Challenge
As a Google Trainer and Coach working in rural classrooms and districts, I face the challenge of bridging the digital divide with access to high-quality resources, engagement, and perspectives. My teachers and students deserve the same global learning opportunities as those in urban, suburban, and affluent areas. Still, limited ideas and perspectives hinder our ability to connect with the wider world. This matters because exposure to different cultures and perspectives broadens students' horizons and fosters global citizenship. This Google Innovator Challenge offers a chance to experiment with creative solutions using low-bandwidth Google tools paired with creating a network of like-minded and open educators globally to think about how their rural experience might be similar to another's. By connecting with another rural classroom abroad, we can break down geographical isolation and create a meaningful exchange that enriches the learning experience for all students involved.