A) First Phase: September 1997 to December 1997
(Establishing Contact)
Students involved:
75 8th graders (ages between 13-15) + same number from 9 American schools respectively
Technology:
School: 2 computers (slow dial-up connection), 1 printer
Home: 1 computer (slow dial-up connection), 1 printer
Note: A great majority of students do not have computers at home
Process:
Aims:
Practicing target language /Discovering target country/ collaborating in order to get information/ contacting people through writing letters
Timeline:
September/October: Introducing oneself, talking about family, hobbies
October/November: describing school and school subjects/like/dislike/plans for the future
November/December: Talking about Christmas and holiday traditions.
Exchange boxes with signed books/photographs/ gifts (snail mail- quick delivery)
Evaluation:
letters marked according to criteria given, feedback from participating teachers, feedback from students.
Funds or sponsoring: mail expenses for sending boxes with gifts covered by department funds.