Communication + Collaboration = EPals

               

              First off, EPals was an extremely easy site to navigate through.  The tabs on top were all clearly labeled and allowed viewers to easily find their way around this site.  The logo of EPals; Global Connection, Where Learners Connect, is catchy in that it does just that!  It allows viewers to see the different options that are available to them from professionals whether learning is about holidays around the world, maps, habitats or natural disasters in Spanish.   

                Under each EPal project, it includes the project name, topic, essential question, overview, and the ability to connect with classrooms.  This is great feature because it allows teachers to easily view what each project entails.  One project that caught my attention was the Holidays and Festivals Around the World.   This would be a great introduction project so children can learn about the different customs, traditions, and cultures about different holidays throughout the world.  Children can construct similarities and differences between holidays in the United States compared to the holidays and festivals that are introduced with this project. 

                Another great feature was the teacher forum which allows teachers to communicate with one another.  This is a great way to discuss the different things that worked or didn’t work in each project.  There is always room for improvement and feedback is a great way to improve your ideas and lessons for other times. 

                EPals offers great support and resources for family.  This is a great way to get family involved in their child’s education.  There was a section under families that will allow parents and guardians to view their students work and accomplishments.  This is great way to not only make families happy for their kid’s accomplishments, but also incorporating technology with the visual effects of seeing their work on the computer screen. 

                All in all, EPals offers communication and collaboration between individuals.  This program offers online use of documents, student work, and communication tools that make students, parents, and educators stronger and more aware of collaboration between classrooms and home.