Keypals

KeypalsKeypalsKeypalsKeypalsA slideshow answering your A slideshow answering your questions about keypalsquestions about keypals

What is a keypal?• Keypals are penpals who communicate with one another through the internet.

• Keypals are the most basic form of student e-mail projects.

How do keypals work?In a keypal project students are paired with students in classes at a different school. The school could be in another district, state, or even country.

What do students write to their keypals?• Student can talk to each other about any topic and as often as they choose.

Can projects be assigned to keypals?

Yes! When students are assigned a project to work on with their keypals it requires the two students to work together to reach a common goal. This makes the project more worthwhile.

What are some examples of assigned keypal projects?• Have each class read the same book, then ask the students to discuss the book in their next few e-mails.

• Have the students ask their keypal their favorite color, then using the gathered information have the class create two graphs one of each of the class’s favorite colors and then compare the two.

What are the advantages of keypals?• With keypals student become engaged in intellectual conversation.

• Students are required to use words to express their thoughts.

• Students must write clearly to their keypals, practicing their writing skills.

What do I need to start keypals?• Computer with internet access• Personal e-mail account for each student– There are many free e-mail services online that you can set up for your students if your school does not have e-mail accounts for the students

How do I find a class to do a keypal project

with?• There are many websites online for teachers and students looking for keypals.

The next few slides show just a few of the many you can find online.

ePals Global Community

www.epals.com

KidsComhttp://www.kidscom.com/friends/keypal/keypal.html

Kidworld Keypalshttp://www.bconnex.net/~kidworld/keypals4.htm

Final Thoughts• Keypals are an excellent way to incorporate a little technology into the classroom while allowing students to meet and converse with students their own age in a different area of the world. Explore the different keypal sites online and start a keypal project with your classroom!