While attending the Florida Distance Learning Association (FDLA) in Orlando, FL October 15, 2010, I had the honor of meeting the founder of EPals, Tim DiScipio. His session was titled ‘Safe collaborative technology in a globally connected classroom.’ DiScipio discussed in detail and with such knowledge and pride of his company and what they are trying to accomplish. So I came back to the hotel and immediately signed on and decided that this would be an excellent learning tool for the students I am doing my Action Research on. Hopefully, after receiving the proper permission form I can sign these students and watch them communicate with other children around the word.
“Founded in 1996 and merged with In2Books® in 2006, ePals offers K-12 students and teachers around the world a safe environment for building and exchanging knowledge based on protected connectivity tools, evidence-based curricula and authentic, collaborative learning experiences. The company’s mission is to support lifelong learning through collaborative experiences that empower and inspire. ePals is especially committed to enabling academically rigorous educational opportunities in economically disadvantaged environments worldwide through the ePals Foundation.” (DiScipio)
ePals is a safe and effective platform created as a global online communication and collaboration tool. The self-paced learning is a great way for students to share their work, email other students, and work on projects globally. There are three ePals platforms available:
1. ePals Global Community – Free
Teachers and students are allowed to connect and work on projects collaboratively with children within the United States in 200 other international countries.
2. SchoolMail® - Free
Is a safe way for students, parents, teachers and
administrators to email each other or the pen pals created from a global network. There are requested upon the main page of website from students of other countries requesting to exchange emails from students here in the United States. This email can translate up to 35 languages and more. As an administrator you have the ability to monitor the content exchanged by students.
3. ePals Learning Space – ($4 account/annually) 80% eRate eligible
The ePals Distributed Learning Platform (DLP) is a virtual collaborative environment geared towards K-12 learning. Teacher’s personal school files can be digitally stored.
Thanks Elaine for your post on ePals. Growing up in Australia I always felt like I was literally on the other side of the planet and I discovered how broadening an experience it was to have pen-pals in Europe and America. Now that we have the technology to make sharing experiences with those around the world easier (and almost instantaneous) I was pleased to see this tool. This looks like a great way to connect students and classrooms and I'll be taking a closer look at this. Good luck with your AR. I know your students will have a blast.
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