Implementing ePals and a Technology Survey for Teacher Professional DevelopmentCandice Fritts
Indiana University Purdue University IndianapolisJ538 Practicum Spring 2010
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.
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