Use Technology to Develop Global Competence | Asia Society Skip to main content

Unsupported Browser Detected.
It seems the web browser you're using doesn't support some of the features of this site. For the best experience, we recommend using a modern browser that supports the features of this website. We recommend Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge

  • Chinese Language Learning
    • Mandarin Jumpstart
    • National Chinese Language Conference
    • Teaching Resources Hub
    • Language Learning Supporters
  • Global Competency Resources
    • About Global Competence
    • Global Competency Resources
    • Teaching for Global Understanding
    • Asia Society at Home
    • Thought Leadership
    • Education For Equity
  • About
    • About
    • Results and Opportunities
    • News and Events
Search
Education
  • Chinese Language Learning
    • Mandarin Jumpstart
    • National Chinese Language Conference
    • Teaching Resources Hub
    • Language Learning Supporters
  • Global Competency Resources
    • About Global Competence
    • Global Competency Resources
    • Teaching for Global Understanding
    • Asia Society at Home
    • Thought Leadership
    • Education For Equity
  • About
    • About
    • Results and Opportunities
    • News and Events

Use Technology to Develop Global Competence

Technology and the world (retrorocket/istockphoto)

Computers, video conferencing, computer games, online courses, blogs, video-sharing Web sites, smart phones, Web 2.0 tools, help connect our world like never before. They have bridged distances and increased our opportunities to learn from each other: to see new places, meet new people, explore other cultures, learn new languages, and share and develop ideas. Bringing the world into the classroom has never been faster, easier, or more motivating for teachers and students.

Educators agree on two key points. First, technology provides vital tools for 21st-century learning. Also, today’s students are indisputably motivated by technology. Digital devices are already familiar gateways to the world for today’s students. Used thoughtfully, these technologies can give students meaningful connections to people, places, and issues far beyond their own neighborhood.

How can different digital tools and formats be used to promote global learning within content standards for accountability? These technologies should not be considered a supplement for existing curricula, nor should they be limited to technology training courses. Instead, they can be used to help teachers meet their global learning goals across multiple curricular areas. Technology-based projects can be easily aligned to district and state standards.

A highly qualified professional in the knowledge economy requires the ability to pose critical questions and develop defensible responses to complex challenges. In developing these skills, teachers and students can tap a host of digital technologies. Locating and manipulating information online, collaborating in virtual work teams, and presenting and publishing via digital platforms is preparation for the future in a world that increasingly runs on technology.

Investigate the World

Digital technologies can help students investigate their world in many classes and curricular areas. A case in point is Google Earth, which is changing the face of geography, history, and science instruction. Students can investigate regions via satellite views or get street-level views of a specific location. Real-time views of ancient sites in Turkey or new construction in Hong Kong via Google Earth enlivens the study of places beyond the classroom in ways that photos and, in some cases, even video can’t match.

Randolph Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia, has a very diverse student population. Connecting to cultures that originate thousands of miles away can be challenging, but Randolph’s teachers turn to digital technologies to bridge the divide. They use Google Earth to discover the ancestral homes of students new to the United States and those whose families have been here for generations, as they study family histories in their curriculum. Lessons with this kind of personal association motivate students more than simply reading about cultures here or abroad.

Recognize and Weigh Perspectives

Globally competent students are able to weigh their own perspectives and those of others and also against the perspectives that data, science, and history offers. Students can also understand and articulate the differences between these points of view. One exciting way to provide such experiences is through digital technologies, which have been a major force in providing extended opportunities for global exploration, learning, and reflection. These technologies are especially valuable to students who don't have the opportunity to travel. Virtual worlds immerse young learners in a new environment and encourage exploration. Panwapa, for example, is an online virtual world created just for children, in the preschool and primary grades, by Sesame Workshop. Its Muppet characters have a familiar look and activities are designed specifically to help four- through seven-year-olds build respect and empathy for others, to spark an interest in other languages and global learning, and to develop a sense of responsibility as global citizens. Children join this virtual community and create their own avatar, select their home country, and even design a flag for it.

