February 26, 2004

Dear Students,

The last six months have been a very intensive period of serious work for all of us, mixed with moments of real fun, feelings of frustration and disappointment, along with hope and elation.  We, people living in three distant countries (OK, OK, the USA and Canada are not SO far apart), have learned to get to know each other and join together to build something that we hope will benefit other young people around the world.

We, who speak different languages, live in different climates, and experience different cultures have utilized some of the most advanced commonly available technology to allow us to communicate with each other to allow us to plan, study and build together.  We have learned about each others holidays, family life and work habits.  We have learned to make democratic decisions that bound all of us and pointed us in the direction accepted by the majority, after having heard all the arguments, pro and con.  We have carried on this project for half a year, staying with the common task until the goal was achieved.  Some of the group members didn't hesitate to place upon their shoulders the burden that grew heavier when others were lax.  They are the ones who gave the extra ounce to help us all reach the finish with head held high.  By carrying out this cooperative international project, we have created our own answer to the question:  "What is the role of technology in our world?  We have shown that technology can be used as a tool to foster open international cooperation, to help people around the world cooperate in building a better world for all.

It has been an honor and a pleasure for us, the teachers of GVC34, Reuven Werber, Israel, Barbara McArthur, USA, and Sharon Peters, Canada to work with you, guide and learn from you during this entire project.  After reading your reflections on the project, we are content in knowing that many of you feel that they have gained much from participating in the Global Virtual Classroom competition.  We hope that what you have learned will help you make this world a better place to live in for all the nations of the world in the years ahead.

Sincerely,