5 Ways to Break Down the Walls of Your Classroom with Tech You Can Do

Inspiration
The world we live in has so many amazing opportunities for our students to connect beyond the walls of our classrooms. Yet it can be overwhelming to DO this. Recently, I was able to sit in on two sessions where groups of 4th graders were able to converse with scientists from a different state! If you are willing, try out at least one of the activities - low-risk - below. I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Description 

No, I'm NOT suggesting you throw your computer at a brick wall (maybe cinderblock is a more accurate description) ... but seriously. Our devices give us the opportunity to connect like never before! It can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. Any good teacher knows that hands-on & interactive learning tops lecture any day. 

Field trips are nice ... but a LOT of planning! Not to mention cost. And even more, the weather plays a role, lunchtime, the school day, chaperones, special circumstances, and the list goes on. If you have Internet connection and a little bit of technology, you and your students have unlimited possibilities just waiting!

Take a field trip just about anywhere in the world! No permission slips, no weather worries, no buses needed! Search the list of over 700 available Expeditions - climb Mt. Everest ... explore the Galapagos Islands ... see what it's like to be paid to eat chocolate! ... college tours ... explore the volcanoes of Hawaii ... and on & on!

Here's what you need:

✅ iPads (or a handheld mobile devices)
✅ FREE Expeditions app
✅ Google account (teacher only ... to be the "lead explorer"
✅ Google Sheet with ALL 700+ available Expeditions [LINK]