Key Pals and E-Pals

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Teachers are always looking for new ways to use the Internet in the classroom. Key pals and e-pals provide a way for student to use the Internet to connect with the real world. Learning becomes more meaningful when it is connected to the real world. Through key pal and e-pal programs, students can practice reading and writing skills in real world situations. Cooperative learning programs and e-pals allow students to learn about life on the other side of the country or the other side of the world.

How to Include Key Pals and E-Pals an Elementary Classroom

· Online book clubs – These allow students to share their favorite books with students who have similar interests. Students can post comments or reviews about a popular book. By sharing ideas and opinions, the student makes a real world connection with his favorite book or author.

· Cooperative Projects – There are many cooperative projects available for teachers. These cover many curriculum areas such as language arts, math, science or social studies. For example, looking at the currency in another country. This project could cover social studies, writing, research skills and math. I found several great ideas online.

· Key Pals – Set-up email accounts for your students. Find another school, preferably in another state, to pair up with your students. Assigned pairs will become “key pals” (online pen pals). Assign a topic, such as hobbies or favorite subject, to be discussed at each email session.

· Ask an Expert – This is a wonderful research tool. There are number of experts available online to answer students questions. The site suggests that you review the questions ahead of time. Reviewing the questions ahead allows you to delete duplicates and/or edit the text.

· Write Virtual Stories – Use a discussion board or email to write a story. Set up a story starter and have the students add a line with each new entry. When the story is finished, print it out and share it with the class.

Key Pal Web Sites

· ePals Classroom Exchange – This group offers easy to use student email, student blogging and safe student browsing. The online projects cover many subjects and grade levels. The web site is very easy to navigate and the sections are clearly labeled. http://www.epals.com/

· Kidlink – This organization’s web site is colorful and easy to navigate. Kids can use the email service or create a picture of their future jobs and post it in the online art exhibit or visit chat rooms with other kids who share the same interests. There is a wide range of cooperative projects for use in a classroom. http://www.kidlink.org/english/general/intro.html

Avis Horowitz

SLM521 –Spring 2006