Twenty-two local kids traveled to Canada and back Thursday, as part of a school lesson, but they didn't need any permission slips for this trip.

The group of sixth-graders from Agnes Risley Elementary School in Sparks used modern computer technology called "Skype" to visit our Northern Neighbors. Canada is the fifth country the group of 11 and 12-year-olds has visited so far this year.

The students are working on a national project called "Around the World With 80 Schools," but there are actually more than 150 schools involved. So far, they've been to Argentina, Thailand, Iceland, New Zealand, and Canada. There's no telling where they'll go next.

By 11:00 a.m., the 22 students had 21 new friends from Sasketchwan, Canada. They traveled there using 'Skype', a free video-conferencing website that allows people to connect face-to-face, no matter the distance.

"It was pretty cool. We can see them and they can see us. We can talk to them," said 6th Grader, Cynthia Lara.

"These are the new 20th century tools. We all grew up with chalkboards," said teacher Brian Crosby.

The students gave their new friends a presentation of our state song,
and answered questions about their favorite sports teams and foods.

"It's a really great experience. At first I was nervous, but now it's easy and I think it's cool. It feel like I am traveling and I get a new experience every time," said Paul Nguyen, 6th grade student.

Then each of the students has their own blog that they post about their experience, many getting dozens of web hits a day.

Crosby says most of his students know more about using modern-day technology than their parents, or even the majority of adults for that matter.

"I think I might need to teach them," said Nguyen with a laugh.

He says when his kids end up in real world one day, he hopes they're ahead of the game, and in more ways than one.

"Two years ago, when some of these kids started this, they were very shy, they would not speak and as you saw today, they're right up there, eager to ask questions," said Crosby.

"Like, my English is getting better and how I spell and pronounce," said Miguel Valenzuela, 6th grader.

If you'd like to read the student's blogs, go to: www.learningismessy.com.