e-learning by nbconsult logoe-learning by nbconsult logoe-learning by nbconsult logoe-learning by nbconsult logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Professional Development Pathways
    • Microsoft K-12 Education Transformation Framework Workshops
    • Microsoft Education Transformation Framework For Higher Education
    • Inspire Teaching And Learning With Microsoft 365 For Education
    • Learning Expanded! Going Above And Beyond!
  • Resources
    • Best Practices
    • DigiKnow?
    • Free Resources
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Contact Us
microsoft global training summit for middle east and africa
Global Training Partner Summit for Middle East and Africa
May 7, 2021
Teacher, teacher, how does your garden grow?
Teacher, teacher, how does your garden grow?
Jun 30, 2021

Cosmopolitanism is a cocktail of connectedness.

Cosmopolitanism is a cocktail of connectedness

The fourth industrial revolution, the 4Cs, future-ready, AI – all included in a plethora of catchphrases that swirl around the educational landscape. After a while, we become numb to these words, mainly because the underlying intention remains the same – developing our learner’s skills and enabling them to participate in an ever-changing environment. However, I have since discovered a more encompassing concept that I’d like to explore with you.

 

I was recently introduced to the concept of cosmopolitanism. My immediate thought was – hold up! Just another word for globalization or global citizen. However, once I started to unearth more about it, there were apparent differences in the meaning of cosmopolitanism that set it apart from other “global” trending phrases.

If you look at the sketch below, based on Canvas of Learning’s YouTube video explanation you might recognize some common aspects.

The critical point that stood out for me was the holistic view presented and the undeniable link to moral values. Cosmopolitanism combines all the recognizable elements that we throw around on the global landscape. This theory asks us to fine-tune our learner’s moral sensitivity and to help develop their moral courage so that when they need to, they can “do the right thing at the right point.” Narrative imagination is a crucial principle that requires teachers to guide learners to use their imagination across cultural differences.

This is achieved through the creative application of Arts & Literature. As a student of Humanities, this lit me up. Within our educational landscape, we have given the STEM subjects too much power. Only recently have the Arts been allowed back into the exclusive club. I would argue that allowing the traditional hierarchical structure of subjects inhibits our development of a balanced individual, but that is a blog for another day.

With the use of Arts & Literature, we can let learners immerse themselves into “walking in another’s cultural shoes” rather than transmitting superficial engagement. This learning construct helps develop multiple perspectives, cultivate empathy and create a greater awareness of their position to another. It is referred to as “the art of living”.

With the affordances of technology, enabling cosmopolitanism has never been easier, but it takes purposeful effort and planning to incorporate into our daily teaching practice. (Links to the tools mentioned, can be found at the end of this post)

As teachers, one of our professional development objectives should be to investigate, critically evaluate and extract aspects from various frameworks and theories to grow our thoughts about education and our profession.  These metacognitive processes help us grow and develop and help our students become cosmopolitan members of society. Which part of this theory resonates with you?

 

Links: 

Globe 3D

Microsoft Digital Citizen Course

Microsoft Translator

Microsoft in Arts & Related Blog

United in Diversity 

Microsoft Minecraft

Learning for Justice

 

 

Author: Ilonka Poole (Thank you to Charmaine Cowell for the introduction to this concept  and sharing of resources.)

Ilonka Poole is a freelance design architect who has a passion for igniting the a-ha moment with 
learners and teachers. She believes fiercely in collaboration and runs a PLN group for teachers. 
Ilonka is closely associated with NBConsult and a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert.
Share
0

Related posts

Oct 22, 2021

What if the “GAP” was the missing tools all along?


Read more
Congratulations Charmaine Cowell
Oct 7, 2021

Congratulations Charmaine Cowell


Read more
Congratulations Cindy Scholtz and Athi Valela
Oct 7, 2021

Congratulations Cindy Scholtz and Athi Valela


Read more
If it scares you, it's probably worth doing!
Jul 6, 2021

If it scares you, it’s probably worth doing!


Read more

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

nbconsult logo
Contact Our Offices
Cape Town: +27 21 914 2348
Johannesburg: +27 21 914 2348
Hong Kong: +852 9263 9238
United Kingdom: +44 845 257 1777
microsoft gold partner
Microsoft Teams
Social Media
nbconsult facebook   Facebook
nbclearning twitter   Twitter
nbclearning linkedin   LinkedIn
nbclearning youtube   YouTube