FAQs

Video and picture tutorials for the Collaboration Centre are available at https://sites.google.com/site/iearncollaborationcentrehelp/

 

My class is interested in joining a project in a particular subject/curriculum area (science, history, math, etc.) Does iEARN have something for us?

iEARN has over 200 collaborative projects in various subject areas. We invite you to browse the full list by clicking here. If you have a specific idea in mind but aren't sure which project would be the best fit for you, please email us at membership@us.iearn.org, and we will be happy to help you explore the possibilities.

Can I use iEARN's network to implement my new project idea?

iEARN welcomes teachers who are eager to create and facilitate new theme-based projects.  We do recommend that new members first join an established project, so that they can learn about the network with the assistance of experienced iEARN facilitators and teachers. With so many projects up and running, it is often possible for new members to integrate some of their great ideas into an already established project before they jump into creating one of their own. 

Can my students practice their foreign language skills with iEARN projects?

Yes! iEARN classrooms conduct project work and communicate on project forums using multiple languages. Our Collaboration Centre has over 25 language lounges where students can meet and communicate in the language of their choice. iEARN also has multiple country and regional forums where students and teachers can meet to discuss issues relevant to those places. For more information about how online project work enhances foreign language learning, click here.

Can iEARN match my classroom with pen pals in a specific country?

iEARN provides teachers with many options for connecting with other classrooms. Joining one of our collaborative projects is the easiest way to immediately connect with other students and teachers in the network.  While it is possible to develop a partnership with a specific class by reaching out on our online forums, over 2 decades of experience has demonstrated that engaging in project work with multiple classrooms leads to a richer, more sustained exchange. To facilitate meaningful interaction, we encourage teachers to think not only about classrooms they would like to communicate with, but also the subjects and issues that will be most enriching for their students.

Can home-school teachers join iEARN?

Yes. iEARN welcomes home-school teachers to its global network.

How much does it cost to join iEARN in the USA?

iEARN-USA offers two options for membership.  Individual memberships cost $100 per year (12-months) for a single teacher, who can register an unlimited number of students for project work. School memberships cost $400 per year (12-months) and allow access to all teachers from a school who can then register unlimited students. All members have access to our projects database, people database and all discussion forums.  See more about iEARN-USA Membership.

Is there a limit to how many teachers can participate if my school has an iEARN membership?

No. A school membership allows an unlimited number of teachers from the school to register and participate in projects with their students.

Does a school membership cover all schools in the district?

No, a school membership typically covers only one school building.  However, we do offer discounts to school districts purchasing multiple school memberships.  For more information, please contact: memberships@us.iearn.org.

Can I choose the date my membership becomes effective?

Yes, you may choose the effective date of your iEARN membership.  The expiration date will be 12-months from the date you choose.

Where can I find funding to support my iEARN membership?

While iEARN does not keep a list of potential funders, many iEARN teachers plan ahead to locate grants that help cover membership costs.  iEARN also offers scholarships -- see our Join/Request Information page for details. iEARN works hard to maintain an affordable network. Membership is largely subsidized by the generous support of individuals, foundations, corporations and government institutions.

Do my students need email accounts to participate in iEARN?

No. Teachers have the option to create logins for their students to access the Collaboration Centre directly.  When creating student logins, teachers can create group email accounts or even use their own email accounts to register their students.

How does iEARN ensure that its online platform is safe for participating students?

iEARN has created a safe and secure space online for its projects, as follows:

Online forums, like bulletin boards, are used for collaboration. The system is password protected. Once logged in, everyone participating in the project can see everything that the other participants are saying to each other. This transparency makes the users entirely accountable for their actions; iEARN has found it to be a powerful safety mechanism.

iEARN is based on school and teacher membership. Country co-ordinators vet applications as coming from legitimate entities, e.g. schools or non-profit organizations.

Teachers create student accounts - students cannot create accounts themselves. Teachers control student access and can change passwords or delete accounts at any time.

Student information is not available to anyone except their teacher. No one in iEARN, even other teachers, can search for students\' personal information/identity.

Is there a specific time period that I may join and participate in iEARN projects?

iEARN has 200 collaborative online projects; most of the projects are ongoing throughout the year, allowing teachers and students to join at any time.  A few projects take place during a fixed time period at the beginning of the academic year.  For a complete list of our collaborative projects, please visit the Projects section of our online Collaboration Centre.

I started the registration process on the iEARN website, but didn't complete it.  How can I complete my application?

To complete your registration and pay online, you have to complete the online registration form again, using the same exact information (name, email, password, etc) in order to arrive at the payment page.  Otherwise, you may contact: memberships@us.iearn.org or call 212-870-2693 to complete your registration.

What are some tips for introducing iEARN to my students?

See the Prepare section of the iEARN Multimedia Guide.  Among the areas to cover in preparing your students, you might want to spend some time talking about appropriate use of online forums. An iEARN school, Edmonds Cyberschool, created an "iEARN Buddy Support Contract" to help students in writing and posting their messages on iEARN forums. For more in depth guidance, consider taking one of our 8-week online courses to help you align projects and prepare students to work with their peers online.

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