As we returned to our classroom after recess on Tuesday (December 18), hot and sweaty from play, most of the children had forgotten that this was the day for our first meeting with Mr. Crosby’s fifth grade class in Nevada. Imagine the excitement the children felt when they first walked into the room and saw their new friends on the screen. Mr. Crosby and I had tried out our connection right before recess, and we left it “open” during Mr. Crosby’s morning arrival of students. You see, they were just arriving for their 9 a.m. opening of school when we came in at noon from our recess. Believe it or not, Reno, Nevada is further west than Los Angeles, California -- 3 hours earlier than here in Fort Myers, Florida.

    If you use the navigation menu to zoom in on Reno, you’ll notice a neighboring city to the east called Sparks. That’s where Agnes Ridley school is located, the home of Mr. Crosby’s fifth grade class.

    Since early December when our class completed a touch typing course on the Alphasmart Neo, we’ve done a lot more writing. Recently, we were discussing the idea of pen pals with whom we could share our stories, our lessons, and our learning. Thanks to a mutual friend who works in educational technology, Wes Fryar, Mr. Schwan and Mr. Crosby were introduced (using Skype) and our class-to-class relationship began. Look for more highlights from our visits in the months ahead, and enjoy this 17 minute video podcast of our first meeting.

NOTE: be patient while it loads. Watch the progress bar until it moves about half-way before trying to click on the play arrow.