Teachers Boost Global Collaboration Abilities with Hybrid Approach

A research project that evaluated an education cluster formed among teachers in Delaware has concluded that following the hybrid model of teaching is an effective approach to help teachers integrate international education into their instruction. Researcher Wendy Modzelewski, who is a consultant in instructional technology for the Delaware Center for Education Technology, analyzed the International Education Technology Cluster for her Ph.D. dissertation.

The cluster used a hybrid model, combining face-to-face interaction with an online professional development course and classroom and project-based learning created by iEarn-USA. The latter is an organization that enables teachers and students to work together online across international borders. It has a membership spanning 130 countries and 30,000 schools.

The cluster approach, wrote Modzelewski, "increased teacher global education skills." She added that the greatest gain in pedagogical skills recognition was the teachers' ability to integrate international education into the curriculum.

An unintended finding of the study was that the teachers "greatly enjoyed the professional development experience and in turn shared their excitement and enthusiasm for learning with their students," reported Modzelewski.

Teachers involved in the effort came from across the state and most had little background in international collaboration. The most important skill they learned, Modzelewski said, was integrating global education into existing curriculum for content areas other than global education.

"As Dr. Modzelewski points out, this study 'demonstrates that teachers can be taught the skill of integration,'" said Edwin Gragert, executive director of iEarn-USA. "And based on her research, the model can be replicated in states across the country."

Participants in the iEarn online course were grouped by content area and networked with their peers internationally to examine international projects conducted with students. They also held online discussions about integrating international projects into their curriculum, aligned projects to their curriculum and content standards, and addressed integration issues with experienced educators.

According to Modzelewski, first-hand, authentic communication between student peers increased the level of student engagement and interest in the projects. One teacher, she said, reported that her students were reluctant learners. "But as soon as they heard that they would be sharing their principles for successful living, one of an iEarn project's goals, with others from around the world, they were eager to get started."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.