Have You Flattened Your Classroom Walls?

On March 16th, I was privileged to see Julie Lindsay speak at the ECIS Technology Conference.  If you’ve never heard of Julie Lindsay, she is the co-author of the book Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds.  Julie talked to us about the importance of connection, citizenship and collaboration in regards to technology.  Her program allows students from around the world to “flatten the classroom walls” and “bring in the world”.  Centered in Australia herself, Julie’s projects help students from around the world connect and become global citizens through technology. 

In addition to ongoing projects, like the Eracism Project, Flat Classrooms also has yearly conference.  This conference is different than most conferences in two ways.  First, it includes both teachers and students, having real life conversations about how to increase international collaboration.  The other way that their conference is different is that during the conference you are creating and collaborating the whole time.  The conference also includes hands on creation.  Their next conference is in Hawaii.

Another professional development opportunity offered by Flat Classroom is a Flat Classroom Certification Course, which counts for 2 college credits.

I have missed the deadlines for this round of Flat Classroom Projects, but completely intend to get my students involved in the next round.  In the meantime, I am working with some other teachers at Global Teacher Connect to flatten my classroom walls through our collaborative projects.  Please feel free to join us in our pursuit of collaboration.

Check out her Julie Lindsay's keynote here:

Leave me a comment about your thoughts on ways you can flatten your classroom walls and feel free to stop by next Sunday for more information the other presentations from the ECIS Conference.