Party Like Your Partner

Students in Oak Park, Illinois met their Cyber Bridge partners in Bethlehem, West Bank for the first time using video conferencing. In the third of six projects or "bridges" students exchanged information about organizing a celebration. The American students sent their partners in Bethlehem directions for a Halloween party including descriptions of costumes, recipes, and how to trick or treat. Palestinian students told their partners about celebrating birthdays in the West Bank. Each group then planned a party according to the directions their partners provided. Through the Internet link provided, everyone was able to see, hear and chat with their partners having the party they planned.

"My seniors loved it!" reported Marcus McKinley, environmental science teacher at Fenwick High School. "They thought that talking over the Internet was so cool. I was actually surprised at their reaction since they are already so tech savvy."

In Bethlehem, Ghaida Rahil, CRS program officer, said the students felt they had true partners after being able to see and talk directly to their counterparts in Illinois. She said, "It was so nice to have this direct connection between the two sides. Experiences like this build strong relationships."

This video-conference marked the first time Cyber Bridges participants were able to communicate directly in real time. And what better way to learn about one another than with a cross-cultural celebration?

Party on, partner!