What is virtual exchange and why do we need it in public schooling? #2

Virtual Exchange is the term used to describe “technology-enabled, sustained, people-to-people education programs”. Virtual exchange can be commonly known as Global Education or telecollaboration. Virtual Exchange is used in some classes rooms around the country, but it should be a basic part of America’s education system, and here’s why.

Having interconnected classes across the world will help create global citizenship, language learning, an appreciation of culture and show the importance of diversity. Altogether these factors could even prevent future conflicts between countries by breaking down the barriers between different cultures, religions, and races of people across the globe.

With the advancements in media and the spread of news, it very easy to be connected to other parts of the world. The invention of social media’s like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have allowed people to associate and relate with people within and outside their community. Now, imagine if we had this kind of communication in all classrooms across America? Kid’s of all ages would be able to experience the outside world in a positive light, unlike some of the flaws that can come with the addition of common social media platforms.

Whilst learning different cultures, children and teens alike would be able to understand the importance of respecting (but not always agreeing) with others opinions and viewpoints of the world, opening their eyes to other possibilities of living, as well as allowing them to develop their own opinions on the world. This broad understanding of the world can introduce children (young adults particularly) to the importance of innovation, and spark interest in how to fix not only local but global problems.

I believe that introducing the diversities of our colorful world to the developing minds of our children will birth a generation without racial, gender, and cultural inequalities.