The internet, international organisations and the global dimension
It is clear that many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can contribute to pupils' awareness of the global dimension, particularly those charities and campaigning organisations involved in fighting poverty or campaigning on environmental, sustainable development or human rights issues. Many government departments are also involved in such issues, in particular the Department for International Development and the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs.
The internet provides access to a huge range of news, views and comments from many different perspectives. By finding different angles on the same subject or story pupils can learn that rarely is any media or press report completely impartial; nearly all contain some elements of bias.
The internet can therefore provide excellent resources for critical media analysis work. If 'pathways' through the internet are carefully selected, using respected and authoritative web sites, considerable good quality information on the global dimension can be found. A useful website for identifying appropriate pathway websites is 'Global Dimension'. Global Dimension
The activity on the right provides more examples of organisations that can be used for researching the global dimension, and how they can help develop a critical understanding of global issues.
This interactive activity has been developed by Oxfam and Comic Relief for 8-12-year-olds. It aims to teach pupils how to find out about events, people and places using a pathway through well known and respected development organisations, such as Oxfam, Christian Aid, Save the Children and Unicef. Using such a pathway enables pupils to learn how such organisations promote inclusion and offer information on global issues. The activity is designed so that it can be completed individually or in small groups. It may also be an activity that pupils could work at with a classroom helper, parent or older pupils. It is, therefore, the kind of activity that can involve the wider school community.
Now complete the activity with your pupils.
Activity Resources:
- Images
- Interactive
- Sound
- Text
- Video
Activity
Go to the 'Cool Planet' section of the Oxfam website and carry out the activity. Oxfam
Extension for school staff or an INSET session
Designing such a challenge on a particular global issue could also be a good INSET exercise. It will enable teachers to:
- explore the different websites available for raising awareness on global issues;
- increase their understanding of the issue(s) themselves;
- plan how to address the issue(s) in the classroom;
- decide which resources to use.
