Digital age pen pals

I came across an article online outlining an initiative where high school language students in Washington have undergone a program having them participate in video conferences with students in Senegal. Students were responsible for carrying out the initiative, and for doing background research into each other's cultural and social history.
Reading about thus initiative reminded me of the pen pal project that I am sure many students encountered at some point throughout their academic career. The difference here is that new age technology has allowed these students to interact directly with each other, and have face to face conversations. Personally, I remember very little about y pen pal project other than the fact that I had one. I am sure the students that participated in this event will not soon forget their experience.
This is yet another example of how bringing new media into the classroom enhances education. First off, I am sure that the students were for the most part thrilled to be given this opportunity. The article states how students prepared questions to ask their foreign counterparts, and were able to engage in 'thoughtful inquiry' in real time, providing each other with questions, and answering them instantly.
Exercises such as this demonstrate the capabilities and effects of bringing new media into the classroom.