Technology...is it really making a difference in schools?

As I write this blog I realize that it potentially may be read by anyone, anywhere in the world. This idea of being able to reach such a broad audience, in such an easy way, really solidifies the whole idea of "global communication".

There is no excuse these days not to expand our knowledge of other cultures...to go beyond the USA and perhaps even our comfort zone.

Technology, the internet and search engines such as Google have made it all possible and as simple as typing in a topic and hitting the enter key on a computer, smart phone, or tablet.

However, how many US students are taught to be culturally sensitive about the various cultures and customs of people they may come in contact with online?

How many of our students are actually taught or encouraged to collaborate with others around the world on projects?

Yet, global collaborations are becoming more common every day. Corporations gather the best and brightest around the world to work on projects. Business team partners are no longer the people housed in the same office building or even in the same country.

So it seems that while technology is readily available these days in most schools, whether or not students learn how to use this tool to access the wealth of information available is still to be seen, especially at the elementary level.

How can we expect our children to be prepared to be successful in a world without borders if they do not learn how to open the information window to the world?