James Minella, Isabella Hallam, Emma Robinson, Thomas Carey and Jarred Walter were the first students in western Sydney to use the newest classroom and learning technology, playing Jeopardy against three schools across Australia from their classroom.

As in the TV show, the student game consisted of a series of questions with money attached.

Questions were specified to test students on history, spelling skills, geography and all things Australian.

Facilitator Stuart Hasic, as well as teams from Murray, Randwick Girls and Bathurst high schools, could see each other on a plasma TV screen, using microphones and audio systems to communicate with each other.

The space bar on a keyboard was used as a buzzer and students watched a projector screen to see the questions, calling out to the microphone with their answers.

The local students did so well they were the first Australian school to get over the $5000 mark and after final Jeopardy they won the game with $3600 and will now progress into the final later in the school term.

Colyton High School Trade School computer co-ordinator Paul Kerr said students love the interactive classes because they don't have to travel but are still able to communicate with students interstate.

The five competitors from Colyton High said they had already used videoconferencing at home with web the communication tool Skype, which is a type of videoconferencing used via the internet with a webcam.

The Star asked if they missed face-to-face interaction and all students shook their heads. ``It's really fun to see other schools far away,'' Isabella said. ``This system is a lot better it's a thrill but you feel safe in your own environment.''