Watch Stow Students Connect with Kent Buddies Online

About once a month, students at students and meet — but travel time is minimal as the students just have to go to their nearest computer.

The first grade Fishcreek students are virtually traveling and meeting up with their eighth grade Kent buddies through Skype. 

"Through Skype, the students can see one another, learn about interests and read stories to one another," said Tiffany Harris, a first grade teacher at Fishcreek. "I'm proud of the fact that each day, I see evidence of 21st-century learning and skills: creativity, critical thinking and problem solving."

Not only are the students chatting through their computers, but they've also developed a Wiki page. 

"If you’re familiar with how Wikipedia works, it’s similar. Our Wiki is on a much smaller scale, specifically for education, so only the students can get on," said Harris.

Harris said her students are very enthusiastic about the new technology being adapted in her classroom.

"Skype is the best thing in the world," said Jonathan Fridline, who is featured in the video attached to this post. "Your voice goes in the computer, kind of like it's invisible, but it's cool that you could see them from far away."

First grade student Reese Hayward said she likes using Skype because she's making new friends.

"We get to learn about our buddies and they get to learn about us," she said. "It's very interesting, its not like a big cord is there, its like they are in the same room."

This new way of learning began last year through an AT&T classroom project where St. Patrick's eighth grade class would read books to the first graders. 

"This year, we just brought it down to a more personal scale and every student has a buddy to read to and share things with," said Harris.