ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MISwartz Creek Academy students connect with students overseas

(01/24/12) - Students at Swartz Creek Academy met with their peers from London and another friend from Thailand Tuesday morning via Skype. It's part of a pilot course called global issues created by Michigan Virtual School.

The one semester program allows students from around the world to connect, discuss and examine each others cultures.
   
"Each student had to adopt a country in the world, talk about the issues there, challenge each other there and the whole idea is world peace basically through education," said Dean of Students Richard Thompson.

Hannah Luther, an eleventh grade student, says it's been an exciting experience. "I want to know what it's like there and all the different things that they do, and it's nice that they're open for questions, and it's the same for them."

Sophomore Arden Anderson says the course has motivated her to think bigger.

"There is a lot of opposites and things you don't think about so it kind of makes me think outside of the box."

You might call them 21st Century pen pals, no paper, stamps or writing instruments necessary.  They build friendships and share global lessons, without leaving the classroom.
  
"If you're in social studies, global issues, world history, why not tap into technology and talk to those people within the world," Thompson said.