Third graders at Sugar Creek Elementary School in Verona, Wisconsin, have begun a virtual partnership with Morland Primary School in Ipswich, England. Students on both sides of the Atlantic share a Web site where they post photos and joint assignments. They have shared haiku, New Year’s resolutions, and videos in which they introduce themselves.

Online networks foster global perspectives among students by connecting them directly to peers around the world through collaborative learning projects. One of the most popular is the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN). This nonprofit organization connects classrooms around the world via the Internet and other digital technologies. Classrooms work together on projects that meet learning objectives and have an impact on issues that affect students in all nations.

Communicate Ideas

Communicating ideas with peers in other countries is an important way to build global understandings. Clyde Erwin Elementary Magnet School in Jacksonville, North Carolina, connects with its sister school in Puebla, Mexico, through Elluminate, a Web conferencing program that also uses an interactive white board. Staff members won a grant to help Clyde Erwin students and their counterparts in Puebla collaborate on a book-authoring and -publishing project. They collaboratively published a book about “Canela” and “Erwin,” two teddy bears (one from each school) who visited each other’s country and had interesting adventures. The book was published in both English and Spanish. This type of collaborative learning works to foster cultural understandings as well as global content.

Using digital connections to communicate with native speakers, especially other students, is revolutionizing language learning. Students today can easily connect with their peers in another country, practice language skills with native speakers, see classrooms in other nations, and make a human connection with someone across the world.

You Might Also Like

  • MAGC 2022
    article
     /  Australia

    Asia Society Australia Celebrates Local Game Changers

    The Melbourne Asia Game Changers Awards 2022.
  • 10.19.22 Thumbnail Image
    article
     /  Northern California

    Seeking Truth Through Facts 2022: Pathways for U.S.-China Research Collaboration

    October 19, 2022 — Watch video from ASNC's Hybrid Program on Pathways for U.S.-China Research Collaboration - Current Challenges and Pathways Forward
  • elina tatl
    video
     /  Switzerland

    Talk at the Library: 'Cyber Attacks Are Becoming Increasingly Sophisticated'

    Elina Noor talks about ethics and standards of data and artificial intelligence in Southeast Asia and draws from her experience from co-authoring the recently published report.
  • 10.06.22 - Cover
    article
     /  Northern California

    Seeking Truth Through Facts 2022: The Avoidable U.S.-China War – A Conversation with Condoleezza Rice and Kevin Rudd

    October 6, 2022 — Watch video from ASNC's in-person program with Asia Society President and CEO and Former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, and former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice at Hoover Institution
  • Asia NEXT
    Switzerland

    Executive Program: Asia NEXT

    Asia NEXT is a half-year program offered exclusively to employees of partners of Asia Society Switzerland. The program is aimed at rising talents interested in increasing their understanding of important trends and issues in Asia.
  • Mental Healt Digital Age
    article
     /  India

    Mental Health in the Digital Age

    On July 23 2019, Asia Society India Centre hosted a panel discussion with Dr. Amit Malik, Dr Anjali Chhabria, Shreevatsa Nevatia and Harnidh Kaur on the rising cases of internet addiction in India and possible measures to address them.
  • Future Forward Zipline
    article
     /  Philippines

    Drones and the Future of Tech Revolution

    Technological innovations over the years have revolutionized the world and has changed people’s lives. It is technology that has brought the world closer and reshaped how industries work, and the healthcare industry is no different. Technol
  • TRUST - DALLAS WEST END STATION SERIES
    interview
     /  Asia 21 Young Leaders

    Meet the D.C. Engineer Working on a Better Braille Alternative

    Asia 21 Young Leader Roopam Sharma talks about his entrepreneurial journey to date and the future vision of his work.
  • Jamie Metzl and Sanil V
    article
     /  India

    The World Re-engineered

    On November 23, 2018, Jamie Metzl and Sanil V. discussed the technological revolutions in AI (artificial intelligence) and genetic engineering, and the subsequent impact they will have on humanity’s future.
  • Technology tools

    Technology Tools for Global Education

    Helpful technology tools for global collaboration projects, professional development, curriculum, and more.

