Global Scholars is an international digital exchange program that connects students ages 10 – 13 in cities around the world. Guided by their teachers, students participate in a project-based curriculum and engage with international peers in an interactive e-classroom. They investigate the world and develop global competency skills for the 21st century, cross-cultural and digital communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Students broaden their perspectives by discovering common experiences and exploring issues through personal, local and global lenses. Global Cities, Inc. provides the curriculum, access to the password-protected e-classroom, and year-long professional development. The program is conducted in English, and students with a variety of English language fluency levels can successfully participate. Participating schools provide at least one computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection for every two students, two hours per week for program activities, and an enthusiastic educator to lead activities and participate in required professional development. There are no fees to participate.
Broward’s Global Scholars initiative connects participating middle school students to other participating schools around the world. Using Internet-based educational activities, project-based learning and other instructional strategies as an elective or within a specific content area, the goal is authentic learning to develop students’ global citizenship while enhancing critical 21st century skills. Successful implementation includes subject content mastery, English language communication, and technology proficiency. This blended learning program provides access to an interactive, multimedia online classroom and original curriculum materials, enabling students to learn and communicate about important issues with their international peers. Teachers gain year-round professional development and a connection to a worldwide network of educators.
Global Scholars supports the following key objectives:
- Broaden students’ local-to-global perspective by learning from peers in other cities
- Gain subject matter content knowledge on an issue of mutual concern
- Equip students to navigate a 21st century virtually-connected world
- Augment digital technology proficiency
- Promote English language practice and literacy
See https://innovativelearning.browardschools.com/global-scholars/ for more information.
