Once you have a wiki set up with all the elements of your project, you will need to think about how to communicate with your partner(s).

Confirmation Letter

This letter is important to begin communication with partners. Timely and succinct communication is imperative. Always include the time zone. I try to always copy the technical contact on any communications to teachers, so that they are in the communication loop.

• Project title, date & time (including ZONE)
• Test call date & time (including ZONE) & connection details
• Preparation information
• Action Items: what to do next (including any benchmark dates)

Other optional components:

• Information about recording and video releases (if applicable… I’ve been trying to record more to get examples to put online)
• Contact information for partner teacher (for exchanges)
• Suggested agenda (if not already determined/facilitated)

Test Call Reminder

Sometimes I combine the test call and preparation reminders.

• Project name
• Test call date & time
• Connection info: IP, dial direction, trouble # to call

Preparation Reminder

Not all projects get a preparation reminder. MysteryQuests do for sure. Lots of reminders about presentation preparation and teachers really appreciate that!

• MysteryQuest projects: don’t forget to send in your city-state / city-country / history-mystery
• MysteryQuest projects: Tips on making clues, presenting clearly, making sure all the clues are included, a reminder to make a visual for revealing the answer
• Encouragement!!
• Timeline for when different parts of the project need to be completed.

Post-Project Email

• Thank you for participating
• Stats on the success/participation
• Link to evaluation form
• Link to a blog post about the project.
• What else?

Challenge: When you get those confirmation emails from content providers or collaborators, keep a folder with really good examples to model yours after.