Software Creates Global Classroom for Local Middle School

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new wave of technology is hitting the classrooms in one Houston County middle school.

More than 100 Feagin Middle School students are using a new software program called Padlet, which allows them to exchange classroom projects and school lessons in an online global classroom.

“It opens the door to so much more. The technology is able to open up their eyes outside the state limits of Georgia, and on a global atmosphere,” says technology and business teacher Brian Lewis.

Before the school year ends, more than 600 children will have tried the program and shared their school lessons with other middle school kids in international cities and countries. Lewis adds having the children share their ideas teaches them valuable lessons about work ethics and collaborative projects.

Recently, the class posted in a global classroom with students from Australia. Grace Thomas, a 7th grader, believes the online resource exposes her to cultures she has yet to experience.

“We actually got to make our own wall, and the people in the class got to see it,” Thomas says, “We posted our ABC Booklet on social studies. That was the project we were doing, and it was pretty cool getting to see everyone else’s.”

Padlet was added to the school’s computers a few years ago. Lewis says he plans to continue using other tech resources to inspire the children to think globally.