ePals



**__What?__** ePals is used to be able to create an online safe environment for students, parents and educators around the world to be able to communicate. It helps people from around the world be able to compare ideas and cultural learning abilities to others all around the world. When students begin to use ePals it creates a safe and easy way for them to begin to understand the technologies in the 21st century. This tool like writing tools helps students become more comfortable with writing. It is managed by teachers and administrators. All interactions are policy managed by school districts and teachers, including emails, blogs, and forums, and can be monitored and filtered according to any standard. And ePals blocks SPAM, pornography, and curse words.

> > **__ How does it work? __** > Within ePals you create a profile, within this profile you are detailed about what you want to learn, your grade, and your subject, the more detailed you are the more ideas you are able to get from other users. You are also not allowed to begin receiving or sending emails until your profile has been approved, once again helping the safety of the site.
 * __ Why? __**
 * Saves valuable class time and extends the learning experience.
 * Avoids the need for software installations or additional hardware.
 * Creates a way for students and teachers to interact in a safe environment.
 * Also, creates a way for teachers and students around the world to interact safely.

Here are a few videos to get to know this new tool! media type="youtube" key="wacDVLQFavs" height="344" width="425" Here are some more videos to learn more!
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**__Advantages__**
 * No cost
 * Easy to set up and use
 * Safe and managed by administrators
 * Can be filtered
 * Is based on the latest research for effective Internet-based learning.
 * Saves valuable class time and extends the learning experience.
 * Avoids the need for software installations or additional hardware.

EdNET Industry Awards - August 2009 [|ePals, Inc. Named Finalist for Pioneer Award] ComputED Best Educational Software - April 2009 [|Best Multi-Level Internet Communication Website!] Software & Information Industry Association - February 2009 [|ePals Global Community Named Finalist for "Best Instructional Solution in Other Curriculum Areas"] [|In2Books Named Finalist for “Best Education Solution”] Technology & Learning - November 2008 [|Award of Excellence: ePals Classroom Match] ComputEd Gazette Education Software Review Awards (EDDIE) - October 2008 [|The ePals Global Learning Community Awarded “Best Internet Communication Website”] District Administration (Online) - February 2008 In2Books Selected for 2007-2008 Readers' Choice Award for Internet Products DistrictAdministration (Online) - June 2007 Editors Pick: USDE Study on Educational Technology Effectiveness Department of Education - June 2007 Teacher's Guide to International Collaboration on the Internet Technology & Learning - 2006 [|Award of Excellence: Tools For Communication, Collaboration, and System Management for SchoolBlog™] Tech Museum Awards - 2005 In2Books: 2005 Education Award Laureate
 * __Awards__**

Created by: Ryan, Stacey, and Mikole