This blog post is a supplement to my presentation at the annual Andrews University Teaching and Learning Conference.

Description: Break down the walls of your classroom and bring global engaging learning experiences to your students. Why? The benefits are engaging learning experiences for your students. Collaborate with teachers to design powerful collaborative projects. Come learn about tools and resources that can help you design and implement quality collaborations.

Why Collaborate? 

• Global Nomads Group YouTube Channel
  • Global Nomads Group

Collaborative Project Planning Resources

• For K12: Collaborative Videoconference Projects Booklet
• For Higher Ed: SUNY COIL Collaborative Online International Learning Faculty Guide Book

Possible Tools

• Zoom (video, audio, chat)
• Skype (video, audio, chat)
• Google Hangouts
• Discussion forum in your LMS or your partner school’s LMS
• Email
• Chat
• GoogleSites
• Facebook Closed Groups

Finding Partners

• K12
  • Collaborations Around the Planet
  • Global SchoolNet Projects Registry
  • iEARN International Education and Resource Network
• Higher Education
  • For Andrews faculty – our international partner institutions
  • Journal editing board lists
  • Professional conference contacts
  • Contacts through relatives or mission organizations

Time Zone Tools

• TimeandDate.com – great for planning ahead, especially checking daylight savings time changes
• Qlock.com – put a widget on your computer with the time in another location

Selected Bibliography

See my dissertation for a more complete list of videoconferencing and collaboration references.

• Cifuentes, L., & Murphy, K. L. (2000). Promoting multicultural understanding and positive self-concept through a distance learning community: cultural connections. Educational Technology Research and Development, 48(1), 69-83.
• Martinez, M. D., & MacMillan, G. (1998). A Joint Distance Learning Course in American Government (No. ED428005).
• Owston, R. (2007). Contextual factors that sustain innovative pedagogical practice using technology: an international study. Journal of Educational Change, 8(1), 61-77.
• Sweeney, M. A. (2007). The use of videoconferencing techniques which support constructivism in K-12 education. Dissertation Abstracts International.
• Warschauer, M. (1997). Computer-mediated collaborative learning: Theory and practice. Modern Language Journal, 81(3), p. 470-481. Also at http://www.gse.uci.edu/person/markw/cmcl.html
• Yost, N. (2001). Lights, Camera, Action: Videoconferencing in Kindergarten. Paper presented at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference.