Building cross cultural partnerships through the Internet: What works and what doesn't

This study examines the efficacy of a global project designed to facilitate partnerships between US and international K-12 classrooms via telecommunications technology. The project is based on a conceptual framework linking three essential elements - information and learning, enabling technology, and global connections. After two years of operation, the outcome of the project is a mix of either: successful partnerships that have established stable and productive relationships; or unsuccessful partnerships that have struggled to be viable. This study investigated significant factors that either contributed or inhibited the development of classrooms partnerships through the Internet. Findings from the study provide recommendations and also lessons learned for future projects of this nature.