Session+9

__**9.1- Global Awareness Opener**__


 * 1. How would you define global awareness? I would define global awareness as having a sense of the different areas of the world, different histories, different cultures, and the various problems not just associated with the United States. To be globally aware, I feel we should understand both the histories of other cultures and current events. I will add that global awareness is knowing that cultures are interdependent and affect each other and our differences aren't just barriers or cause of conflict. Also, being globally aware means being able to demonstrate what it takes to compete and cooperate in a globally interconnected world. **


 * 2. To what extent would you say global awareness is an important 21st century skill? Please explain your answer. The 21st century makes us not only more globally aware but also more globally connected. We can use the internet every day to read up on current events across the globe or communicate via email, voice, or video with members of communities thousands and thousands of miles away. We should be understanding of other cultures especially if, through the internet, someone across the globe could be on a screen in our living room in a matter of seconds! Students need to be globally aware in order to address international issues. For instance, while brainstorming options for our Service Learning projects this year, I found that my students weren't completely prepared to tackle a global issues, they were extremely focused on local problems. I think this is because they were unfamiliar with current global affairs...they needed a bit of an eye-opener! **


 * __9.3- Places I Teach__ **

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 * __Reflection__ **
 * I would love to use Google Maps in my classroom! Often times we move from unit to unit, which means, continent to continent. It would be nice to have students map out the places we've traveled! I honestly feel geography is something 8th graders need help with and an assignment like this will help them understand not only the way we are globally connected in the present, but also how geographic factors affected history. **


 * __ 9.4- Use of Blogging __**
 * [|Blogger] **
 * Through perspective blogging, students will be able to see a something from someone else's point of view. To be globally aware, students need to be able to do this to build a sense of understanding. **