Best Global And Cross Cultural Education Apps And Websites
Use these global perspective and cross-cultural education tools to raise the stakes of learning, creating authentic learning opportunities that build empathy and broaden students' perspectives. Through the study of other places and cultures, students can even better understand their own culture (and biases and privileges). They can explore the similarities and differences among people, and the shared global challenges -- like climate change and inequality -- that require global, cross-cultural collaboration and deep empathy. These picks will help students build these skills. Students will also grasp how big -- and small -- the world really is, and that it's full of discoveries to make and problems to solve. Bottom Line: Large collection of approachable, fun multimedia resources about animals, habitats, countries, and cultures.
Bottom Line: This is a must-bookmark site for classrooms across the curriculum hunting for inspiring place-based resources. Bottom Line: Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots will inspire you to lead change in your community. Bottom Line: Offers a delightful and accessible way for kids to learn about the world's cultures. Empatico: An initiative of The KIND Foundation, this free online tool connects students aged 7–11 to classrooms around the world using video conference technology. Activities are standards-based and designed to promote meaningful interactions and positive perceptions. ePals: A community of collaborative classrooms engaged in cross-cultural exchanges, project sharing, and language learning.
(Free) Generation Global: Online platform for connecting students to peers around the world. (Free) Global Nomads Group: Videoconferencing, virtual reality, and other interactive technologies bring young people together across cultural and national boundaries to examine world issues and to learn from experts in a variety of fields. Website includes lesson plans, videos, and other resources. (Free)
Global Read Aloud: Classrooms around the world read books together. (Free) In today’s diverse classrooms, digital tools must reflect, respect, and amplify student voices across all cultural backgrounds. When technology authentically connects with students’ lived experiences, it transforms from a mere instructional aid into a powerful catalyst for engagement and deeper learning. Culturally relevant digital tools bridge the gap between traditional education and students’ cultural identities, creating learning experiences that resonate with personal meaning and real-world relevance. These tools go beyond surface-level representation, enabling students to see themselves in the curriculum while developing critical digital literacy skills essential for success in our interconnected world.
The strategic integration of culturally responsive technology breaks down barriers, amplifies marginalized voices, and creates inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued and empowered. By thoughtfully selecting and implementing digital resources that honor diverse perspectives, educators can foster equity, promote cultural understanding, and prepare students for meaningful participation in our global society. As we navigate the evolving landscape of educational technology, the imperative to choose and utilize culturally relevant digital tools becomes increasingly crucial. These resources not only enhance academic achievement but also affirm students’ cultural identities, creating a foundation for lifelong learning and cross-cultural competence. When students see themselves and their cultural experiences reflected in digital learning tools, it creates powerful opportunities for building confidence and personal identity. Digital platforms that incorporate diverse perspectives, languages, and cultural references help students feel valued and understood in the learning environment.
For example, apps that feature characters from various ethnic backgrounds, multilingual content options, or culturally specific storytelling elements can make learning more relatable and engaging. With so many great edtech tools out there, it’s easier than ever to help students experience the world right from the classroom. Introducing students to new people, ideas, and cultures can happen virtually with appropriate apps and technology. Sifting through the best ones can be time-consuming, so we turned to some experts—our Ambassador Teachers! We polled Ambassador Teachers on what their favorite websites and apps are to use for cultural exchange in their classrooms. Here are the winners!
Teachers mentioned Padlet as a tool they like to use for cultural exchange activities. Teachers can create online boards, or Padlets, on the website or app and invite students to collaborate on them. The Padlets have lots of options for customization and support most file types, so they are flexible to use. Students can collaborate in real time by sharing videos, notes, pictures, or audio recordings on the platform. Students can respond to one another by leaving replies, up-voting, or favoriting comments. With lots of options for interaction, Padlet is a great tool for getting students to relate to one another, no matter where they are located.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re probably all familiar with Zoom. Teachers use Zoom to connect with other classrooms in different parts of the world through virtual meetings. With easy-to-use technology and video, this is a great platform for students to “meet” their peers from all over the world. *The Tech Edvocate is pleased to produce its “Best of the Best” resource lists. These lists provide our readers with rankings for edtech-related blogs, twitter accounts, influencers, products, etc. These lists are meant to be fluid, and for that reason, they are regularly updated to provide up to the moment information.*
America’s “melting pot” status is one that most citizens are proud to claim. The fact that people here often refer to themselves as one ethnicity or another, and rarely as just an American, is proof that being from somewhere else – however far removed – is a... Even African Americans, who do not always have an Ellis Island story in the family tree, find collective strength in the stories of their ancestors and what it means for their lives today. This blending of cultures is both a blessing and curse of the K-12 classroom. With more diversity than ever, teachers have to adjust methods from one student to the next, and from one year to the next. Multiculturalism is about more than a classroom with varied skin color – it includes careful examination of the neighborhoods, parenting styles and general experiences that shape each and every K-12 student.
