Lesson 13.2: Technology for Global Connections

Welcome, global citizens! Your final mission is to see how your new tech skills can help you connect with the whole world. Technology is like a bridge that can connect us to new friends and new ideas from faraway places. Let’s go on a virtual trip together!

What You’ll Learn

By the end of our trip, you’ll be able to:

  • Explain how technology helps us learn about different cultures.
  • Share something about your own culture with others.
  • Understand that while we have many differences, we also share many similarities with kids around the world.
  • Be a respectful and curious global citizen.

Your World Travel Plan

Technology: Our Bridge to the World (15 minutes)

  • Let’s look at a world map. This planet is huge! How can technology help us “visit” these places? (Video calls, online maps, videos).
  • We’ll explore how kids in other countries use technology. What might be the same as us? What might be different?
  • This helps us understand that while not everyone has the same things, technology is a powerful tool for learning and sharing.

A Virtual Cultural Exchange (20 minutes)

  • It’s time to share! We’re going to create a “digital postcard” about our town or culture.
  • On your postcard, you can include:
    • A cool landmark from our area.
    • Your favorite local food.
    • A fun fact about where we live!
  • If possible, we might even do a live video call to share our postcards with students in another part of the world!

We Are All Connected (12 minutes)

  • After seeing postcards from other places (or talking to other students), what did we learn?
  • What are some things that are the same for kids everywhere? (We all like to play, learn, and have friends).
  • Let’s talk about how we can use technology to solve problems that affect everyone in the world, like protecting our planet.

My Global Pledge (3 minutes)

  • Let’s think of one thing we can do to be a good global citizen. (e.g., “I will be curious about other cultures,” or “I will be kind to people online, no matter where they are from.”)

Your Traveler’s Toolkit

  • A big world map
  • A way to do a video call for our virtual exchange
  • A simple template to help you design your “digital postcard”
  • An open mind, ready to learn about the world!

How to Be a Great Global Citizen

  • How you share your own culture and show curiosity about others.
  • The Connection Test: What is one new thing you learned about another part of the world?
  • Your “Global Pledge” will show that you are ready to use your tech skills to be a positive force in the world.

New Tech Words to Master

  • Global Connections: The way people from all over the world are linked together, often through technology.
  • Cultural Exchange: Sharing and learning about different ways of life, like traditions, food, and stories.
  • Global Citizen: Someone who understands that we are all part of a big, connected world and acts in a way that is respectful and helpful to all.