I did not make the document concerning our virtual PenPal assignment and am unsure how to make this link accessible to Dr.Horvitz. Therefore I am composing this post to share the information through the blog, hoping we get points for completing the project for we had it done on time.

• Who are the students your students will communicate with (specific location, grade level)? Students will be communicating with other students located in a different region. For Instance, we can have students from Kalamazoo write to students in other regions to compare/contrast these regions based on their geography, culture, economics, and history. An example of what we can do is have our students from Kalamazoo create pen pals with students from a large city such as New York or Los Angeles. This way the students can write back and forth comparing and contrasting their regions in which they live.

• When would your students contact these other students (at what point in their project work)? Students would contact these others students throughout their entire project. It would be necessary for these students to do research on each other’s regions and develop a discussion about the comparisons/contrasts of each region.

• What kinds of questions would they ask each other and what kinds of information would they share? Students would ask each other questions based on their regions’ culture, geography, economics, and history. They will share information about their own region to help the other students better their understanding of where they live compared to where a different student lives.  What will they do with the information they get from the other students? Students will collect the information that they receive and create Venn diagrams along with other tools to present their project.

Does this seem like a good start Katelyn and Marissa? What else should we mention on here before we turn this in on Sunday?

Looks great, not sure what the map is supposed to be?

couldnt find google maps on my drive? otherwise i would start this for us :/

Hey guys I think the information looks complete for partA. I also tried beginning partB for us but I am confused by the instructions. We create a map of what exactly? Is this an idea we have to come up with as a group? Do we create a map of local Kalamazoo? I was thinking maybe we create a map of kalamazoo that will help our “students” explain to their “ePals” to help them visualize, connect, and relate to one another... any ideas?

Podcast

Hi Ryan and Marissa,

I have just finished adding details to our team web page, please check it out! Review, add, correct, change anything you may want done differently! I think it looks pretty well done but if there is anything I have overlooked feel free to inform me! I added a cool video that highlights our podcast. I realize the sound does not sound perfect but that is because my Toshiba microphone isn't the best.

https://sites.google.com/site/kzoolocalhistoryedt/

I will be available by text or call this evening and will try to check me e-mail every so often. Thanks guys! Good luck!

Katelyn

Google Map

Google map for virtual pen pals

Google maps offer street maps, a route planner for traveling by foot, car, bike (beta), or with public transportation and a locator for urban businesses in numerous countries around the world. This is a useful technology tool to implement within any classroom. We are going to conduct a mini-lesson about how useful Google maps can be in every day life. Next, we will have a class discussion about how we are going to use a Google map to chose a place in the United States to communicate with other students with similar age, grade level, and interests to compare culture, local history, government, and geography.

Virtual Pen Pals Activity
In order to develop cultural understanding and global awareness, this assignment will engage students with learners of other cultures. For instance, our students will connect with other students of the same age to practice communicating and demonstrate cultural understanding.

Final Concept Map

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5uKclOEIvCycmlTZnBfZnUzRnc/edit?usp=drivesdk

Hi Guys, Started on the final concept map however wasn't sure what your assessments and ideas were for your sections of "local history"
Maybe you can fill them in? e-mail me if you cant open the file, as im not sure how else to upload it :/