IOU connected school children at Xin Li School in Beijing with those at Wood Green School in Oxford using video QQ (the Chinese version of msn). The children used online translation software to discuss day to day life through chat while being able to see each other via video. Even though the online translation often gave odd or nonsensical translations, the children were able to communicate very successfully using both English and Chinese characters. With an emphasis on effective communication and understanding, rather than correct grammar and syntax, the project aimed to build confidence in communicating with those with whom you do not share a language – or an alphabet!