Online

Projects, Collaboration Sites, and Publishing Opportunities

Lesson Idea Template

Name: New Connections Across the Nation

Grade Level: 5th
Content Area: ELA
Standards Addressed: ELAGSE5W4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate
to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in Standards 13 above.)
Title of Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity: ePals
URL of Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity:
https://www.epals.com/#/connections
Describe how you would use the Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity in
your classroom: I will connect with another class in another state and assign students an
ePal from that classroom. The ePals will communicate via emails and letters about what
they are learning. Students may select the content area they would like to share and
communicate about.
What technologies would be required to implement this proposed learning activity in a
classroom? Computer/Laptop/iPad and internet connection.
Describe how the following features are addressed in this learning experience (note: all of them
may not be addressed in the project, but most should be if you are reaching a high LoTi Level.):
a. Collaboration with peers, near-peers, mentors outside their classroom and often
beyond their school: Collaboration with fellow students outside of our classroom
and school is the primary purpose of this project. Sharing learning outcomes and
goals with a fellow student reinforces learned material and also allows for self-
reflection.
b. Student-centered learning and knowledge creation (collecting original data and or
producing original products as a result of engaging in the project): Students may
communicate with their ePals about what they are learning or doing in any given
unit of their choice. They may also ask each other questions, or share work
samples.
c. Higher-order thinking: Students will need to apply their knowledge to formulate a
discussion about their given content area. They will also need to analyze and
evaluate information and letters they receive from their ePal in order to
sufficiently reply.
d. Students publishing their original work to others who will use/care about their
product: Students may share their communication and experience on the
classroom blog where peers and parents may access it.

Blooms Level of Critical Thinking Required (check all that apply):
See http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Bloom%27s_Taxonomy
Remembering Understanding Applying Analyzing Evaluating
Creating
Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

Level 1: Awareness Level 2: Exploration Level 3: Infusion Level 4:

Integration

1
 Level 5: Expansion Level 6: Refinement

What Level of Technology Implementation best describes this learning activity and Why?
Because students are given choice about what content area and unit they wish to discuss with
their ePal, expected to work collaboratively with a long-distance partner, and publish their
experience this project is a LoTi Level 5.
How could you implement this proposed learning experience and still comply with your districts
Internet Safety and Student Privacy policies? In compliance with school safety policies, students
will use pseudonyms and avatars to protect their identity. As the teacher, I will ensure I have
selected and appropriate classroom from a known school district and have this selection
approved by administration. I will also remain in contact with the collaborating teacher, and
have access to student ePal accounts in order to monitor safety and staying on task.