ePals

ePals is a project-based learning website that incorporates students from around the world and can encourage understanding.  This website helps students learn about differing perspectives.  Here children can begin to develop how they view the world and themselves.

Description of some of the projects on this site: 

1.) The first project that I researched on this site was titled, Holidays and Festivals around the world.  I clicked on a beautiful photograph of an elephant all "dolled" up and found myself on a perfectly arranged lesson plan with objectives, essential questions, supplemental questions and a culminating activity.  Through this project students are expected to understand cultures and countries around the world.  The culminating activity is a representation of what the students learned through this lesson and provides students the opportunity to collaborate and share their own ideas through the unique experience of "collaborate now".  This project and website provide students an experience they wouldn't have without technology.

2.)  The second project I researched was digital storytelling.  This project allows students to create a story with cross-cultural connections and are able to share such stories with children all across the world.  ( I chose this project due to the new information that I have gained regarding digital storytelling-how appropriate).  Like the other project this one is also all set up for the educator.  Highlighting important questions, objectives and activities---it's all right there for the teacher.  This is a unique opportunity for students from other countries to develop a digital story and share that story with each other.This is the infinite pleasure in technology. 

Other important features of this site:  

Some features I found particularly important on this site were: the connect with classrooms section--->here if you click you will find multiple posts and forums for both teacher and student.  An excellent way to follow up with teachers regarding this technology.  

Another feature I liked was "collaborate now" icon.  Once you click this icon you are hit with all the collaborative steps you should take in order to have a successful experience with both your classroom and your partnering classroom (managing time, scheduling etc).  

The final feature that I found both helpful and essential was the project elements feature.  Here the designer has organized links for each step of this project.  You click on the first step and you are given step by step instructions as to how you (for example) activate prior knowledge.  This is just incredible.

How I can implement within my classroom: 

I think that it is most evident that this would be a powerful and exciting attribution to any classroom.  The projects already highlight important learning experiences that connect with subject/standard/and cross-cultural experiences.  I see this as a valuable asset to any part of my classroom.  Although, I do see a perfect fit for Social Studies, as we often teach children about the different places around the world but they are unable to imagine these places.  Using ePals allows students and teachers a direct connection to the people and places around the world.  Each project highlights something different, yet they are all relevant and can be used in an infinite amount of different ways.