Frequently
Asked Questions
for Teachers
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. More information
can be found at:
http://www.kidlink.org/english/general/shortcut.html
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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.
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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.
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When participating with 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.
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Is Kidlink just about having penpals?
Kidlink is a global educational learning tool. To find some of the avenues of growth,
visit: http://www.kidlink.org/english/general/overview.html
Why do real names have to be used?
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
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My children have sent in their answers
to the four response questions but I haven't got a number yet.
You can check for registration numbers at:
http://www.kidlink.org/RESPONSE/searcher.html
Kidlink receives hundreds of responses every week. It may take one to two weeks for
responses to be processed. If they have failed to put their name and city/country in the
SUBJECT line, the responses will be returned. |