Global connections

Hello! I'm trying to find a way to have my students blog or do some sort of video conversation (like with Skype) with students in France but I have no idea how to find a group and set something up like this. I'd rather do this than epals. Please let me know if you have experience with this or any ideas on how to do this. Merci!

Tags: FL, French, blog, fl, skype

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Permalink Reply by Mala Bawer on January 16, 2009 at 6:18pm

Michelle, check out www.cybersmart.org/afrique
See the section on digital storytelling (in french) from children in Senegal Africa. Might be a chance
to use french and expand your students horizons at the same time. There are details on how you can
get involved on the site.

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Weltz on April 17, 2009 at 10:36pm

I have a friend in loveland, colorado you might want to speak with. Her name is Toni Theisen. She is on "World Languages Teachers 2.0" ning. She has some great ideas.

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Permalink Reply by Jonah Salsich on April 18, 2009 at 4:42pm

Michelle,
I also have had luck using ePals, but there are a few tricks to finding a partner class. Because there are so many classes from the U.S. on the site, you can't wait for a contact, you need to seek it out. I would use the "connect - search by map" menu and click on France. Then scroll through the most recent profiles (they will be looking for partners too) and send messages to a few that might be a good match. Give a brief idea of your objectives and see if you get any takers that way.

You can also post a discussion in the teachers' forum under "epals wanted" and check for replies.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Cruthers on April 18, 2009 at 5:18pm

Hi Michelle,

For Video Conferencing, I recommend you take a look at Wiziq's virtual classroom and authorstream's power point presentation platform. Both are web based platforms, have a bunch of features and free basic service. Here’s a public class recording conducted by Nellie Deutsch on Technology Integration.

Integrating Technology into the Classroom Using Moodle and Wikis by Nellie Deutsch

Get your own Virtual Classroom

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Permalink Reply by Michael Cunningham on November 30, 2009 at 2:33pm

Video or web conferencing

Michael Cunningham
Del Valle High School
mcunningham@del-valle.k12.tx.us

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Permalink Reply by bjoernlasse on December 6, 2009 at 12:13am

Michelle,

I have some French teacher friends. If you have a quick introduction email I can forward it. Please send it to bjoern@supercoolschool.com

Regarding the tool - I can offer you a free version of Supercool School. It allows you to do video conversations in virtual classroom with whiteboards and other fun features.

cheers,

Bjoern