Since the introduction of new technologies in school systems, the interaction between students from around the country has become a common teaching tool in the classroom.
What began as a paper to the traditional pen, Pen Pals has become a way to meet people from around the world.
Now, with the advent of tools such as webcams and sites like Skype, teachers and students can visually interact face to face in real time and pull the old pen and method of work.
For three months, third grade students at Harvey Brown Elementary School in Channelview ISD have been visually interact with pen pals around the country.
Using a microphone, video camera and projection screen, Harvey Brown met students a variety of students their age in many cultures and ethnicities.
Students in the class of Ms. Andrews communicate with high school students in Brooklyn, NY. During the time they were writing letters, which were also learning in New York.
Andrews says her students have gained a new perspective on learning, many of which would not be as fun to read only one book, and included the Internet search tool from Google.
“They learned in Brooklyn on the map, what is the weather there, what kind of houses from people in the city, all students who interact with the class.”
Andrews said she also learned a lot about some of the most important milestones, near Brooklyn, like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
“The students learned much about how other students are alike and different from themselves,” says Professor Julie Collection Ekhasith. “They learned that in other parts of the country may have different types of weather and food. They also discovered they have much in common with other children in terms of likes and dislikes.”
Many students say the only thing better than actually being able to board a plane and fly over and meet new friends in person.
“To keep up with the times and prepare for the future,” Ekhasith says, “students need to know there are other ways to communicate with from afar. This free technology required students to watch and listen to their pals but also taught skills on how to collaborate with other students who were far different from themselves, but the common goal of meeting new people and cultures. ”
Valerie Magana, one of the students participating in the pen pal program, says it’s a great way to meet people who normally would never meet.
“I enjoyed pals from Brooklyn, New York,” Valerie says, “because we were able to write to them and then see how they looked on a big screen. She also had talks with them and I immediately responded to our questions. My pen pal and had much in common, but also learned new things about how some children live in Brooklyn. ”
The fourth grade students at Brown are also participating in a traditional activity for friends Lyondell Bassell volunteers. The fourth graders chose a theme every six weeks and wrote letters to their friends about it.
An end of year celebration is being planned so that students can meet the Lyondell volunteers have been written all year.
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