Frequently Asked Questions

What is KIDLINK?
KIDLINK is an organization that promotes global dialogue among kids up to 15 years old. It began in 1990, is free, and run totally by volunteers around the world.

Where is KIDLINK?
KIDLINK "happens" across listservs though we do have WWW pages where you can see the organization and project work done by the kids.

How is KIDLINK organized?
KIDLINK has separate lists for specific areas. We have places for teachers to meet, kids to meet and a secure IRC that is limited to our KIDLINK people who have specifically registered for it. For children who do not speak English, there are many lists in specific languages. We still encourage these kids to come into the lists that are in English and have a TRANTEAM to help us translate.

If I have an entire class of students, do I need to have each one answer the four questions?
The whole philosophy of KIDLINK, with its concept of a global village, is reflected in these four questions. It is necessary, therefore, to have each student answer these response questions. It may take some time to do this. Consider having students do this at individual PC's without Internet access, and/or with paper and pencil. This is also an excellent introduction to: word processing, geography, science and writing skills. A three to five class period lesson plan can center around the four questions, regardless of whether you are departmentalized or grade level. This activity also spans ability and grade level constraints.

Where do I send my answers to the four response questions?
You send your answers to

RESPONSE@LISTSERV.NODAK.EDU

If you answer via the web, you do so at

http://www.kidlink.org/RESPONSE/4Q_form.html

Why do I have to use my real name?
Using your full name indicates personal identity, responsibility, and commitment to KIDLINK participation and ideals. Use of fake names or aliases ("unfriendly" nicknames) are not permitted. KIDLINK is about *global networking for youth through the age of 15* Youth are invited in to make friends in "public rooms", and use our resources to build personal networks of friends around the world. Personal identify fosters such networks; anonymity destroys them. You can read more about the reasons for this decision by looking at:

http://www.kidlink.org/english/general/name.html

I have sent in my answers to the four response questions but I haven't got my number yet.
You can check for your registration number at:

http://www.kidlink.org/RESPONSE/searcher.html

KIDLINK receives hundreds of responses every week. It may take one to two weeks for your to be processed . If you have failed to put your name and city/country in the SUBJECT line, it will be returned to you.

I have my registration number, but I still can't talk.
Participation in the KIDLINK IRC requires a *separate* registration. You may do so at

http://www.kidlink.org/IRC

While you are waiting to receive your password, you are free to join any of the other KIDLINK areas, such as KIDPROJ, KIDFORUM, or KIDCAFE.

Is KIDLINK just having penpals?
KIDLINK is a global educational learning tool. To find some of the avenues of growth, visit:

http://www.kidlink.org/english/general.html

A good place to start would be

http://www.kidlink.org/english/activity.html

How do I get a penpal?
KIDLINK offers a great deal more than just having a penpal . You might be able to find a single person to correspond with by going to

http://www.kidlink.org/KIDCAFE/

You would subscribe to this activity by sending a message to

LISTSERV@LISTSERV.NODAK.EDU

and in the body of the message put

subscribe kidcafe-individual mickey mouse

where mickey mouse is your CORRECT first and last name

How do I chat?
Kidlink is much bigger than just chatting. The Kidlink-IRC requires that you first join Kidlink. You may do that at

http://www.kidlink.org/RESPONSE/4Qs.html

When you receive your registration number, you may then register to join the Kidlink-IRC.