Louisiana and British Kids Share 'Virtual Sleepover'

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 05/20/08

Students from a British school were joined for part of their annual reading sleepover by students from two schools in Louisiana. Organized by Renaissance Learning, which publishes Accelerated Reader, the schools were linked together live by video conference.

Woolwich Polytechnic was paired with Lee Junior High School and J.S. Clark School in Monroe, LA in a project that aims to give students a way to learn about school life in another country and share a love of reading. All three schools use Renaissance's online reading tool, to help improve student literacy levels. The project allowed students to discuss books and take part in quizzes together.

"I am really excited and optimistic about the...project and the sleepover! I think it will have very positive effects on all the students involved," said Beverley Humphrey, learning resources manager at Woolwich prior to the sleepover. "Children love using new technologies and are already very confident in using them to communicate... It will also be wonderful for staff to share good practice, exchange ideas and problem solve as many issues are not country specific and new viewpoints on old problems are always helpful and appreciated."

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About the author: Dian Schaffhauser is a writer who covers technology and business for a number of publications. Contact her at dian@dischaffhauser.com.

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