Connecting with ESL elementary teachers in other countries?

[pbyrne]

I teach in an elementary school in New York State and I was wondering how I could go about connecting with other ESL ( or I guess, more to the point) EFL teachers in elementary schools in other countries.

My idea is to use Webcams to have my students exchange info, have conversations etc. with students in other countries. Most of my students are from South America, but I'd like them to see that English is a medium of communication the world over.

For example, I have a student from Senegal and his ESL classmates don't really 'get' how far he has come. How could I get connected to a classroom in Senegal? Is there an organization in place that does this?

Thank you for any input.

PB

[anajones33]

I have often thought of creating a Pen-Pal classroom. I know it would be easy to reach out to schools here in the U.S. My desire is to connect with other countries so our children in the U.S. can travel to a foreign country via the web. I would want my students to know that there are many other students around the world that have the same thoughts and desires as they do. I would begin my search by narrowing down the country that I would want to hook up with. I would then search on the web for a few schools in a city in that country and make contact with the technology coordinator. They are the "tekies" and would be able to share with you the possibility of creating a Pen-Pal WebCam classroom.

[anajones33]

I have often thought of creating a Pen-Pal classroom. I know it would be easy to reach out to schools here in the U.S. My desire is to connect with other countries so our children in the U.S. can travel to a foreign country via the web. I would want my students to know that there are many other students around the world that have the same thoughts and desires as they do. I would begin my search by narrowing down the country that I would want to hook up with. I would then search on the web for a few schools in a city in that country and make contact with the technology coordinator. They are the "tekies" and would be able to share with you the possibility of creating a Pen-Pal WebCam classroom

[Sally Olsen]

Have you posted on the Pen Pal section of Dave's Teacher Discussion Forums called "Keypals"?

[pbyrne]

Ana Jones - Thank you for the input! Since I posted my query, I've had the opportunity to get involved with the epals site. We've been able to hook up with students in countries such as Costa Rica and Brazil. The site checks you out before allowing access to students, so I trust it.

Sally Olsen - No, I haven't posted at Dave's Cafe for keypals because, to be honest, I am not very fond of this site. I don't even come here anymore ( I was automatically informed that my posting generated a reply). What is the deal with the guy's face so prominently displayed?

[mesmark]

There's also the option of project exchanges which are a bit easier to run. Students can just exchange a project of some sort. There's a V-Key Pals project exchange on MES English. It has completed projects from students around the world, on various themes. Your students can do a project and then you can download a completed project from a group or two in another part of the world.