interview his claims that “… the playing field is being leveled… [there is] a global web-engaged playing field that allows for multiple forms of collaboration without regard to geography and distance- or soon, even language”. Surely we acknowledge that with the onset of globalization that the playing field is indeed being leveled.
He highlights the ten great levelers and it’s very interesting, but not surprising, to note that technology is among them.
To see the list of levelers, visit: http://http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.05/friedman.html?pg=3
For the entire interview see:
http://http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.05/friedman.html?pg=3&topic=friedman&topic_set=
Teachers should attempt to break physical walls within their classrooms and among schools in an attempt to create one learning community. One such teacher is Julie Lindsay who teamed with one Vicky Davis. They have a ‘Flat classroom Project’ which can be found at
http://http://www.flatclassroomproject.org/
Their philosophy is to share “cultural understanding, skills with Web 2.0 and other software, experience in global collaboration and online learning, awareness of what it means to live and work in a flat world, while researching and discussing the ideas developed in Friedman's book, The World is Flat”. The project is international so teachers consider applying to be a part.
Their wiki page can be viewed at
http://flatclassroomproject.wikispaces.com/ - and is one idea which I intend to emulate since I find it to be an excellent conglomeration of the use of different web 2.0 technology.
I do hope that you all have been given an incentive. Let me kow what you think.
This is quite an interesting concept and should be of interest to all educators especially since we have already embraced the concept of the "global village." I am now curious as to the content of the book you referred. The concept is intriguing as it appears to promote the collaborative learning style that is being lauded as the tool that will foster development of literacy among adolescents who thrive best in an engaging, interactive and highly social environment. I tried to access the links but tonight technology is uncooperative, but I will definitely do so at a later date. Great information to share, it is something all educators must consider if we are to be truly effective and efficient. Knowledge is indeed power.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisha.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the concept encourages others to the extent that they sign up to be a part of the project and like us both are so moved to find the book.