GLOBAL EDUCATION NETWORK (GEN)

New technologies and telecommunications networks have dramatically transformed all facets of life, from medicine to agriculture, entertainment to politics, and economics to service industries (Milken Foundation, 1999).

                Access to information, and therefore knowledge, is becoming increasingly available to citizens in many countries where access was formerly enjoyed only by a privileged few. They also present challenges in many forms (Hallberg and Bond, 1996).

This paper examines the opportunities and challenges associated with technology in the delivery of education worldwide, with a focus on developing countries. There are profound implications for governments, educators and students around the world. The paper offers some practical suggestions for education policy makers and leaders in further incorporating technology in global education systems.

Most observers acknowledge that there are barriers associated with technology acquisition and use, no matter what the intended purpose. Many of the world's economic systems are deeply steeped in a principle of tradition that discourages access to technology. Individuals who seek access may do so for personal, professional or educational growth. The Milken Foundation identifies five criteria that characterize a scenario for technology acquisition, informed use, productive output, and contributions to development. Those considering acquiring new or additional technology should consider these questions as a framework.

• First, what is it that technology will do for students and educators that is compelling enough to make all the effort worthwhile? (The Incentives)
• Second, what is it that communities need in order to make informed decisions and wise use of technology and telecommunications for improvements in learning? (Capacity building)
• Third, what is getting in the way of educators and students effectively using technology and how can we fix the system to get rid of these barriers? (System Changing)
• Fourth, what is it that we need in order to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn in a technology-enriched learning environment? (Mandates)
• Fifth, how will we know it when we see it? What does success look like in terms of student performance? What indicators will we be using? How will the data be collected? What evidence will be analyzed and evaluated against which benchmarks? (Benchmarking) (Milken Foundation, 1998.)

Why is global important?
Our world is becoming both increasingly diverse and increasingly connected, which means that children will need new skill sets in order to communicate and collaborate and to work and play together.

Why Technology?
I believe that technology can be instrumental in creating global learning experiences because technology has the power to breakdown geographical, economical, language, and time-zone barriers. Technology also allows for a two-way street.

Today, we are increasingly connected to the rest of the world:

·         Economic crisis as far away as Greece have an immediate effect on our stock market.

·         An Ebola outbreak in Africa spreads fear globally and dominates the news.

·         Cyber attacks that cause disruption or compromise information are launched from any location on earth.

·         Automobile exhausts in the U.S. and coal-burning power plants in China both contribute to air pollution and global climate change.

Yet many US citizens are insular, unaware of world geography, unable to communicate in languages other than English, and insensitive to cultural differences. Today’s challenges can be addressed successfully only if we can develop cooperative and trusting relationships across the world. Our ability to educate and prepare the world’s future leaders in politics, business, and education along with our determination to set positive examples for the value of democracy, civility, and human rights can shape the future of the world.

However, there were many barriers to preparing students adequately for a global economy and society. The most significant barriers include limited resources, language barriers, and lack of mobility of students.

Meeting The Challenge

New technologies provide ways to overcome the traditional barriers to global education and language learning.  Students sign up for online classes that are taught by educators who are nowhere near where the students live.
A significant benefit to instant global communications is that students can improve their language skills through student-to-student conversations regardless of where they live. 

Peer-to-Peer video conferencing also creates the opportunity for students to build an international network of friends and contacts. A global contact network built from having personal conversations with other students around the world will provide lasting benefits throughout the student’s career.  Being bilingual is more than being able to read and write in a second language. Communication through speaking is a very important element.

Through the use of Peer-to-Peer video conferencing, students can study new languages and to learn about cultural differences while building a global support network.  Students who take advantage of online access tools, such as TheTalkList, can use their devices to reach the peers nearly anywhere in the world. 

Best Practices for Online Access Tools
Using Online access tools provides many advantages to students including:

·         Choice
Large choice of tutors and others with varying ages, backgrounds, and geography.

·         Flexible and convenient scheduling
Wide calendar availability, on demand, cancellation policy

·         Pricing         
Variable pricing, no contracts, trusted payment methods

·         User experience
User interfaces tailored for language learning & cultural exchange

·         Social attraction
Personal interactions that reach across cultures and borders for friendly fun while learning

·         Safety
Proper consent policy, policies to prohibit inappropriate conversations

·         Privacy
1-to-1 classes using secure video

·         Rating
Options for students to rate their experiences with tutors

GET is a global education and technology offshore company aims to provide a complete education and technology solutions provided by best selected international and local partners organizations and sister companies to obtain the optimum.

WHY GET?

GET board members code of ethics focus on the added value strategies that empower the education entities and support on the learning leadership transformation to the third millennium education strategies based on the following:

Analyzing, Planning, Designing, Implementing and Developing Strategies to greater education world, coaching to sustain and seeding to obtain the best student achievements themes that matter through a team of expertise that developed an international platform education program based on international education systems standard

References Links:

1.          http://e-teachingweb.blogspot.co.id/2016/03/global-education-network.html?showComment=1458117836732#c4136067453003231933

2.          http://horizon.unc.edu/projects/issues/papers/Veitch.html

3.          https://globalearlyed.wordpress.com/

4.          http://elearningindustry.com/global-education-%CE%B1nd-language-learning-technology

5.          http://www.edtechroundup.org/home/do-you-engage-in-technology-supported-global-education-practices-in-your-classroom

6.          http://www.getint.net/

Another references:

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3.       Association for the Advancement of International Education (1999). Home page. Retrieved June 22, 1999 from the World Wide Web: http://www.aaie.org 

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14.   Hallberg, K. and Bond, J. (1996). Revolutions in technology for development. In World Bank database. 1-9. Retrieved May 24, 1999 from the World Wide Web: http://worldbank.org/html/fpd/technet/revol.htm  

15.   International Center for Distance Learning (1999). Home page. Retrieved June 26, 1999 from the World Wide Web: http://www-icdl.open.ac.uk/ 

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