Local kids “Skype” with South African students
March 2, 2010
Wentzville
Wentzville students at Crossroads Elementary had the rare opportunity to combine Social Studies and technology in real time when they took part in a “Skype” video conference with fellow students half a world away in Pretoria, South Africa.
Crossroads students chosen for the interview panel had the chance to ask the South African students questions about school, activities, sports and food.
“We got to talk to people who live in Africa and learn a lot about them,” said Ian, a third grader. “It’s neat that they speak so many different languages!”
Crossroads students were interested to learn that it was 82 degrees and summer in Pretoria, and that children in South Africa enjoyed pizza and McDonald’s as much as they do. The students from South Africa were a little surprised that cricket, rugby and David Beckham were not quite as popular here in America as in their homeland.
Assistant Principal Bryan Howse enlisted the aid of his brother, Bob, a technical consultant who lives in Pretoria, to help set up the Skype conference.
“We have a diversity committee, and we are always trying to incorporate more technology into our teaching practices,” said Mr. Howse, “and I think it helped increase awareness for our students, they were very interested in the differences and surprised by the many similarities with the South African students.”
From the Wentzville School District
Copyright 2010 Neighbors About Town
