I came across the article E-Palling Around http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23557_1 by Jennifer Demski that discussed how teachers around the world are trying out SchoolMail (an application fromEpals) that allows students all over the world to connect via email. SchoolMail is designed to be used as email for students and follows the acts about children’s privacy and FERPA. The teachers can control the setting and if they want to allow attachments and who the children are emailing.
I think a program like this is awesome to use at all grade levels. Even the kindergarten kids can meet “friends” in other countries. Older students can talk to others about their country’s cultures, world issues, and relevant current events. STudents will benefit from this by being exposed to more cultures, practicing their writing and typing skills and reading skills. I don’t think teachers could go wrong by setting up virtual ePals for their students.
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Lisha –
I just wanted to respond to your blog because I think this a very useful article and site. I feel that the pen pal opportunities we had in school was always cut short because it was too difficult to keep up with the letters on top of the curriculum. However, by including technology, pen pals become easier. I think there is so much we can learn and value from other students, especially students with different cultures. Thank you for posting this information.
-Steph
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