Global+Classroom

Welcome to the Global Virtual Classroom The Global Virtual Classroom (GVC) is a collection of free, online educational activities and resources. It aims to complement the efforts of governments and educators around the world to integrate technology into their classrooms and curricula and to link their schools to the Internet in educationally productive ways. The GVC vision is to empower, enable and connect students around the world using Internet technology. It provides students with a stimulating, positive and enjoyable environment along with the opportunity to develop skills that are essential in the 21st century: cross-cultural communication, collaboration through teamwork, information technology and website design. The major projects of the GVC are the annual Contest and the Clubhouse Program. During the Contest, teams from schools from around the world compete in an effort to build websites that best meet contest objectives. Each team is made up of students from schools in different countries working together. The websites are judged on the quality of their content and presentation, effective collaboration, and a focus on helping others through knowledge or activities. The contest runs from October through April, with winners announced and cash prizes awarded in May. The Clubhouse is a non-competitive flexible program focused on collaborative learning. Projects can include any topics such as: language class exchanges, environmental research, collaborative science projects, and discussion groups. This program can begin at any time and last months or multiple years. Whether students participate in the GVC contest or the interactive GVC Clubhouse, they will all be “winners” of an expanded worldwide perspective through the broadening experience of the Global Virtual Classroom.


 * It has different types of programs such as contest and clubhouse. The contest does seem more intense. You have to log in almost everyday. You work in teams and does require more work. The positive is that the students can win awards and you collaborate with more than one country. The clubhouse is less structured and doesn't have limits on participation. It also runs year round. The only down fall with this is that it isn't monitored. I would say if it isn't monitored it wouldn't be a good pick for older students who could easily get off task.**
 * Global virtual classroom**
 * This program seems to also have a lot of countries involved which would be great for students. I think if you get your students involved this would definately be a great activity for them. It could be used with homeroom kids or for enrichment purposes. The one downfall would be finding the time to participate in the contest. The site does give you great tips on how to get your students involved. It suggests creating a bulletin board and keep up communication with the other classroom. Also it suggests sending videos to introduce your students.**