Global knowledge

Global knowledge refers to that knowledge beyond popular, local or indigenous context. It has cross curricular characteristics as it is highly generalized and transcends cultural boundaries. Nowadays we live in a squally world where computer mediated communication and the advance of information communication technologies makes knowledge more accessible and instantly exposed to everybody. Knowledge is there, from every kind, everywhere, just a click of distance, and that’s why global knowledge can develop multiple intelligences and is in a constant change of growth. According to Ching it has certain areas of competency such as: Knowledge management, which deals with knowing what to know, how to manage identification, sourcing, documentation and application of that stream of information.  Teachers are no longer the owners of the knowledge, information is there, exposed to everybody and waiting to be accomplished. It is our work to create and be part of this knowledge society.

Besides, it is necessary to develop good interpersonal and communication skills to make ourselves understood, and properly deal with media. It is a never ending process, which all of us, specially adults are learning; we used to  learn things our way, follow a scheme, trying not to skip any ladder, but things seem to be different now, we need to get used to it, now technology can facilitate our lives, you can follow more flexible ways of learning, focusing on what you really want to reinforce, according to your learning style, depending if you are visual, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, naturalist or logic mathematician, you can find thousands of sources to help yourself learn and going faster to the right place you want to go. Technology has always helped humankind and society, that’s why we need to understand others and expect their reciprocity. Everybody has a different culture and history which we all together can help develop, millennials are the ones who are faster creating content in this new society but we can take part of this process too.

We need to show the right attitude of genuine respect and understanding of knowledge, and intercultural differences, in that purpose, we should learn more than one language to be able to interact; we need to be smart enough to respect customs, traditions, and indigenous knowledge, fighting against the drawbacks of globalized education. We need to value intelligence, information is a source to develop intelligence but it is not its ultimate goal, information is everywhere, the key is to know how to sort and use it. We cannot be indulgent with virtual world, and breakdown community, it is as important to interact with virtual societies as it is to have healthy relationships with real people in face to face interactions; we need to be part of this global society but we also have to maintain our traditions, keep the indigenous culture we have inherited, the wisdom form our ancestors. Only in that way we can be more active dominating knowledge, being part of the economic and technical world without losing our essence as humans and individuals in all the areas of education, trade, politics, and culture.

Teachers need to take more into account research and project based curriculum, favor interaction and expose kids to different cultures, make them realize every person is unique and belongs to this wonderful world full of differences and similarities both such important. We need to integrate culture and implement cross curricular activities, help students construct content in the right, respectful way, under the frame of a pedagogy which favors equality and reduce prejudice.  In order to do this, we can implement technology in effective ways, favoring collaboration and divergent thinking. But it is required to have committed teachers, consistent policies over time to get desired results, and get parents and government actively involved. It is in our hands the future of our global society, we cannot allow losing identity but we have to be more open and respectful with global society in this global village.

After the reflection still remains a question I would like to share with you: What activities can we implement in our lesson plan to take into account diversity and global learning when teaching academic matters?

References
Bennet, M. (s.f.). Diversity in the classroom. Retrieved el 01 de 03 de 2014, de http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yprbmGHKNg

Burke, Pat (2001, October). Diversity, learning style and culture. In New Horizons for Learning, Retrieved October 3, 2008, from http://education.jhu.edu/newhorizons/strategies/topics/Learning%20Styles/diversity.html

Franzoni, A., & Assar, S. (2009). Student Learning Styles Adaptation Method Based on Teaching Strategies and Electronic Media. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 12(4), 15-29. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier Database.

Mo Ching, M. (n.d).Global Knowledge for a Learning Society. Retrieved from http://www2.unescobkk.org/elib/publications/aceidconf6/themeone.pdf