handy_logoHandy4class

Getting "Handy" in the classroom with technology integration

writing activity types

activity type: keypals

What is a KeyPal?

Keypals are "penpals" via email. Students usually pair off with a student in another class, location, or country and communicate via email, usually on topics the students have chosen.

Advantages for use in the classroom:

  • Students learn the netiquette of email

  • Excellent letter-writing application

  • Students participate in a real world application

Disadvantages:

  • Students must be responsible for following up on emails

  • Requires much independent time for students on computers

See the Texas TIPD Activity Types for descriptions of great KeyPal projects that are ongoing!

Copyright 2002-2010 Handy4Class Project


Candace Figg, PhD
Brock University
Faculty of Education, Teacher Education Department
500 Glenridge, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2S 3A1
(905.688.5550, x5347)

Jenny Burson, EdD
University of Texas at Austin (retired)
Education Department, Curriculum and Instruction
jburson@mail.utexas.edu