Step 10: Connect with Other Classes (ll)

 International Dot Day
 Every year, millions of educators and students connect on or around September 15th to celebrate creativity, courage and collaboration. Participating in International Dot Day is simple. You sign up on the website, read The Dot Book to your class, and express yourself in any way that’s in line with themes from the book. Then finally, you are invited to connect with other classes around the world and the Dot Day organizers can help you to do this.
Skype in the classroom 
Skype in the classroom is an online community that enables teachers to bring the world into their classroom via Skype.
Class can go on virtual field trip, play mystery Skype and meet (for first time) with guest speakers. Participate in a global collaboration project and to take part in a Skype lesson. Teachers can sign up for Skype in the classroom on the Microsoft Educator website.Skype
Here are, some examples of class blogging share their Mystery location sessions:
1. Participating in #pvskype24
2. Mrs. Krebs’ Mystery Skype
The Global Read Aloud
The Global Read Aloud was created by Pernille Ripp in 2010 and now is very popular. It is a yearly event that spans 6 weeks starting each October. Participants sign up to read the same book aloud to their students and then use any form of technology (Skype, blogs, Edmodo,etc.) to connect throughout the 6 weeks. This quote from Pernille explains The Global Read Aloud concept:
“ Global collaboration is necessary to show students that they are part of something bigger than them. That the world needs to be protected and that we need to care for all people. You can show them pictures of kids in other countries but why not have them speak to each other? Then the caring can begin.”
Twitter
Lots of educators use class Twitter accounts in conjunction with their class blogs to connect with other classes and content experts. Here are some tips for using Twitter with students:
1. Set up a classroom Twitter account separate from your personal account.
2. If you decide to use a personal hashtag(#), make sure it is not being used by others.
3. Carefully select who you follow as students will see all tweets by any account you are following.
4. Make sure parents are aware you are using Twitter in class and check your school’s policies to find out if parents need to sign a permission form.The Educators Twitter Guide