ePals

What a great site. ePals seems to be a very comprehensive hub that span a wide range of participants and projects. I was first immediately drawn to the map that represents the project to garner signatures to be presented in Copenhagen to address climate change and environmental issues. I think that this is a perfect example of how the internet can unite people all around the world for a universal cause. Global change takes time and the participation of millions, so harnessing the passion of the youth that will be ruling tomorrow is so vital.

While I think this is a great project, the two other features that stick out to me for practical use are the digital storytelling features and the focus on human rights. Storytelling is such an important aspect of English education in my opinion. This semester I am taking a course on creative writing, and I have rekindled my passion for writing and telling my own personal stories. Since all of our experiences are unique to ourselves, there is such a great deal to learn from writing stories. Students can develop their voice and learn from themselves, but more importantly students can learn from one another. School needs to be an environment that honors students’ histories, their lives and experiences. Storytelling can be a way to channel that power.

My interest in storytelling also sparked my interest into the focus area of human rights displayed on the site. Storytelling can lead to the improvement, equality and fight for human rights for all. It can be very hard, even for myself, to truly grasp the fact that many people around the globe do not share the same rights I enjoy and often take for granted. Schools need to be agents of change, but it is hard to progress change if there is no awareness of what needs to be changed in the first place. ePals can be the catalyst for students to learn about human rights and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Speaking with students from around the world, hearing their stories and understanding their lives is just one way young people can promote equal human rights for others.

I think one practical use of this site could be to partner a class here in the US with another class somewhere else in the world. Students could even pair up to individuals so that a closer relationship can be built. I think exchanging journals about day-to-day activities, local news articles or biographies of family and social life can spark important conversations about what its like to live in someone else’s shoes. Once these relationships are cultivated, minds can be opened and change can take place. ePals can provide the insight into other worlds that textbooks and lectures just can’t offer.

Another specific internet tool that might be used in conjunction with ePals is Talkshoe.com. This site allows for multiple participants in a “community” call. Once relationships have been established with a partnered classroom, it would be so great to actually engage in live conversation between both classrooms. Hearing spoken language can be that much more effective when sharing stories and explaining what issues are affecting each classroom of youth. Talkshoe.com might even help create an audio or video project that might spread information about a cause or issue chosen by both classrooms.

I hope to use this site in my future classroom. It looks like there are tons of ways to tie in global friendships with English curriculum. Students can learn about other cultures, share their stories, and enact social change all while reading, writing, and creating.