Read

  • paper

    Determining the Future of the Internet: The U.S.-China Divergence

    In this first paper of the paper series, Reading China's Digital Dream, Johanna Costigan writes about what values inform China and the United States’ approach to regulating and shaping the internet.
  • article

    The Future of U.S. & China: Moving Towards the Edge 2023

    Jan 12, 2023 — Check out our event recap and watch images and videos from "The Future of U.S. & China: Moving Towards the Edge 2023"
  • article

    Asia Society Australia Celebrates Local Game Changers

    The Melbourne Asia Game Changers Awards 2022.
  • article

    Seeking Truth Through Facts 2022: Pathways for U.S.-China Research Collaboration

    October 19, 2022 — Watch video from ASNC's Hybrid Program on Pathways for U.S.-China Research Collaboration - Current Challenges and Pathways Forward
  • video

    Talk at the Library: 'Cyber Attacks Are Becoming Increasingly Sophisticated'

    Elina Noor talks about ethics and standards of data and artificial intelligence in Southeast Asia and draws from her experience from co-authoring the recently published report.

Watch

  • Current Affairs
     /  France

    Conversations France-Asie 2022: Make the Youth Dream Again - Tech with Purpose

    Eve Ben-Haim, Jean Denerolle, Thibaud Dumas, Edouard Fillias, Yukari Hara, Yvonne Kim, Hadrien de Montferrand, Alice Wang, and Marine Mallinson discuss technology with a purpose.
    Watch Now
  • Arts
     /  Southern California

    2022 U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit: Evolution of Entertainment

    Randy Ahn, Jason Kwong, Rebecca Liao, and Tina Trankiem discuss the future of content creation, streaming, and web3 with Heidi Chung.
    Watch Now
  • Current Affairs
     /  Switzerland

    State of Asia 2022: The State of Technology

    John Lee, Shotaro Tani, and Nico Luchsinger discuss the region’s standing in the global race for technology supremacy.
    Watch Now
  • Current Affairs
     /  New York

    The Evolution of Emerging Technologies: What are They, How will They Impact Us and What are the Benefits and Risks?

    Amanda Cassatt, Marco DeMiraz, Mathew Sweezey, and Jeff Wong discuss new technologies and their economic and societal benefits and risks.
    Watch Now
  • Current Affairs
     /  Philippines

    A21 Conversations: Trailblazers in Data Science and Technology

    Ibba Bernardo, Erika Legara, and Steph Sy share insights about their role as leaders and how they continue to improve lives through data science and technology.
    Watch Now
About
  • Mission & History
  • Our People
  • Become a Member
  • Career Opportunities
  • Corporate Involvement
visit us
  • Hong Kong
  • New York
  • Texas
global network
  • Australia
  • France
  • India
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Northern California
  • Philippines
  • Southern California
  • Switzerland
  • Washington, D.C.
resources
  • Arts
  • Asia Society Magazine
  • ChinaFile
  • Current Affairs
  • Education
  • For Kids
  • Policy
  • Video
shop
  • AsiaStore
initiatives
  • Arts & Museum Summit
  • Asia 21 Young Leaders
  • Asia Arts Game Changer Awards
  • Asia Game Changer Awards
  • Asia Society Museum: The Asia Arts & Museum Network
  • Asia Society Policy Institute
  • Asian Women Empowered
  • Center on U.S.-China Relations
  • China Learning Initiatives
  • Coal + Ice
  • Creative Voices of Muslim Asia
  • Global Cities Education Network
  • Global Talent Initiatives
  • U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit
  • U.S.-China Dialogue
  • U.S.-China Museum Summit
Connect
Email Signup For the media
Asia Society logo
©2023 Asia Society | Privacy Statement | Accessibility | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Contact

Asia Society takes no institutional position on policy issues and has no affiliation with any government.
The views expressed by Asia Society staff, fellows, experts, report authors, program speakers, board members, and other affiliates are solely their own. Learn more.

 

 

  • Visit Us
  • Hong Kong
  • New York
  • Texas
  • Global Network
  • Australia
  • France
  • India
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Northern California
  • Philippines
  • Southern California
  • Switzerland
  • Washington, DC