Using Technology to Create Cultural Exchange Experiences with students in Chile

Sixth graders at Orange Grove Middle School (OGMS) had an opportunity to Skype with students at Wenlock School in Santiago, Chile. Mr. Lee Tompkins’ sixth grade Spanish class participated in a real time audio video interaction with Ms. Magdalena Junemann class and Ravi Unites Schools.

In a student led questions and answers session, students were able to share stories and talk about various topics to include school, extracurricular activities, school lunch, climate, and video games. OGMS students wanted to practice their proficiency of the Spanish language with students living in a Spanish speaking country, so on this day they did just that. OGMS students asked the following questions and Wenlock’s students responded in Spanish:

1. ¿Qué es su comida favorita?

2. ¿Qué deportes les gusta jugar?

3. ¿Viven en un apartamento o una casa?

4. ¿Cómo son las casas o apartamentos en Santiago?

During the 45-minute real-time audio video interaction, Santiago went offline for 10 minutes because they experienced a magnitude 5.5 earthquake that swayed building in the city. However, Wenlock ‘s students all returned online and no reports of damage or injury. OGMS Panthers genuinely demonstrated compassion for their new friends. This is truly a day to remember because this was Ravi Unites Schools first time incorporating questions and answers session in two languages; it’s the first time Mr. Tompkins’ Spanish class Skyped with an international school and it was the United States national day of mourning for our 41st President George H. Bush. Both schools expressed a desire to continue this global exchange throughout the year.