Although brand new to me because of this course, ePals is becoming one of my favorite tools to utilize in the classroom. " Students, teachers, families and individuals can sign up for ePals and become part of the international learning network (Global Connectedness and Global Citizenship Education, 2014). I do not know that I have one bad thing to say about ePals. Being able to log on as individuals and a classroom allow students to participate in a classroom experience as well as branch off on their own should they take an interest to speaking with students around the world (and really, who wouldn't?!). ePals is great at creating connections on a global scale. Although students around the world can contact classrooms in their country, the major draw of ePals is to connect with students, classrooms, and people in other parts of the world. ePals allows classrooms to create projects that span thousands of miles as students participate and share their research and findings on a global scale. ePals is a truly amazing tool to be utilized in the classroom. It is an innovative way to have a "group" project and to also expand the horizons of our students and show them there is a world beyond their own.
Another technology tool I like is Skype. Skype is a video conferencing tool that, when combined with a website such as ePals, allows classrooms to see who they are talking to in real time. I think this is great because emails and phone conferencing is well and good, but let's see what a classroom in Belgium looks like. Let's give a tour of our school to students in Greece or go on a field trip to the Eiffel Tower with students in Paris. Skype literally creates a classroom with no walls. Students can see the world. Although not as exciting as going, it's the next best thing and it's educational.
A third and final piece of technology I am a fan of is online blogging and discussion posts. "What might have only existed as a pen-pal relationship a generation ago, can now instantly inform partner schools and students as to noteworthy events or programs (Global Connectedness, 2014). Snail mail is certainly a dying and lost art. However, with classroom blogs, students can share their thoughts in regards to teacher prompts and share those thoughts and view points with students around the world. Linking back to ePals, students can create blogs and have classrooms respond, ask questions, give answers, etc. thus creating a pen pal type relationship with students or entire classrooms in other countries.
(n.d.) Global Learning Networks. Global connectedness and Global Citizenship Education. Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/site/globalconnectednessineducation/connecting-classrooms-globally/links-to-get
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