Building Connections with PenPal Schools
Michelle Hollander
Director of Educational Content
News
Why PenPal Schools?
Want to unlock a world of learning for your students? PenPal Schools should be your next destination. They have connected over 500,000 learners in over 130 countries with the mission to promote learning and empathy for people everywhere. Motivate students to learn a new language and build connections with PenPal Schools!
PenPal Schools is a safe platform where students can connect, study assigned questions, and explore any topic of interest. Subjects include food & lifestyle, art & music, science & nature, technology, history, and more! Teachers can create conversations where they ask questions for students to answer and discuss. The platform is more advanced and flexible than previous versions, with the ability to connect classes from around the world in online group discussions. Even better, it provides safety with both human and AI moderation. AI language tutoring is also available so that learners can receive instant feedback to improve their writing! (…and yes, it’s free!)
The interface’s functionality is very straightforward. Teachers can share questions and learners can answer and connect with responses. Additionally, the platform is available on the web and via app store on Apple and Android devices.
How can you incorporate PenPal Schools into your classroom routine?
One of the easiest ways to get started is a “bellringer activity.” You can post a question for your students to answer as a warm-up/ do-now at the start of each class. Alternatively, questions could be completed as exit tickets, an assignment to prepare for the next class, or directly embedded into the curriculum.
Most teachers use PenPal Schools to improve students’ literacy/writing skills, help them gain a global perspective, and understand other cultures. While those remain the top reasons for using the platform, others find that it also helps students develop digital citizenship and social-emotional skills.
Keep an eye out on OTIS for educators for a course on how to get started with PenPal Schools and improve students’ understanding of the English language. Build connections around the world and empower students everywhere!
For more tips, tricks, and tools for teaching in and out of the classroom, check out more content on the Teq Talk blog or our YouTube channels OTIS for educators and Tequipment.
We also offer virtual professional development, training, and support with OTIS for educators. Explore the technology and strategies that spark student success — no matter where teaching or learning are happening!
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