THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, March 22, 2019 Page 15 Everett Public Schools GLOBAL SCHOLARS T hrough Global Scholars, students communicate directly in e-classrooms with peers across the globe. This educational environment, enhanced by multimedia communication, creates opportunities for students to build important global and general learning competencies. The posts and projects of international peers are primary texts for them to learn about other cities, the common global topic they are studying, and the skills needed to solve a global problem. There are no fees to the schools. EVERETT SIXTH-GRADERS INTERACT WITH PEERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD WHILE ALSO LEARNING DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS E verett is participating in Global Scholars for the second consecutive year. Every sixth grader in the district̓s five elementary schools participate in the program, which is funded entirely by the Bloomberg Foundation. Global Scholars is a collaborative, interdisciplinary teaching effort among social studies and technology teachers and Director of Science Ann Ritchie. The global citizenship platform connects Everett students with youth from around the world to share their ideas and perspectives. The theme of the 2018-19 curriculum is “World of Water,” and it is divided into five units, each with three components: Essential Understandings, Critical Competencies, and Digital Projects. “This year’s theme lends itself naturally to interdisciplinary learning,” said Ritchie. “Students are learning about water’s role in health, ecosystems and politics, which hits both STEM and social studies objectives.” WHAT EPS EDUCATORS ARE SAYING ABOUT GLOBAL SCHOLARS “I was impressed with students who watched two videos on pollution, filled out a graphic organizer detailing specifics such as acid rain, marine debris and nutrient pollution,” said English School Principal Michael McLucas. “To see the students immersed in an online discussion about pollution in the oceans is a global problem that they are able to discuss with students from places such as China, Spain and Taiwan.” “Global Scholars provides our students with the opportunity to connect and engage with their international peers on topics that are affecting us globally,” says English School technology teacher Jennifer Cavalieri. “Our students are currently learning how pollution not only impacts our local water system, but they are also discovering how it affects cities around the world. Through Global Scholars, our students have become more culturally aware and have gained a new perspective on global issues.” “Students are mastering their digital citizenship skills as they communicate with their global peers,” says Parlin School technology teacher Dorothy Mael.“ They are able to develop and ask good questions about water resources and the environment.” “The outcomes that I am seeing with Global Scholars are that my students are able to communicate with their peers from other countries,” said Keverian School technology teacher Jillian Ells. “The Global Scholars e-classroom allows for positive online communication for students to continue to be safe digital citizens in a controlled online format where they can have an ongoing dialogue about water resources, what can be done to help marine life survive and actions that we can each take to make the world an even better place. Students are gaining not only world knowledge of how water connects us, but also learning about resources in our own community that students can have an active voice and be a part of a change that will help them, their families, and families to come.” “As a computer teacher I appreciate the Global Scholars Program as it give the students an opportunity to learn about new software that can be used to help them create their projects, ”said Lafayette School technology teacher Lori Blank. “I see an active participation as they work together to research the global topics and then use new digital tools to present information that they compiled. They have been learning how to post on the Global Scholars website and receive feedback from their international peers and become better writers too. It seems that students have a more positive attitude toward other countries and cultures. They are more tolerant of peoples different cultures and beliefs. The students are more interested in learning about local and world geography. Working collaboratively with others they have become aware that we are all connected.” “Our students have learned to discuss issues in an academic, online realm,” says Whittier School technology teacher Dawn Munro “They have learned how to properly word process a response in correct format, express themselves using proper grammar, and developed an awareness of how global issues affect us all.” EVERETT̓S GLOBAL SCHOLARS PARTNERS Barcelona, Spain Buenos Aires, Venuzuela Buffalo, New York Fort Lauderdale, Florida Jacksonville, Florida The current unit (Feb. 25-April 12) is called “Water Connects Us.” Students are learning how local actions impact global water security; how waterways contribute to the economy, transportation, and culture of cities; and the ways in which human actions and innovations can improve water issues. London, England Madrid, Spain Nanchang, China Semey, Kazakhstan The unit is designed to help students use evidence to support arguments, distinguish between facts and opinion, and assess the impacts of individual and community actions. The digital project associated with this unit is a survey of the community to discover which water-related issues are of highest concern. Participants are encouraged to present their findings and recommend solutions in an info-graphic. Global scholars meet once a week, under the direction of the technology teachers. “Our partnership with Global Scholars provides targeted teacher training for every unit, ensuring teachers feel supported and ready to engage students with the curriculum,” Ritchie said. The fifth and final unit of the year, which begins on April 15, is entitled “Community Action Project”and it will culminate with the students using photos, video, and text to make a digital presentation.
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