Students Explore And Communicate
Joining a World Wide Community of Learners

Children can use the internet to have their "most pressing' questions answered. Using this resource will increase effective communication as the students use the written word  to "find out." The answers can serve as the basis for reporting to the class on a subject of particular interest to the student.

KeyPals
http://www.epals.com
This is the best website for keypal arrangements.

One way that technology allows for enhanced communication is by using email. Students can connect with students from any part of the world. Very often translation can be done right through the website.
There are ways to plan for and develop a KeyPal project that will get far better results: Once your class is matched with another class, it is important that the initial exchanges be between you, the classroom teacher, and the teacher from the other class. Plan activities for the exchange by the students, not just letters with no set content. 

• A suggestion would be that one week, students will make notes then write about what they did in Science each week.

•  Students then can compare the science activities from each other’s classes with their own.

• Another activity would be that each student would answer a set of pre-arranged questions. After the exchange of answers (and this can be through the teachers), each student is expected to write a description about a student in the other class. These are then exchanged and letters follow explaining how close the description was.

• Exchange more than just letters. Attachments with pictures and charts should be exchanged also.

• Make sure that all of your exchanges are not through cyberspace. Exchange “stuff” through snail mail, also. Send laminated leaves, acorns, etc. in the Fall in North America. Maybe you will receive some Eucalyptus leaves form Australia.