October 26. Barbara Biddy’s period 6 class used Polycom to video conference with James Hicks’ grade 7 class in Guillen Middle School, El Paso, Texas. Guillen resides about 100 yards from the U.S.-Mexico border. They shared Google Earth images with us to show their location which is over 2,000 miles from Suffern.
Suffern students prepared for the conference by refining questions and practicing speaking skills, including enunciating words and projecting voices. They learned how to look into the camera when speaking and the importance of being attentive. They also brought up the word, ‘polite’ as an important ingredient in a successful video conference.
Students volunteered for jobs which will be rotated in future conferences: cameras, microphone, note takers, welcome greetings and goodbyes.
This was the first conversation of this type for both schools and the students learned not only about differences and similarities, but about the skills of communication.
Our students are currently writing reflections about the experience. More information may be found on the Hand to Hand Connect wiki. Many thanks to James Hicks and his students for speaking with us and to Edwardo Rivas for technical support.
Class discussion with Barbara Biddy reflecting on experience.
