Virtual Exchanges

The GLOBE Program - Virtual Exchanges

About Virtual Exchanges

Virtual exchanges can help facilitate:

  • connecting you and your students virtually with other teachers / students about your GLOBE research and other activities
  • learning what GLOBE schools in other parts of the world or your country are doing
  • developing and conducting a collaborative GLOBE research project that enables your students to compare and analyze environmental conditions in different locations
  • connecting virtually with other members of the GLOBE community to learn about their history and culture and sharing yours

 

How to Conduct a Virtual Exchange Program

Sample Virtual Exchange using video conference

Virtual Exchanges include a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (offline) exchanges between two groups of participants.

The GLOBE Virtual Exchange Toolkit offers guidance and tools for GLOBE community members to engage with their counterparts on projects that promote STEM skills, mutual understanding, and collaboration.

Good Virtual Exchange matches include:

  • grade level compatibility

  • similar research, protocols, campaigns

  • common language(s)

  • aligned academic calendar and breaks

  • manageable time zone differences

Resources

A detailed Virtual Exchange Toolkit outlining steps, program ideas, and a sample timeline can be found below. Remember that the sample timeline in the Toolkit may not fit your personal timeline for your students / classroom! Adjust as needed to meet your objectives.

In addition, you are able to download GLOBE certificate templates here in PPT format, that could be provided to students upon completion of a Virtual Exchange!

Other Helpful Resources

Connect to GLOBE Teachers using the GLOBE Find a Collaboration Partner tool 

Time Zone Calculator

GLOBE International STEM Network

Sharing Your Virtual Exchange Program Experience with the GLOBE Community

Following your Virtual Exchange, share your experience with the GLOBE Community in a GLOBE Stars Story or GLOBE News Item!

Your experience is a valuable resource for the GLOBE community. Highlighting information about how you conducted your Virtual Exchange, and what your students gained from the experience supports other GLOBE community members in conducting similar exchanges.

Please refer to the submission instructions for GLOBE Stars and GLOBE News Items.

GLOBE Stars: https://www.globe.gov/news-events/globe-stars/stars-instructions

GLOBE News Item: Send GLOBE news items to communications@globe.gov

Learn More about the GLOBE Virtual Exchange Toolkit Pilot Program