Sample+Lesson-+Keypals

Internet Penpals or Keypals Programs
====The following is only one example of how teachers may use digital technology in a lesson. The objective of the Internet Penpals activity is to engage students in exploring diverse cultures and connecting with their peers around the globe. There are several penpal programs online, including ePals Global Community, KidsCom, and KidWorld Keypals, that serve to connect classrooms and children of all ages around the world. With the penpal activity, students can connect with other students via e-mail to discuss anything of interest, or anything that is relevant to the topics being discussed in class. Younger students may want to discuss topics like family and friends, where they live, the type of school they go to, what they do for fun, their favorite food, etc. Older students may want to discuss issues like current events, demographics, or the political, social and cultural issues specific to particular countries. Students could also work with their penpals on science projects, discuss the books they are reading in class, explore an historical issue, etc. This type of project need not be confined to only one academic subject. In simple terms, the Internet penpal activity can be used in any classroom, with any age, and in conjunction with any topic.==== ====It should also be mentioned that this activity is appropriate for all students whether they are immigrants and identify themselves with another culture or not. Immigrant students may choose to communicate with students from their homeland as a way of establishing connections. Other students may choose penpals from countries that they find interesting or want to learn more about. The general outcome of this activity is that students will learn about countries other than the one in which they reside.====

The slideshow below, titled [|Keypals], is very informative for those teachers wishing to implement a penpal program into their classrooms.
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