THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE AND EPALS PROVIDE RICH ONLINE LEARNING Erica Zigelman, Principal

Introduction Principal Erica Zigelman possesses decades of

experience serving the children and families in the New York public school system. As a principal, Erica Zigelman maintains an interest in new educational technologies and developments that can help her students thrive.

In 2011, The Smithsonian Institution launched a partnership with ePals Inc., an online platform for international student cooperation. The Smithsonian now makes much of its experience, resources, and research available to ePals users in classrooms across the world.

ePals The ePals platform is a safe, scalable social media tool

developed with K-12 students in mind. It allows teachers and classes to collaborate across continents and seamlessly move from school access to home access. Students can meet kids from all over the world and safely collaborate on learning goals together.

This groundbreaking partnership adds the rich resources of the Smithsonian to the already useful platform. Now, students can enjoy international cooperation with the added benefits of online galleries, educational resources, and help from real Smithsonian experts.