Initial+Thoughts

On this page, please leave your comments regarding your initial thoughts on the following question **//BEFORE//** learning about Globalization and Curriculum through our e-presentation:

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After you have left your initial thoughts on this page, please begin the process of applying for your Passport to Globalization and Curriculum by visiting our first page entitled Introduction.

=What is your understanding of globalization in relation to curriculum?=

Globalization is a term that has become increasingly complex as we become connected to others around the world through technology providing ease of communication across oceans and continents. Our students are learning in a time when they are becoming aware of global issues and how children their own age live. As teachers, we are able to connect with colleagues and experts on the other side of the world. The world of today is the global village that Marshall McLuhan foreshadowed in 1964; a world contacting through the internet where people are quickly aware of the politics, economies, cultures and customs of countries on the other side of the Earth. Through education our students can gain a deeper understanding of global issues that affect us all and in turn will become active and engaged global citizens.- Nicola Kuhn

I'm eager to learn about "Globalization and Curriculum" through your e-presentation, as it is a term I've heard, but am not certain what it entails. If asked to guess, I would consider it to possibly mean 'designing a curriculum that addresses the global issues and concerns such as Craig Kielburger's Me to We movement. I might also guess it to mean using technology to connect with colleagues around the world and possibly address similar curricular topics such as global issues. And thirdly, I might guess that it refers to connecting our students with students from around the world to learn together. - Tammy Reynolds

Globalization in relation to curriculum and education entails how much smaller the world has become for many, because of our increased ability to travel, as well as to readily communicate with others anywhere on earth because of technology. It also includes our ability to see into the world of others more readily and rapidly, and to gain insights into other cultures and lives. As Tammy has mentioned, it also includes the ability to collaborate with others in different locations, toward a common goal without having to leave home. - Carol Wilkinson

When I think of globalization in curriculum I think of the things Carol, Tammy and Nicola have mentioned. As an educator I hope that the work we do in schools helps our society become more accepting and inclusive by expanding the classroom, through technology, outside of the walls of our city, province, county and continent. Our classrooms can all become that Flat Classroom that I read about from Vicki Davis writes about in her Cool Cat Teacher Blog. I think of how we can make the world a better place by learning about other cultures and instead of being fearful we celebrate the differences. As well, we care about our neighbors, are aware of the global issues and work together with our neighbors to solve problems making the world a better place. - Kelly Reierson

Globalization is the phenomenon of a shrinking world. Thanks to advances in and access to technology, people around the world are able to connect more and much more easily than before. Through technology and travel, we begin to learn more about other around the world. In learning about and becoming aware of other cultures/living situations/environments/ideologies/religions/etc., one becomes acutely aware of the differences and more importantly the similarities between all people. Learning from a global perspective, helps students understand, respect and have more compassion for others around the world. –Stacey Miller

I believe globalization refers to the integration of cultures and economies due to technological changes, and the pressure put on the planet by the fact that the majority of the world’s resources are consumed by the minority of the world’s population. I look forward to understanding how curriculum development has changed, or needs to change as a result of globalization. I would assume that it has to do with giving students a broader view of their place in the global society.

When I think of global education, I think of the work that I did as a Teacher-Leader with the Telus Learning Connection starting in 1996. I remember one of the first workshops I attended, when a speaker told us to stop thinking of the Internet as a big CD ROM, where you type in a phrase and get facts. Instead we should think of it as a way to connect with and learn from humanity. We were encouraged to develop telecollaborative projects where students connected with other students, as well as with experts in the next city, or across the world. The learning that resulted amazed us all.

The world and our classrooms have both changed dramatically since then, but our curriculum has not kept up with that early promise. Given the fact that we have global communication at our fingertips, why aren’t we using it more in our classrooms? Where are the curricular projects that link classrooms and countries? They exist, certainly ([], [], []), but as a result of isolated teacher and student efforts, not as a result of curricular outcomes. I wonder if you have found that curriculum is indeed catching up? - Cynthia Peterson

I'm not sure how much I know about globalization, however, I'm sure I'm going to become more familiar with this term via this wiki presentation. To me, globalization is the ability to reach destinations without leaving your community. The fact that we have access to information around the world means that we can learn what life is like in other places and we can connect with others in very different or very similar situations. Technology not only allows us to read about other places but also gives us opportunity to see various landscapes through photos and video. I'm wondering how curriculum developers have begun to incorporate globalization into our provincial documents. Interesting topic! - Pam Wenger

Naively, I would like to think that globalization will eventually result in the disolving of borders. A bit like StarTrek and the World Federation, we would be one world, as opposed to one world made up of many tiny countries with individualized interests. I would like to think that it is the coming together of all peoples, sharing common needs and interests while honoring cultural identities and histories. I think instead it is far more focused on world trade and the use and misuse of our resources (including people). In the school setting I see globalization impacting our curriculums through the need to test and score and compare scores to other countries in order to compete. Certainly we see a socialist side through programs that enlighten and encourage understanding and aide to others, e.g. Free the Children. Social justice issues are a hot topic right now and are embedded in our math inquiries, language arts programs, etc. Is this globalization? We had a discussion over lunch the other day about how it all makes us feel good but, are we really willing to totally change our lifestyles, to take the economic hit that would follow an equaling of the global playing field. I'm worried that globalization is not about saving the planet but about promoting large corporations and the wealthy. - Brenda Roberts

Globalization in relation to curriculum suggests that the current affairs of the world have crept into the curriculum. With a shrinking world due to technological advances, the state of humanity has come ever closer. We have simply to click a button to find facts, see photos, and have conversations. Knowledge has become powerful and access to it terribly important. What we do with that knowledge is the guiding question. Equipping students to find, use, and share knowledge in ethical ways that serve humanity is globalization in the curriculum. The interconnectedness of our world makes knowing one’s place within the larger context critical. It is more than economics, it is culture, language, and humanity that students must be exposed to through the curriculum. -Margaret