Reaching out to transform the world

This entry was written by Nakoneshny, Reginald.  He found it at http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/
credited to  Michael Gorman.

Now that you are all WIKI and BLOG experts, a very enriching exercise is connecting with another classroom or perhaps you would like to start a joint project in the form of a blog or wiki with another classroom or teacher somewhere in the world.  The links below offer several alternatives to do so.  The list contains websites that make it easy to connect with another teacher, classroom or school.  What a better way to learn about another culture or geo than connecting with the resident experts and in turn, sharing your expertise with them.  Oh the places you'll go, the people you'll meet, the things you'll see!

Reg

Websites that connect students and classrooms to others across the world using PBL
ePals – This link will direct you to the free portion of ePals Global Community. It is the world’s largest network of K-12 classrooms, enabling students and teachers to safely connect and collaborate with classrooms in more than 200 countries and territories. Offered at no cost to classrooms, educators can access the community to find collaborative projects, join discussions in the community forums, and search thousands of classroom profiles to engage with others in authentic exchanges – all within in a safe, protected online environment. This free community provides a platform to make PBL a relevant real world experience.
iEARN -  An amazing community and platform covering 130 Countries, 30 Languages, 40,000 Educators, and 2 Million Youth. iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) is the world’s largest non-profit global network that enables teachers and youth to use the Internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects that enhance learning and make a difference in the world. At iEARN you will a unique way to engage students in project based learning that extends beyond the four classroom walls.
Flat Classroom Project – Join this global collaborative project that connects together middle and senior high school students. This project is part of the emerging tend in internationally-aware schools to embrace a holistic and constructivist educational approach to work collaboratively with others around the world in order to create students who are competitive and globally-minded.
GlobalShoolNet – A group that includes a mission to support 21st century learning and improve academic performance through content-driven collaboration. You will discover  e-learning projects worldwide to develop science, math, literacy and communication skills, foster teamwork, civic responsibility and collaboration, encourage workforce preparedness and create multi-cultural understanding. Take a look at some of the outstanding efforts including a Product Registry area that allows educators to find projects and potential partners. How about an InternationalCyber Fair or check out the Doors to Diplomacy project.
ThinkQuest - An online learning community that integrates technology-based activities into the curriculum with ease. Students can collaborate in a protected environment accessible only to member schools. Students and teachers can connect with peers around the world and embark on a journey of discovery and innovation.
Global Nomads -The  GNG  mission is to foster dialogue and understanding amongst the world’s youth by bringing the world to the classroom via interactive technology. There are some amazing stories and links. Some programs are free and some do have a cost.
Global Collaboration – This is a Ning that is dedicated to connecting educators across the globe. You can find a lot of opportunities with in their forum.