EPals

I spent some time exploring the ePals program, and am amazed at the potential this website has in helping teachers to connect their students with other students from around the world. The website allows teachers and administrators to monitor e-mail, to create and monitor blogs, and to connect with classrooms around the world to collaborate on projects. I really like the fact that teachers and administrators have complete control over what e-mails are sent and received, and the content of those e-mails. This makes communication much safer, and provides a positive learning environment for our students.

I think that this website really lends itself to language learning, especially since one aspect of the website is Classroom Match, which allows teachers to look for classrooms around the world, that they can connect with, and have students work together towards a common goal. I would be very interested in using this website to have my students develop a connection with a student in a spanish-speaking country. This would allow the students in the Spanish-speaking country to practice their English, and would allow my students to practice their Spanish. This creates a REAL meaning for using language. Students are actually trying to communicate and share information.

It would also be easy enough to develop a common topic for students to discuss on the blog section of the website. This would allow students from Spanish-speaking countries, and my students, to collaborate ideas about the world, about current event issues, etc. Not only does this allow students to practice their language use, but also opens their eyes to a different perspective. Certainly the students in Spain, or any other Spanish speaking country, will likely hold differing viewpoints than the students from the United States. This opens a lot of doors in terms of cultural learning and understanding.

I would love to set up some type of ePals program with another school, and get my students communicating and using authentic Spanish. I also want them to see that learning English is not as easy as they seem to think it is, and hopefully will show them that "No, not EVERYONE needs to learn English!". This is a great website and a great resource. I can't wait to explore it more.