The document discusses connecting students to authors and experts through virtual visits using Skype. It provides positive student reactions to interacting with authors of books they had read. Four authors were able to virtually visit 9 classrooms for a total cost of $700. The visits were shared with other faculty and received press coverage. The document advocates for expanding such virtual connections to extend classroom learning.

1. Connecting Learners with the World Erin Wyatt

2. Importance of Experts

3. Reynolds, 2009. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/3447312054/

6. http://www.skype.com

8. Grant Partners and Pioneers

9. http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/

12. Extending Classroom Learning

13. Virtual Connections Shrink the World

14. Kollman, 2011.

16. Kollman, 2011.

17. Student Reactions "I thought this was totally remarkable that we could actually talk to him instead of just seeing a video." "I thought it was really cool to see someone who actually wrote this real book and I know that my brother read it and we both really liked the book, so when I found out I will get to hear him talk like this was really exciting." “I had a bunch more [questions] but I got to ask the most important ones.” "It was my first time seeing a famous person!"

19. Press Coverage

21. What’s Next? http://education.skype.com/

22. References Chang, Chi-An. “Middle School Hosts First Virtual Author Visit” Libertyville Patch. 14 Dec. 2010. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. <http://libertyville.patch.com/articles/middle-school-hosts-first-virtual-author-visit#photo-3917822>. Kollman, Robin. District 70 PR Photos. 2011. Morfoot, Esther. “47/365”. Flickr. 14 Feb. 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/esthermorfootphotography/5451783003/>. Reynolds, Leo. “Don’t Talk to Us About Stress.” Flickr. 15 April 2009. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/3447312054/>.