Investigation of ePals by Sandy Jones ePals is touted as the “world’s largest K-12 learning network. “ It offers a safe and secure collaborative platform with Web 2.0 tools to connect learners anywhere in the world.Global issues are the focus of many of the projects.There was notification on the site that ePals has just announced there they have merged with Microsoft Live@Edu.This will greatly expand the capacity of the site from just PC’s to mobile phones and other such devices.To read the article about the merger please go to the following: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/education/epals-microsoft-liveedu-k-12-game-changer/3840 How to become involved: There is an easy sign up process.Once a username and password have been established, users have the option of creating monitored accounts, connecting with other ePals, or obtaining a school or district account .Users, by clicking on “connect with classrooms,” may join in discussions or they may propose their own topic for collaboration. Types of projects found on site: Global issues are the focus of many of the projects.Currently, there are eightNational Geographic projects ranging from digital storytelling to water and natural disasters.In addition there are numerous teacher created projects from culture and language projects to kites around the world to peace projects.It appears that the sky is the limit on creativity here. Positives in using a project from this site: Teachers can monitor and control student input. Offers a safe and secure platform Very large and global Many projects have already been thought out and a teacher would simply need to join to gain access for his/her students Teachers can create their own project and allow anyone to join Students and teachers can hear voices from other lands and perspectives Challenges in using a project from this site: Time and effort away from topics Consistency to maintain in classroom District or school policies Time it takes to sufficiently monitor student responses/discussion Safety for students issue Big considerations in doing one of the projects: Do I have sufficient time to devote to this kind of project? Will I be allowed by my school or district to have students participate? How will I ensure the safety and security and privacy of my students.
Collaborative Project Web Sites
Investigation of ePals by Sandy JonesePals is touted as the “world’s largest K-12 learning network. “ It offers a safe and secure collaborative platform with Web 2.0 tools to connect learners anywhere in the world.Global issues are the focus of many of the projects.There was notification on the site that ePals has just announced there they have merged with Microsoft Live@Edu.This will greatly expand the capacity of the site from just PC’s to mobile phones and other such devices.To read the article about the merger please go to the following:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/education/epals-microsoft-liveedu-k-12-game-changer/3840
How to become involved:
There is an easy sign up process.Once a username and password have been established, users have the option of creating monitored accounts, connecting with other ePals, or obtaining a school or district account .Users, by clicking on “connect with classrooms,” may join in discussions or they may propose their own topic for collaboration.
Types of projects found on site:
Global issues are the focus of many of the projects.Currently, there are eightNational Geographic projects ranging from digital storytelling to water and natural disasters.In addition there are numerous teacher created projects from culture and language projects to kites around the world to peace projects.It appears that the sky is the limit on creativity here.
Positives in using a project from this site:
Teachers can monitor and control student input.
Offers a safe and secure platform
Very large and global
Many projects have already been thought out and a teacher would simply need to join to gain access for his/her students
Teachers can create their own project and allow anyone to join
Students and teachers can hear voices from other lands and perspectives
Challenges in using a project from this site:
Time and effort away from topics
Consistency to maintain in classroom
District or school policies
Time it takes to sufficiently monitor student responses/discussion
Safety for students issue
Big considerations in doing one of the projects:
Do I have sufficient time to devote to this kind of project?
Will I be allowed by my school or district to have students participate?
How will I ensure the safety and security and privacy of my students.