Changed Lives: A Snapshot October/November 2009

Can videoconferencing experiences change lives?
Read these few snapshots and see for yourself!

Definition of a Changed Life: Based on a videoconferencing experience(s), a person makes a shift or move in perspective, attitude and/or actions.

Snapshot #1: A change in perception and direction
The situation:
My name is Frank Garcia. Four years ago my family and I, decided we had a mission to fulfill and needed to move from the USA to Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico. Our city is a border town to El Paso, Texas with a population of more than a million. Since 2008, it has become the most violent city in the country. Here drug lords are fighting for the territory, as it has easy access to the USA. As a result, children and students of all ages see killing every day on their way to school or back or while playing in the streets; all this because there is a lack of schools in the city. These students are beginning to forget the purpose of life and the importance of education. They need to have a dream and be able to fight for that dream.

Thus our mission: To bring students of all ages the opportunity to provide unique and unforgettable experiences to travel anywhere in the world via videoconferencing, understand that there is more than what they see in the streets, and to help them dream big and realize their dreams. We want to show and teach students of all ages that as long as they continue in school, they will be a benefit to their community and their country.

The change:
My experience in videoconferencing has and continues to provide these types of opportunities. We have connected to content providers, like NASA, where students learn about careers. In the 2008-2009 school year, we had more than 100 interactions with schools all across the USA and Canada. As a result of these connections, our teachers have improved their teaching skills and our students want to be astronauts and doctors.

We are anxious to continue our outreach and are always looking for others with whom we can connect.

Submitted by Frank Garcia 526566253349

Snapshot #2: A change in attitude and motivation
The situation:
Students in Ryan Jeffers’ 5th grade class are taking a different approach to learning Spanish: They are collaborating with Maria Ordonez’ 6th grade class in Mexico. Through interactive videoconferencing, students practice grammar and learn common phrases. The best part of all is that they gain insight into the Mexican culture, an element very hard to attain through traditional lessons.

The change:
Learning a second language is now relevant. Miss Jeffers’ 5th grade students have a reason to learn Spanish—to converse with their peers in Mexico. Practicing their learned words and phrases with their friends in Ms. Ordonez’ class is both exciting and motivating.

Submitted by Adina Popa 571-252-2282

Your Turn
More than meeting the standards, more that providing new experiences, a videoconference experience truly has the power to change lives.

Won’t you share a story of a changed life?
Just email Dawn for a quick and easy template.