ePals: Where Learners Connect

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ePals Where Learners Connect

• By Krista Thomas

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What is ePals?

• Largest and fastest growing online communities of
  connected classrooms
• More than half a million educators and millions
  of learners
• Stretches across more than 200 countries and
  territories
• Can exchange ideas and questions with other
  learners from around the world

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What does ePals offer?

• Access to the entire site in seven different
  languages
• An instant translation tool to be able to connect
  with anyone around the world
• Professionally moderated discussion forums and
  monitored email accounts
• Collaborated projects and activities

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System Requirements

• A Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system
• One computer for every three students
• Videoconferencing capability
• Internet access
• Digital camera and/or scanner

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Cost

• Using the official ePals website is free of
  charge for classes with up to 35 students
• Schoolblog.com costs approximately 330 for a
  teacher and up to 25 students

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Classroom Use

• Focus areas with a learning path of subtopics in
  each area
• Tips, tools, and lessons for teachers
• Blogs and forums for both teachers and students
  on the different lessons and/or projects
• Projects that have the ability to connect with
  other classrooms to collaborate

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Advantages

• Having the ability to chat and work with other
  students or teachers from different countries
• Instant translations so others can understand
  what you are saying

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Advantages

• Being able to create a personal profile for
  potential ePal partners to find you

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Advantages

• Easily search for classes that are working on the
  same material as your class

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Disadvantages

• With a lot of users logged in, the program may
  run slower than usual
• Teachers must be knowledgeable about the
  technology
• May not connect with what you are teaching in
  your curriculum
• Power problems may interrupt the lesson

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Personal Use

• It is easy to create an account and profile
• Very easy to find your way around the site
• All information is very organized, mostly in
  tables
• Tips for teachers are located right next to the
  student activities
• There is a How To section if you need help

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Official Website for ePals

• http//www.epals.com/