ePals

ePals is considered to be one of the leading providers for safe collaborative technology for schools to connect and learn in a project based network.  Not only is it a source that teachers can use locally, but it can also be used nationally and internationally, having classrooms set up in 200 countries and territories.  Currently, there are several projects to choose from to get students actively involved in real-life topics that have a purpose.  A few of them are listed below.


                                                            Projects

                                                              

                                       Holidays and festivals around the world

Through this project students can share and learn about how special days are celebrated throughout the world.  Students get the chance to explore celebrations, traditions and symbols from other countries, as well as share some from theirs.  As a final activity, students will  share their information and create a representation from the holiday that they decide to research.

 

                 Digital story telling

With this project, students learn about the history of story-telling and how to use tools from the 21st century to create their own digital story.  This project is not only a great way to practice language skills, but also to encourage cross-cultural understanding, and to build purposeful connections with others.  In addition to developing a story and illustrating it with appropriate images, students will share their work and practice self reflection.

                                           Natural disasters en Espanol

In Spanish, students have the opportunity to explore the natural disasters that repeatedly impact the world that we live in.  With this project, students communicate through email and will learn about specific natural disasters, where they happen, what causes them, and how the disasters have impacted and continue their epals with whom they are communicating.

                                              ** Useful Feature**

One especially useful feature are the forums available on the website.  Not only are there forums for students, there are also forums for families and teachers.  One way that this tool could be used is to aid in finding internet penpales.  As a member, you can simply post what level your students are, what language(s) they speak, and what you are looking to achieve with your communication.  In the future I definitely would like to experiment with this feature.