A global class is a live 90-minute class between four countries, typically three different college or university classes and a guest speaker. A common topic is chosen, and the guest -- an innovative global thinker -- provides resources for the students to review. In the class, the guest gives a brief presentation and the students explore the topic through discussion and activities, guided by the guest who engages, analyzes, and assesses; after the class, the students can complete an assignment in a medium of their choice. A global class allows for an open exploration of universal topics free of outside influence. Students interact with a challenging guest, meet people from varied backgrounds, share materials, and learn from one another. The experience offers the chance to gain a better understanding of our societies and ourselves in complex "glocal" times. The classes are free and open to students everywhere.
​MACKENZIE: Did you know that as a Canadian citizen you do not have the right to fresh air, clean water, or healthy food? Around the world, 110 countries recognize the right to live in a healthy environment, and Canada is not one of these countries. The Blue Dot Movement was started in order to help challenge the lack of environmental rights in our country. Blue Dot is run through the David Suzuki Foundation. Instead of tackling the federal government and ruling its way down through our government system, Blue Dot is starting at base and working upwards. Environmental activists such as myself are responsible for starting small Blue Dot campaigns in our respective cities across the country. I am responsible for both Blue Dot Guelph and Blue Dot Oshawa. This movement aims to spread environmental knowledge, and that is why it begins with municipalities then the provincial governments and finally the federal government. I have been asked to make a presentation at Oshawa City Council on Monday, October 5th. I hope to one day have a declaration outlining the rights stated by Blue Dot signed in Oshawa. I hope that many of you will take the time to sign the Blue Dot Oshawa petition. The movement is not legally-binding in any way. Your signature indicates that you simply believe in the right to live in a healthy environment. If you would like your name added to the petition, please email me your first and last name at mackenzie.ross3@dcmail.ca. You can also find Blue Dot Oshawa on Facebook! For more information about the movement, please visit: bluedot.ca. Thank you.