Tag Archives: e-cards in the classroom

10 Tips for Using E-Cards in the Classroom

Have your students sent and received online greeting cards? Here are some tips to make finding, sending, and receiving e-Cards in the classroom a fun, easy, and worthwhile activity.
ecard

  1. Try Different Web Browsers: Some e-Cards need the Flash program to show the message. If your web browser will not play Flash animation, try another web browser.
  2. Do Not Click on Advertisements: Free e-Card services have advertisements. They will redirect you from the website. Ignore them.
  3. Pick a Suitable Card: There are many different e-Cards. Some may not be for kids. Look for keywords such as Children or Kids to find those for your age group.
  4. Find Cards that are Free: Some e-Cards require a subscription or payment. Look for keywords such as free.
  5. Be Creative: Often when sending an e-Card you can add a note, pick a design, or select the music. Add a personal touch!
  6. Do Not Join a Mailing List: Some e-Card services ask you to add your e-mail to a mailing list. This will cause you to get lots of junk mail. Do not check the box for this option.
  7. Ignore Free Trial Options: You may visit an e-Card website that asks you to fill out a form for a free trial. Often you can ignore this option and still send an e-Card.
  8. Have Patience: When you send an e-Card it may take time to reach the person. Do not worry! They will get it soon.
  9. Check Your Junk Folder: Did someone send you an e-Card? Check your Junk, Trash, or Clutter folder. Move the message to your Inbox to view the e-Card.
  10. Send a Link to an e-Card Video: If you are having trouble finding a free e-Card service, send a link to a video greeting instead. Search the Internet for a suitable video. Write an e-mail and include the video URL in the message.

e-cards in the classroom

See more about e-Cards in the classroom:

To view a list of free e-Card sites, click here.

To read 10 reasons why sending e-Cards in the classroom is an appropriate and worthwhile technology activity, click here.

To teach online digital literacy, internet safety, search strategies, and research skills in a fun way, click here.

Free E-Card Sites for the Classroom

In my last post, I recommended using e-Cards in the classroom for a variety of reasons – curricular as well as motivational. To get started, here are some suggested sites to find free e-Card sites, as well as comments on their advantages and drawbacks.

free e-card

123 Greetings

Pros

  • free
  • remembers your details for next visit
  • format font, color, and size of the text in the personal message
  • set a delayed delivery date
  • preview the card
  • both sender and receiver can send same card on to another person

Cons

  • must accept notifications from 123Greetings but may unsubscribe later
  • busy page with lots of advertising
  • short ad appears for receiver before card loads

American Greeting Cards

Pros

  • no advertising on page
  • recipient can easily send a free reply or post a reply to Facebook; the default is a thank you for the card

Cons

  • not clear which cards are free – to begin, look for free cards using search feature
  • add a photo or voice message feature in personalized message is not available for free cards

Card Boulevard

Pros

  • no registration or subscription needed
  • look for free cards
  • can select music for card
  • download app MyFunCards to send free ecards
  • to send the card type free for Username and cards as Password

Cons

  • simple, plain cards
  • if music is chosen, sender and recipient must download midi file

Cat Cards

Pros

  • all free e-Cards with cat photos for many occasions
  • easy to navigate
  • simple, minimal information required – sender only needs to submit from and to names and emails
  • sends you an email to confirm that you sent the free e-Card
  • site is hosted by Cat Depot, a nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless, abandoned, and injured cats

Cons

  • limited choices – just cats

Crosscards Ecards

Pros

  • all cards are free
  • track contacts and e-Cards you have sent and received
  • set delivery date
  • post to Facebook, share link on Twitter, post to a board on Pinterest, or email

Cons

  • the opt in for email holiday alerts or special offers is selected by default
  • no formatting options for personal message

Dog Breedz

Pros

  • lots of dog related categories e.g. Humorous, Specific Breeds, Birthday, Puppies and more
  • can choose a background image and a ‘dog stamp’
  • add an emoji to personal message
  • sender is sent email confirmation
  • can view printable version

Cons

  • restricted to only dog e-Cards
  • e-Cards only available for 15 days

The Nature Conservancy

Pros

  • beautiful nature photographs including categories: Seasons, Animals, Birds, and more
  • no advertising
  • card appears in email message – don’t need to click link to see card in a browser
  • can opt in to receive updates and invitations
  • set delivery date

Cons

  • limited choice of cards – restricted to nature theme

Regards

Pros

  • can select View all free cards
  • see dates for upcoming holidays
  • choose background colors
  • recipient can send a thank you note
  • sender can see when recipient has viewed card

Cons

  • ads on page
  • recipient must click link in email

World Wildlife Fund

Pros

  • all cards are free
  • beautiful photos
  • includes fun ‘Species Fact Cards’
  • can opt in to receive emails about conservation news

Cons

  • restricted to wildlife and nature topics

Care2 Earth to Kids

Pros

  • all cards have been drawn by kids
  • message in card has links to learning more about environmental issues
  • sending e-Cards earns credits to generate donations to nonprofit organizations
  • customize with stamps, music, background, or greeting

Cons

  • must click link in email to view card

MOMA

Pros

  • e-Cards are artwork from the Museum of Modern Art
  • categories such as Architecture and Design, Painting and Sculpture, Special Occasions such as July 4, Mother’s Day and many more
  • browse by artist
  • no ads

Cons

  • CAUTION: artwork can include images that schools may find inappropriate for younger students

free e-card