Beaconhouse students from Karachi engaged in a unique Geography lesson in February 2010: the students participated in an innovative distance learning session via video conference with Naturalist and Environmental Educator Mr. Neil Cunningham in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA.

The students were studying how living things are linked in an ecosystem and the role of decomposers in the nutrient cycle; Mr. Cunningham’s work complemented their study and so a real-time video conference was set up and he took the role of guest teacher for the session.

Mr. Cunningham first gave the students an introduction to and then a live tour of the insect colonies. The students shared a presentation with him which was then followed by a question and answer session.

This innovative learning opportunity provided first-hand knowledge and allowed them to explore exciting concepts beyond textbooks and classrooms.