Where is Roberg?

Today, I just participated in a fantastic educational experience. One 11th grade class and two 5th grade classes conducted two separate video conferences with me while I’m here in Jerusalem! Using internet software called Skype, the students and I were able to see each other while we chatted for FREE over the internet! Not only were we able to hear each other (most of the time), but we could SEE each other by using some cameras specifically made to work with computers (called webcams).

The kids asked questions and I did my best to answer them. We covered topics that ranged from geography to security to culture. The 11th graders were able to see the Temple Mount, one of the holiest places on earth for Jews, Christians, and Muslims while we chatted because it was 2:15 in the afternoon here (8:15 am EST) and I had found a rooftop view with wireless internet access. Due to the time difference, the 5th graders had the opportunity to see the inside of a coffee place at 5:45 pm (11:45 EST).

Sorry I don’t have a picture of the cute kids, just me and a goofy look in the Coffee place

Other than some minor technical difficulties with my audio, it went really well and the kids seemed genuinely engaged and interested. It was great to see them and it was even better to be able to answer some of their questions.

It’s amazing to me that just 5 years ago our activity today would not have been possible. Technology is going to change education just like it has changed every other aspect of our lives in the past 15 years. If we embrace it, like we did today during our video conference half way across the world, the students of this generation will have opportunities that their parents could only dream of.

As my Dad said, some of this stuff was only a dream when he was reading Dick Tracy back when he was a kid. And it’s only going to get better…

Filed under: 5th Grade, Israel, Travel, overview