The proliferation of technology in our connected society has trickled into our classrooms, whetting the appetites of savvy teachers and kids who have been born with technology in the palm of their hand.

While it has been blamed for isolating individuals, when used properly, educational technology tools can build relationships near and far much more quickly, profoundly, and conveniently than ever imagined. In Chapter 4 of The Global Education Toolkit for Elementary Learners, Homa Tavangar and Becky Morales share countless tools and examples of educational technology that empower teachers to create opportunities for interaction.

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Are you looking to move beyond amassing links, and start using #edtech tools to build meaningful connections with students around the globe? Whether you are brand new to the #globaled movement, or you are an experienced leader, expand your knowledge and incorporate deeper global learning into your class with The Global Education Toolkit for Elementary Learners.

Educational Technology Tools for Teachers

Included in Chapter 4, educators will learn about:

Section 1: Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Edmodo, and More)

• How to use twitter in the classroom
• Edmodo
• Other Education-Based Social Networks

Section 2: Class Blogs and Wikis

• How to get class blogs started
• Examples of Quadblogging, and other examples of collaborations
• Wikis: a wiki is like a blog but developed collaboratively by a number of users, allowing anyone in the invited community to add and edit content. See the most popular educational wikis, and learn how to join.

Section 3: Videoconferencing (Using Skype and Google+)

• Technology-Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: educators learn to connect in real time with other classes, with experts in various fields, or even to take virtual field trips
• Tips for Setting Up a Successful School Partnership (or “Twinning Program”)
• Read read stories about Global Partnership
• Maximize Inclusion During Video Chats—Skype Jobs Chart
• Getting the Most From Your Skype/Google+ Calls

Section 4: Online Clearinghouses for Lesson Plans

• Eighteen Clearinghouses for Global Lesson Plans: everything from PBS Learning Media, Curriculum 21, Critical Multicultural Pavilion, Oxfam, UNICEF, My Wonderful World and so many more.

Section 5: Using Digital Multimedia in the Classroom

• Global Photography
• Global Videos and Audio Clips, and using our favorite YouTube channels:  National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Videos, American Museum of National History, Khan Academy, MIT, REEL Nasa
• Tapping Into News Outlets From Around the World (World News for Kids)

Section 6: Global Education Professional Development Opportunities

• Join a Ning
• The Global Education Conference—hundreds of Workshops that are Free, Online, Flexible
• Get Inspired by a Short Talk—via TED; or a Lesson—via TED.Ed
• Use Twitter to Grow in Your Teaching Practice
• Global Education Professional Development and Training Resources
• University-Affiliated Professional Development Focused on Global Ed
• Travel Opportunities for Educators at Reduced or Zero Cost
• Additional Reading for Global Education Professional Development

To learn more about educational technology tools, check out Chapter 4 of The Global Educational Toolkit for Elementary Learners. Also connect with hundreds of teachers for collaboration and more on twitter following hashtags #edtech and #globaled.