Challenges+of+Global+Networks

Some of the key challenges with regards to this unit and suggestions to overcome them are:


 * **Finding a Partner School and Educator to Work With:** What if I create a post looking to work with a classroom, and I don't get a response? This can be stressful, especially if you have the lesson module ready for implementation within the classroom. One way to alleviate this issue, is to be patient. There are time lapses between countries. You may not get a response as instantaneously as you would like, but someone will respond. In addition, try using another avenue to find a classroom to work with. For example, instead of posting to the Project Forum, perhaps try searching by country within the ePals site. The more posts you have available for classroom educators to view, the better chances you will have for obtaining a collaboration with another educator and classroom.


 * **ePal Communication and Planning with the Other Teacher:** I am concerned that the lapse in time with the other teacher located in another country will not allow myself or my colleague to communicate effectively. One way to overcome this solution is to exchange personal emails in addition to ePals. This may open up more avenues of communication. In addition, flexibility is key. If a day’s lesson doesn’t go as planned, we will need to work together to ensure that our students can engage in meaningful ePal collaboration.


 * **ePal Communication with Students:** What if there is a lapse in student communication? What if a student from the other class does not respond to one of my students? How will we deal with students who are absent to ensure communication between ePals occurs? One way to try to avoid these issues to plan with the other teacher. If Plan A does not work, what will be our Plan B? If students are absent from class and could not engage in communication, students would be given time during the school day or after school to communicate with their ePal. In addition, if students can access the Internet at home, they could also complete the assignment at home. Flexibility is key. There is no guarantee that everything will run smoothly, but with effective planning and communication, myself and the other teacher will be able to “roll with the punches” and adjust as needed for the needs of our classes and students.


 * **Classroom Progress:** Of course, the what if my students did not finish when they were supposed to according to what both educators had outlined in the module? One way to alleviate this issue would be to maintain consistent communication with the other classroom educator. In addition, flexibility is key. If one class does not finish a certain portion when they were supposed to due to daily classroom occurrences, both classroom can restructure plans to provide the other classroom with the time needed to "catch up."


 * **ePal Monitoring:** To ensure that students follow proper Netiquette rules while communicating, it is suggested to become familiar with the ePals security. Any student communication is monitored, and if something is flagged, it is deleted and sent to the teacher. However, this is still a concern. One way to further support this issue is to enlist the help of my technology supervisor. We can work together to make students aware of the AUP that they signed in the beginning of the year includes proper Netiquette communication. Additionally, students can examine infractions as created by the school if Netiquette communication rules are violated. Finally, I can also create a mini netiquette lesson for my students prior to their first email collaboration with their ePal so they understand the importance of proper communication through email and can apply that to their writing.