Key Pals and E-Pals

Email and Key Pals can be used as a bridge between classroom learning and real world experiences. Here are five ways that Social Studies Teachers can use Key Pals and E-Pals in the classroom. My recommendations are intended for use by students in grades 7-12.

1. Cross Cultural studies can be initiated, enabling students from around the world to communicate with one another. Students can exchange information related to geography, climate, currency, language as well as political and social aspects of daily life.

3. Students can research an assignment by emailing experts on their topic, as part of the research process.

4. Students can discuss with each other their opinions on past events in history as well as current events. This type of debate develops student’s thinking skills.

5. Students who may otherwise be uncomfortable working with others, can work together to complete a classroom project, while enhancing their communication skills.

How to find Key Pals for your classroom:

1. Epals- This is a fantastic website for collaborative projects. Students from around the world have the opportunity to communicate with each other and discuss

real world issues.

This is a link to a social studies project that interested me. I also included it in my collaboration assignment.

2. IEearn- This is another great site where teachers can use technology to involve their students in some really innovative learning experiences.

Here is another link to a great social studies project that I found while researching my collaboration assignment.

Created by Shannon Leister

SLM 521

3/27/06