Your Name and Title: Michael Bernstein

School or Organization Name: PenPal News

Co-Presenter Name(s):

Area of the World from Which You Will Present: U.S.

Language in Which You Will Present: English

Target Audience(s): Teachers everywhere

Short Session Description: PenPal News uses news as a conversation-starter to connect students around the world. 

Full Session Description:

Watch a short demo:

About PenPal News:

PenPal News combines the penpal concept with news-sharing. Penpalling has been around for many years, but exchanges often fail because it is difficult for participants to find things to talk about. PenPal News solves this problem by focusing conversation on the news.

Students will read, share and discuss news happening near them, as well as news that's happening near their international counterpart. Once a week, students will be asked to complete an assignment generated by PenPal News. Sometimes students will be asked to read, comment on and ask questions about a specific article (or news-related radio or video content). Other times, students will have the choice of picking an article that they find interesting to dialogue about. Students will also be asked to write opinion pieces, and to occasionally Skype with their counterparts to discuss a current event. Teachers will have the ability to grade and comment on work and contribute assignments.

Through this dialogue, students will build critical thinking and literacy skills and gain insights into the lives of their counterparts on the other side of the world. Being able to see news stories from different perspectives will build respect for different cultures and points of view. Students will come out of the program better readers, writers and citizens.  

Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:

Sign up at: www.penpalnews.wufoo.com