I am not a computing teacher, but I became really keen about e-mail's possibilities in my German classroom after attending a computer workshop on the global classroom. Such a classroom enables students from all over the world to communicate with and share information about themselves and their countries' customs. Modbury High School currently offers students language classes in German, French, and Japanese. Our previous experience with International Keypals via the Internet has been extremely positive, and we are looking forward to even greater opportunities. Next year our school will have greater access to the Internet, allowing more students the opportunity to learn about language and people from around the world from their very own Keypals.
Electronic mail allows students to practice their reading and writing skills.
This applies to any foreign languages as much as English. Students learn faster and retain their language more readily if they can apply the language that they have been practicing in the classroom. Using e-mail as a communication tool to enhance student learning can benefit both the academically gifted and students who have learning difficulties. Indeed, we have several students with individual education plans who thrive on being able to write to their own Keypals. My mom has told me lots about Australia because she went there a while ago on holidays.