In response, a goal of education has to be to help all students become respectful of the multitudes of cultures and people that they’ll interact with once they exit the educational setting. This can be a daunting task for the educator, given that the world as a whole is infinitely more complex and diverse than the microcosmic environment that the student inhabits. In ideal educational and social settings, there is a marked tendency for students to exhibit classic in-group/out-group behaviors. In general, most students are comfortable interacting with people, actions, and ideas that they are familiar with but react with fear and apprehension when faced with the unfamiliar. Among its other goals, culturally responsive instruction aims to educate students that differences in viewpoint and culture are to be cherished and appreciated rather than judged and feared. Aperian is a platform for cross-cultural training and learning content that creates meaningful collaboration, stronger teams, and greater innovation.
Cross Cultural Connect (CCC) is the next generation of education. We’re revolutionizing the way students learn about and engage with different cultures to give them a better chance of thriving in an increasingly-global world. By integrating cutting-edge technology, student to student immersive experiences, and hands-on learning, CCC transforms education into a dynamic and engaging journey that extends far beyond the traditional classroom. We address the real needs of students and educators who are hungry for meaningful, practical, and interactive learning experiences. This is for the trailblazers – high school students, educators, traveling school groups, and school administrators who are leading conversations and driving real change in the way our education systems prepare our children for... We currently operate successful programs in both Costa Rica and the United States with plans to expand once again worldwide in 2025-2026 (we have connected with countries like New Zealand, India, Mexico, and Ethiopia...
If you’re tired of the same old textbooks and want to bring your classroom to life, CCC is your ticket. Your students won’t just learn—they’ll experience. In a world where business and education is increasingly global – CCC helps students to not only prepare for success in their post-graduate lives, but to make a massive impact in improving the world... This resource guide has materials to help you learn about different countries' cultures, languages, demographics, history, religions, and communication norms in preparation for intercultural learning experiences. The list of resources includes current data sources, media, and intercultural learning tools from around the world. There are external links available for students working on intercultural projects and programs, which might be useful for online collaborations or while studying abroad.
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Use These Global Perspective And Cross-cultural Education Tools To Raise
Use these global perspective and cross-cultural education tools to raise the stakes of learning, creating authentic learning opportunities that build empathy and broaden students' perspectives. Through the study of other places and cultures, students can even better understand their own culture (and biases and privileges). They can explore the similarities and differences among people, and the sha...
Bottom Line: This Is A Must-bookmark Site For Classrooms Across
Bottom Line: This is a must-bookmark site for classrooms across the curriculum hunting for inspiring place-based resources. Bottom Line: Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots will inspire you to lead change in your community. Bottom Line: Offers a delightful and accessible way for kids to learn about the world's cultures. Empatico: An initiative of The KIND Foundation, this free online tool connects stude...
(Free) Generation Global: Online Platform For Connecting Students To Peers
(Free) Generation Global: Online platform for connecting students to peers around the world. (Free) Global Nomads Group: Videoconferencing, virtual reality, and other interactive technologies bring young people together across cultural and national boundaries to examine world issues and to learn from experts in a variety of fields. Website includes lesson plans, videos, and other resources. (Free)
Global Read Aloud: Classrooms Around The World Read Books Together.
Global Read Aloud: Classrooms around the world read books together. (Free) In today’s diverse classrooms, digital tools must reflect, respect, and amplify student voices across all cultural backgrounds. When technology authentically connects with students’ lived experiences, it transforms from a mere instructional aid into a powerful catalyst for engagement and deeper learning. Culturally relevant...
The Strategic Integration Of Culturally Responsive Technology Breaks Down Barriers,
The strategic integration of culturally responsive technology breaks down barriers, amplifies marginalized voices, and creates inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued and empowered. By thoughtfully selecting and implementing digital resources that honor diverse perspectives, educators can foster equity, promote cultural understanding, and prepare students for meaningful pa...