The New "Green Card"

The term GreenCard can trigger a lot of emotion for some people. It's an admission ticket. It means, I'm legit. I have permission to be here. As the world becomes smaller in terms of more people crossing borders and having international exchanges and dialogues, which have been expedited because of increased access to technology (e.g., airplanes, email, Skype, social media). That being said, the tools needed to navigate in such a world becomes less and less of a convenience or perk and more of a survival tactic. In addition to passports, green cards, visas and other permits and government-approved identification, we also need to be card-carrying members of a digital world.

The reading, for this week, discussed digital citizenship. The concept resonated with me because I work for an organization that focuses on facilitating the development of young students into global citizens. So anything about "citizenship" catches my attention. Global citizenship calls for equipping students with the knowledge, tools and experiences, which not only helps that be present in their own communities, but also helps them see the broader world and their place in the world. Think of the children's geography book, Me on a Map. 

Our students learn about geography and culture by means of active learning as referenced in the text. Little do they realize that they are working through the application process for what I'm calling the new green card. Now this application or learning process is not through your traditional social studies books. The students are connecting to travel correspondents - college students who are studying abroad and have agreed to share their experiences with a classroom in the United States. The curriculum and resources involve hands on project, inquiry based lessons and group discussion to hone critical thinking skills. The "meat" of the program is our website, www.reachtheworld.org. On this website, educators access the journals, field notes and logbooks produced by the travelers. The content and posts allow the students to take a virtual tour of another country. They use all of their senses: Reading the posts and looking at the pictures posted by the traveler (seeing); listening to different types of music (hearing); trying different dishes referenced by the traveler in his/her notes (tasting/smelling); touching different materials suggested by the traveler (touch). All of this is facilitated through technology in a very creative and thoughtful way. The content is there but the teacher makes the decision to use what is relevant to meet the needs of his/her students and the lesson plan. 

Relating this back to the digital world, both teachers and students need to know how to use multi-media and other technologies effectively. Teachers need to cherry pick what makes sense and the students need to have a range of skills. From knowing the lingo to how to navigate a website to know where to go to complete homework. 

So do you think we should replace or tweak the whole system of final exams and standardized tests like SATs with an assessment that focuses on proficiency in another language, cultural competency and technology-related skills? So instead of a 8th grade or high school diploma, students receive a "green card", which would be proof that they are on their way to becoming global and digital citizens. 

Have you seen any programs in schools that come close to this idea? Please share!