As I reviewed my GAME plan and suggestions from my peers, I have decided to make a few changes and modify my plan. I currently work in a resource class where students come for a short time in small groups to work on specific skills. I think for my goal of having my students connect with others from around the world, instead of using Skype, it would be more time efficient and technology friendly to use e-pals for communication. For Skype I would need to coordinate the time that my students would connect with other students and the time zone issue would also be tricky to set up. My classroom is unique because I teach various grades and the students do not stay the whole day so my time frame with each grade level is limited. Students will be able to check their e-Pals messages from their home classroom and at home if available. This will save time for instruction and discussion while they are in my classroom. Students will also need a lesson on e-mail etiquette since many of them many have never used e-mail before and have only had experience in writing letters. I will need to warn them that e-mail and text messages are to be looked at differently.
This is a great idea, and there is nothing wrong with revising our game plans. I think we all realize that there may be a better way to do something and that can only make us better teachers. I am interested in knowing more about e-pals. Is there a specific website that the students go on and do they correspond with the same person at a different school?
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of epals, Katie. It allows your students the opportunity to develop their writing skills and as you mention, can be asynchronous and as a result, easier to manage--less chance of a "bug" interrupting the lesson.
ReplyDeleteThis activity is rich with learning opportunities and a chance for students to make new friends and increase their understanding of other cultures.
Susan