3/17/08
It has been a year since I met Yoshi and Kaori in St. Louis. I have learned so much about technology, another culture and myself this last year.

The only limits, on this adventure, was the limits I had put on myself because of my own fears and/or uncertainities. It is too bad that the monies are no longer available, because I am more confident in my abilities and I know what is expected.


My students have a strong desire to visit Shiojirnishi ES, and to learn more about Japan. In fact, this experience has left a permanent impression upon them. They see or hear anything about Japan they think of this experience. They now know that their world is not limited to the community of Dayton, but the doors to the world are open. They want to visit Japan. I only hope that they have learned, from their teacher, that the doors are open and that they only have to step through and continue with their lifelong learning experiences.


The science activities were a great connecting tool for both Shiojirinishi and Dayton. My only failure was that I did not utilize the science activities as much as I could have. But, now with a year under my belt I can do so much more. And will!


The knowledge I have gained, with video conferencing, is not limited to just one new group of friends. I hope to continue having conferences with Shiojiri, Texas and Ann Arbor. I also plan on extending what I have learned to the SMILE community with Oregon State University, and with my student teacher's new class assignment next year.


I am going to continue with my Konnichiwa Club. I will find ways to overcome the hurdles that come up and open the doors of our world to the students and community members of Dayton.