Embracing Global Education in a Virtual Programming Classroom: My Three-Pronged Approach

With the Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms program finally complete, I am filled with both excitement and anticipation about integrating global education into my lessons. As a virtual school instructor specializing in programming, I know I face several hurdles. However, everything I've learned through this experience has shown me that integrating global education into my lessons is possible. To start, I have identified three different strategies for incorporating global education into my virtual classroom.

1. The "Wrap" Method 

The first approach I call the "Wrap." This method involves taking an existing lesson and wrapping global education concepts around it. I already use this technique in my weekly live lessons. While I enjoy it, I sometimes worry that the message might get lost in the delivery. My goal is to refine this approach to ensure the global perspective is clear and impactful, perhaps by being more intentional with examples or tying in current global events that resonate with the topic at hand.

2. Solving Global Issues with Technology

The second strategy I want to explore involves using technology to solve global issues. These are larger, 1-2 session long project-based assignments that might be difficult to implement daily, but I see great potential for them as semester-end projects in my intermediate programming course. By working on real-world problems, students not only apply their programming skills but also gain an understanding of global challenges and how technology can be a force for good.

3. Mini Project-Based Learning

The final approach I plan to implement is a series of mini, project-based lessons focused on global education themes. I haven't fully developed this idea yet, as we are still in the early part of the semester, but I see this as a valuable opportunity to engage students in hands-on, meaningful projects. I envision rolling out these mini-projects towards the end of the semester when students have built a solid foundation and are ready to tackle more complex, globally-focused problems.

One of the most significant challenges I face as a virtual teacher is time. I don’t see my students daily; many I see only once a week. Reaching and engaging as many students as possible is challenging in this format, which prompts me to find activities that are not only engaging but also compelling enough to draw students in from the start. I see this year as a trial run for integrating global education into my programming courses. I’ve been teaching long enough to know that I’ll discover what works and what doesn’t—and I'm okay with both. 

I firmly believe in the importance of this mission. Helping students see their place in both local and global communities, and helping them recognize diverse experiences and perspectives, is a crucial life skill no matter what career path they choose. I'm excited about the journey ahead and am brimming with ideas. My hope is that this enthusiasm will carry on for many years to come.