#38 Global Collaboration for Social Good with Dr. Jennifer Williams of Take Action Global

Why Distance Learning?

About today’s guest

Dr. Jennifer Williams is the founder of Teach SDGs and co-founder of the nonprofit organization Take Action Global. She is a thought leader in using educational technology to promote global perspectives and social good. As an educator and author of Teach Boldly: Using EdTech for Social Good, Dr. Williams champions the role of technology in fostering equity, diversity, and social action in education. Connect with Dr. Williams on X (formerly Twitter) at @JenWilliamsEDU.

In this episode, Seth, Allyson, Tami and Dr. Williams discuss:

• How educational technology (EdTech) can be harnessed for social good, particularly in the context of global education and climate action.
• The work of Take Action Global (TAG), a nonprofit dedicated to climate education and social impact, and its programs that connect teachers and students in over 160 countries.
• The role of connection in EdTech, emphasizing how global collaborations can help build identity and foster social impact among educators and students.
• The importance of community-driven initiatives, such as Climate Action Day, where students, educators, and global leaders come together to focus on climate education and action.
• How TAG’s community programs offer resources, frameworks, and support for educators interested in integrating climate education into their classrooms.
• The unique challenges and learning opportunities that arise when educators and students from diverse cultural backgrounds engage in virtual exchange and distance learning.

Key takeaways:

• Educational technology offers powerful tools for global connection and social impact, enabling educators and students to collaborate on important issues like climate action.
• Take Action Global’s community-driven approach supports teachers in integrating climate education into various content areas, fostering a sense of global citizenship among students.
• Programs like Climate Action Day and the Earth Project app provide accessible entry points for educators looking to engage their students in meaningful, action-oriented learning experiences.
• Cross-cultural collaboration in distance learning requires careful instructional design and a focus on equity and access, but it also offers profound opportunities for shared learning and empathy.

Learn more:

• Visit Take Action Global to explore the organization’s programs and resources.
• Check out the Earth Project app to start tracking climate actions and engaging students in climate education.
• Explore the Climate Action Project and other community programs to get involved in global learning initiatives.
• Subscribe to Why Distance Learning for more insights into how technology is transforming education. Available on all major podcast platforms.

Episode Links:

1. Dr. Jennifer Williams on X (formerly Twitter): @JenWilliamsEDU
2. Take Action Global: takeactionglobal.org
3. The Earth Project App: Available on App Store and Google Play
4. Climate Action Project: takeactionglobal.org/climate-action-project
5. Build the Change (Lego Group Partnership): lego.com/en-us/sustainability/build-the-change
6. Teach Boldly: Using EdTech for Social Good (Book by Dr. Jennifer Williams): Available on Amazon

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Learn how Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning leverages technology to enhance educational outcomes for teachers and students alike.