Are you ready to embark on a global learning adventure with your students? Class2Class.org’s 4-level learning journey is designed to guide educators through meaningful international collaborations. In this article, we’ll focus on Level 1, “Get to Know Each Other,” the perfect starting point for beginners looking to foster cultural exchange and build connections with classrooms worldwide.
The 4-Level Learning Journey
Picture this: a world where your classroom transcends borders, and your students become global citizens. That’s the vision behind Class2Class.org’s 4-level learning journey, a roadmap for structuring and guiding collaborative projects. Each level offers unique opportunities for your students to grow, learn and make a positive impact on the world. Let’s take a quick look at what each level offers:
Level 1 – Get to Know Each Other
At this level, your students will build strong relationships and learn about each other’s cultures, experiences, beliefs, perspectives, and more. Through these connections, they will enrich their understanding of the world and develop a deeper appreciation for diversity.
Level 2 – Work Towards the SDGs
Collaborate with other classrooms to help your students learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and work towards a better future. They will actively participate in projects that contribute to a more sustainable world while developing crucial skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
Level 3 – Create Solutions to Real Problems
Unleash your students’ creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills by creating solutions to real problems using the Design Thinking approach. They’ll be ready to tackle real-life challenges and develop a solutions-oriented mindset.
Level 4 – Present My Solution
Showcase your students’ work so that their efforts are recognized. This is a great opportunity to inspire others and make a difference in the world. Your students will learn how to effectively communicate their ideas and solutions, becoming confident changemakers
If you’re new to our platform, we recommend starting with Level 1, “Get to Know Each Other,” to build a strong foundation for your international collaboration experience. For a deeper dive into all levels, check out our article on ”Steps to Start Your First International Collaboration Project”
Level 1: “Get to Know Each Other”
“Get to Know Each Other” is the perfect starting point for teachers looking to:
- Build strong relationships with international peers: Your students will have the opportunity to connect with classrooms from around the world, fostering friendships and understanding.
- Foster cultural awareness by exploring different cultures: Through engaging activities and discussions, your students will learn about the customs, traditions, and perspectives of their international peers.
- Enrich understanding of the world through diverse perspectives: By interacting with students from different backgrounds, your students will gain valuable insights and broaden their worldview.
By connecting with classrooms across the globe, your students will develop a deeper appreciation for diversity and gain the skills necessary to become global citizens.
Topic Ideas for Level 1 Collaboration
To get your students excited about cultural exchange, here are five engaging project ideas:
- Virtual Cultural Festival: Let your class showcase their traditional festivals through captivating presentations, videos, or live performances. Promote intercultural understanding as students explore and appreciate the richness of each other’s celebrations.
- International Recipe Exchange: Embark on a culinary journey by having students share their favorite recipes from home. Organize virtual cooking days where they can prepare dishes together, fostering cultural appreciation through the universal language of food.
- Folk Tales and Stories Exchange: Dive into the world of storytelling by exploring folk tales from different cultures. Students can bring these stories to life through illustrations, short plays, or video presentations, celebrating the power of narrative across borders.
- Traditional Games and Sports Exchange: Get your students moving with an introduction to traditional games and sports from around the world. Explain the rules, history, and cultural significance behind each activity, and encourage virtual challenges for students to try something new.
World Music Collaboration: Embark on a melodic adventure by exploring music from each other’s cultures. Have students share their favorite songs, instruments, or dance styles, culminating in a collaborative musical piece or performance that promotes intercultural creativity.
How to Create a Level 1 Project on the Class2Class.org Platform
Now that you have some inspiring project ideas, it’s time to create your own Level 1 collaboration on Class2Class.org. Follow these simple steps:
Log in to your account and go to the “Collaborate” section of the platform.
From here, click on “Create a new project” to display a small form, where the platform will ask you for details of the project you want to create, such as the project topic or Name, the type of collaboration, and project description.
It is important that you have selected “Level 1: Let’s get to know each other”.
Once you have completed the information, a project page will be created with a “Completion Checklist”. This list will guide you on what you need to do to complete your project.
Once you have completed all the checks on your “Completion Checklist”, you can unlock our “Certificates” tab so that you can upload your evidence, submit your project for approval, and finally receive your certificates.
Level 1 Certification
Upon completing your Level 1 project, you can submit it for review to earn certification for your students and yourself. At this level, the focus is on exploring and understanding cultural diversity. To be approved, provide:
- A collaborative project presentation on your “Board” or “Resources” section of your project page that highlights the cultural exchange experience.
- Upload at least 2 Photos or screenshots of all participants during video conferences, showcasing the global connections made.
Certification recognizes your dedication to fostering cultural exchange and global understanding in your classroom.
Recommendations for Success
As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that the key to a successful collaboration lies in the joy of the experience itself. Encourage your students to approach the project with open minds and hearts, ready to learn and grow alongside their international peers. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Plan thoughtfully and take the time to get to know your partner teacher beforehand.
- Select a topic that excites and engages everyone involved.
- Set clear agreements with your students and enroll them on the platform.
- Embrace the process and allow ample time for meaningful collaboration.
Start Your Journey Today!
Now that you’re equipped with project ideas, certification requirements, and best practices, it’s time to embark on your Level 1 collaboration journey. Choose a topic that resonates with your students and start building friendships through the “Get to Know Each Other” level on Class2Class.org. As you complete your project, you’ll be one step closer to earning certification and celebrating your students’ global learning achievements.