TOP PICKS | 19 TOOLS
Best Global and Cross-Cultural Education Apps and Websites
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Homes by Tinybop
Explore homes -- and cultures -- around the world in exquisite detail
Bottom line: Offers a delightful and accessible way for kids to learn about the world's cultures.
One Globe Kids - All Friends
Engaging stories, activities introduce kids to peers around the world
Bottom line: A smart, thoughtful way to learn about the lives of kids around the world.
Google Earth
Cool geographical exploration tool has endless classroom applications
Bottom line: Google Earth offers less functionality than the PC version but still thrills.
Oddizzi
Kids travel the world, cultivate global curiosity and responsibility
Bottom line: Kids get a sense of culture and global responsibility via kid-friendly articles and great multimedia.
Grades: 3–8
Price: Free to Try, Paid 95 GB Pounds/year classroom and 280 GB Pounds/year for 99 students or under, up to 800 GB Pounds/year for 700 + students
PenPal Schools
Tech takes learning global with pen pal projects in any subject
Bottom line: A thoughtful, ready-to-go platform that builds global awareness and content by facilitating authentic, cross-cultural collaboration.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free PenPal Schools is free for teachers; however, school- and district-wide plans are available and add integration with learning management systems and student information systems, advanced reporting, and access to premium projects.
Expeditions
Fire up the warp drive to bring VR field trips to your classroom
Bottom line: With stunning scenes and a flexible delivery method, your students will thank you for journeying together through space and time.
Google Earth
Virtual globe shines with breathtaking features, endless possibility
Bottom line: Outstanding features, interactivity, and astonishing versatility -- the virtual total package for kid explorers.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free
ePals
Kids learn together in well-rounded, collaborative global classroom
Bottom line: A safe communication system and excellent learning materials help create a global youth community.
Grades: 4–7
Price: Free
StrataLogica
High-quality customizable maps help students understand their world
Bottom line: This map app takes time to learn to use but offers both teachers and students highly useful tools for creating custom maps and interactive social studies and science presentations.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free to Try Begins with 30-day free trial. Educators can then purchase individual packs which include a teacher account, multiple student accounts, and access to additional materials, such as Common Core aligned lesson plans and student activities. In-app content packs are $1.99 each.
Google Maps
Cool extras bolster top navigation app
Bottom line: Google Maps is an essential navigation tool that can empower students to explore their world.
Facing History and Ourselves
A wealth of resources explore racism, prejudice, and anti-Semitism
Bottom line: These valuable materials empower students to understand and address difficult ethical choices -- past and present.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Gapminder
Interactive animated charts explore global development trends
Bottom line: Gapminder brings meaning to what otherwise might be considered “boring” numbers; students learn about social, economic, and environmental development.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Stop Disasters!
Slick sim explores global natural disasters
Bottom line: Few other browser-based sims better illustrate the potential of gaming for learning about serious issues in our world.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Your Commonwealth
Engage with passionate international perspectives from youth
Bottom line: Offers a rich variety of news and opinion stories on global issues, and its young writers will get U.S. students hooked on civic engagement.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Bury Me, My Love
Moving portrayal of the dangers and uncertainty of a Syrian refugee
Bottom line: It effectively connects students with the harrowing journey of a Syrian refugee, even though some of the interactive elements are underwhelming.
Global Oneness Project
Dynamic multimedia resources explore life experiences around the world
Bottom line: Unique approach to incorporating global issues into the curriculum; monthly stories capture interdisciplinary topics.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free, Paid Lesson plans and stories are free. Individual films, screening packages, and educational film toolkits are available to purchase.
Fate of the World: Tipping Point
Complex global-influence game in which players’ choices rule the world
Bottom line: Complex multi-issue game succeeds in teaching world politics and global development while building perspective and decision-making skills.
Grades: 10–12
Price: $18.99
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database
Deep, complex database is challenging but a peerless research tool
Bottom line: This is a highly academic site for better and for worse; it's filled with deep, research-backed resources and primary sources but is intimidating without clear guidance.
Grades: 10–12
Price: Free
1979 Revolution: A Cinematic Adventure Game
Violent, immersive view of revolution engages despite tricky interface
Bottom line: This important historical experience is the perfect start for more global understanding, but the challenging interface may get in the way of learning.