Originally published in TEACH Magazine, January/February 2017 Issue
The start of a year is always a good time to explore a new point of view. Discovering the world outside of a familiar place can shape children’s developing perspectives. Here are a few websites and apps that can help students learn the differences and similarities between people and places around the world and help broaden their perspective.
Geo Walk
(Paid – iOS)
Geo Walk is an interactive globe model with interesting articles on 500 subjects. The articles are placed according to their location on the globe, with current descriptions and photos. Students can explore animals, plants, historical events, famous people, and inventions from around the globe using this iOS app. After discovering world facts through various articles, students can test their knowledge by answering a related quiz.
Global Oneness Project
(Free – Website)
The Global Oneness Project website provides monthly multicultural stories for classroom use through videos, photo essays, and articles. Topics highlight global themes such as community, language, cultural sustainability, changing ecosystems, and more. Lesson plans are also included, with instructional strategies, background information, themes, estimated time, and materials. The lessons encourage writing and discussion. For example, in “Mongolia’s Nomads,” students pair up to view a photo essay, participate in a guided discussion, and respond to a writing prompt focused on cultural sustainability.
Oddizzi
(Paid – Website)
Oddizzi is an e-learning resource that immerses students in the real world. By clicking on pinpoints on a map, or selecting from six big topic areas, students learn about the food, farming, trade, climate, cultures, and customs of different countries. Each topic has text, videos, pictures, facts, and links to related topics. Quizzes and worksheets are also provided. A newsreel scrolls across the screen, connecting students to relevant information. Oddizzi also provides a virtual pen pal system called ClassPals that lets teachers connect their classroom with other classes around the world through text and images.
One Globe Kids
(Paid – Website)
This website brings global education to life. Students learn about the world through stories and games from friends in other countries, including Haiti, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Burundi. Students 4–10 years of age can spend a virtual day with one of eight children around the globe. They can learn about the child’s hometown and culture, read about that child’s own story, participate in a dialogue, and learn phrases in their language. By choosing a “Story Adventure,” students can decide what to do with each new friend.
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