Holy Family Students Use Technology to Connect Friends Globally

While the start of a new school year always brings excitement, the students at Holy Family Catholic Academy in Inverness were especially thrilled to see a special friend return from Japan for a visit.

Yuki Tsuji surprised her former classmates and teachers with a visit on August 22. After the screams of glee quieted, the students quickly asked Yuki about life in Japan. It was then that Holy Family 4th grade students, Lily and Ava suggested that they use Google Earth to see where Yuki and her family lived. Within seconds, they were able to locate Yuki's home in Osaka Japan, view her house, and hear stories about her neighborhood. Yuki and her mother, Naomi were amazed how quickly the two different worlds were united.

“This is a perfect example of how learning and discovery often happens spontaneously,” states Mrs. Kate O'Brien, Principal at Holy Family Academy. “Our students have access to technology in their classrooms through desk top computers, iPads or laptops. Embedding technology into our curriculum develops the 21st century skills of creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.”

Mrs. Tsuji was equally excited about applying technology to help retain Yuki's English language skills.

Clearly, the world became a little smaller for these excited Holy Family Academy students and Yuki. Global learning can take place at any age, and what better way to explore and learn about different cultures than through the language of friendship.