Internet Tools Connecting Classrooms!

Using ePals in my classroom is certainly a way to stimulate thinking and creativity. A simple possibility is for a student to develop a friendship with a student in another classroom, this can be accomplished through emails or blogs. Students can learn about each others likes and dislikes as well as what life is like in , for example, Tokyo, Japan. Students can show each other styles of dress, and pictures of their home, pets, city, and landmarks. Students could also take their "epals" on a virtual tour of their hometown, school, museum, or Niagara Falls, by creating a book in Bookr and sending them the link. I like the idea of investigating how other people live as shown in the culture section of the organization, Taking It Global. What a way to open a door to another place!

Students can also commence on class projects using such tools as Animoto or Yackpack. The idea of Animoto is exciting. For example, my class can visit Niagara Falls, take pictures and write stories about the history and things to do at the Falls. Uploading the images to Animoto allows the class to choose images and sounds to create a video. All that is left is sending your 'epals' the link to invite them on a trip to Niagara Falls.

Another possibility is using Yackpack to open the door for 'face to face' communication. Students who want to hear the human voice of their 'epals' can volunteer to invite them into a Yackpack group. Teachers can find projects that are underway and participate, i.e. Bucket Buddies and The Global Water Sampling Project found in The Center for Innovation in Science and Engineering Education. The two collaborating teachers could also create a project requiring information from each separate place. For instance, for older students, how is the health care debate in the U.S. looked at in Japan? How is the economy affecting the world? or How is your country getting ready for the 2010 Olympics? Each class would be required to search local newspapers and share information over Yackpack.

There are volumes of ways in which to introduce collaboration in the classroom. Students can work as individuals, teams, or groups. Communication can be as simple as email or blog or as elaborate as using videos, picture books, or voice messaging systems. It is obvious that with technology students can tap into many talents and move beyond the textbook and blackboard.