Implementing ePals and a Technology Survey for Teacher Professional DevelopmentCandice Fritts

Indiana University Purdue University IndianapolisJ538 Practicum Spring 2010

Implementing

ePals is the largest On-line K-12 Networking system

It is completely free It is designed to be protected and safe ePals projects are designed

around meaningful content, experiences and communication

On ePals there are different projects to do◦ Locally◦ Globally

http://www.epals.com/projects/info.aspx?DivID=index

Student achievement happens "with" technology. Technology is a tool that students can learn "with" vs. "from". Although students do learn important things "from" technology, it is best practice for students to learn "with" technology. Students were highly motivated and engaged for the purpose of learning about another student in another culture when they communicated through ePals. They didn't learn from technology, they learned with technology. Technology is meant to help students engage in thinking, reading, writing, researching, problem-solving, and experiencing the world around them. Through this project of establishing ePals in our Middle School, I am able to realistically integrate technology for the purpose of student engagement and achievement in writing and understanding different cultures.

Join ePals Create a Profile Find a Classroom

Match Collaborate Communicate

What students liked about ePals

What students liked the least

Goal: To impact student learning by enhancing how teachers use technology in their classroom instruction.

By creating a survey that will help to direct the summer technology course offerings, I can help create a dialogue amongst the teachers that supports technology implementation and student achievement.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dElnYUtJclFoYXh5d2hIVlhxS2VKSFE6MA

Teachers need time to implement technology.

Future plans include teaching Web 2.0 Resources this summer at our school’s summer tech sessions.

Implementing ePals for more teachers and students to empower students in a global and 21st Century World.