Empatico is a platform that makes it possible to Connecting primary classes around the world. A free service for primary school teachers that will facilitate research and communication with another class around the world.
Empatico provides the tools to make video connections with another class in another country. The platform also offers a range of activity ideas that you can use with your class.
Connecting your class to another class in another country
The platform will make it much easier for you throughout your correspondence project with another class. First of all, once registered on the site, Empatico will automatically offer you classes with which to correspond according to similar interests in terms of activities, class schedules and the age of your students.
Empatico then provides internal messaging that will allow you to communicate with the other teacher to prepare the exchanges. You will also have access to a shared folder where you can upload photos and videos and small information from your class to the partner class. Finally, the tool allows you to quickly view the days and hours in common with your partner class in order to connect. Time zones are converted for you.
On D-Day and H-Hour you will be able to connect to your partner class through an integrated live video chat. No applications to install. Everything happens from your browser. All you need is a webcam and of course an internet connection. A small preliminary ‘technical test’ offered by the platform allows you to test the sound, video and connection in advance.
Ideas for activities to facilitate exchanges between classes
Empatico goes beyond simply providing the technical tools for a successful connection. The site also offers a whole series of pedagogical sequences and feedback to allow you to succeed in the moments of exchange.
A dozen activities are offered. This ranges from an exchange on food, to a visit to the school, to an exchange on games or the weather. Each activity takes place in three sequences. A preparation of thirty minutes to one hour, a video exchange with the other class of about twenty minutes and finally a feedback on the exchange and a reflection of about the same duration.
Empatico comes from the United States, but the interface is available in several languages, including French. I told you when I started using the platform is completely free of charge.
Link: Empatico
English
The idea is great for children to understand that where they were born does not represent the whole world. I suppose the name ‘empatico’ comes from here, allowing children to put themselves in the shoes of others, in other words to learn empathy. A quality that is rare nowadays!
Good morning.
I would remind all teachers that, since the start of the 2018 school year, they have had access to the ‘my virtual classroom’ tool, a tool that allows them to invite anyone, even outside EN, by videoconference, but also to exchange documents, share their screen, collaborate, etc. …
After all the pedagogical aspect (preparation of the visio, visio, analysis of the sequence), I think that the teachers all know how to do.
Good continuation.