Attention all teachers and parents: It's almost July. Isn't it about time you went on vacation? And shouldn't you take the kids with you? Oh, and how about doing it without leaving your house or school? New innovations and emerging technologies are making this scenario more possible by the day.
Here are a few cool ideas to take your classroom or living room global. Click on the hyperlinked section titles for access to each resource.
1. National Geographic Kids (TM) Countries
Have you ever wanted to visit South America in your pajamas? This is the place for you. This hub will grant your students access to overviews of many of the world's countries. Quick and interesting facts are accompanied by photos, videos, maps, and more.
2. Skype (TM) In the Classroom
You've probably heard of Skype - an internet phone service that allows anyone to be seen and heard by other users around the world. The resource has reached into global education, as well. Among the possibilities are guest speakers from another continent, sharing an online 'classroom' with students from the other side of the planet, and project collaboration with like-minded educators that happen to live in China.
3. Google Maps
Teaching a unit on one of the world's great cities? Google Maps allows you to literally click your way to it. Zooming in brings landscapes both urban and rural into focus. Labels identify cities, towns, bodies of water, and major landmarks. As if that isn't cool enough, you can view photos, live webcams, and even traffic updates. (I smell a problem-solving opportunity: Given current traffic conditions, what is the best route from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace?)
4. LEP's Very Own Passport Series
Don't have an internet connection? Looking to discover even more detailed information about other countries? This 8-book series is all you'll ever need to take a virtual vacation around the world. Visit more than 50 countries from all seven continents, each with in-depth studies of history, culture, language, food, and so much more. Click here for some sample pages.
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