PART I: WHAT IS Skype?
PART II: NEED MORE INFORMATION? CHECK THIS OUT!
For a more detailed explanation of Skype, click the following link to read the EDUCAUSE "7 Things You Should Know About Skype" article
PART III: Skype IN THE CLASSROOM
Skype is a free technology tool that is basically like a digital phone call over the internet. Skype can be used in the classroom for several learning experiences such as digital class field trips, guest lecturer presentations, and even collaboration with other classrooms across the world.
PART IV: HOW TO GET STARTED
INTERNET ACCESS & Visual Recording DeviceTo access Skype, you must have internet access and a device that is either capable of transmitting live video imaging such as a webcam or built-in cameras such as those on tablets or smartphones.
Skype AccountYou must create a FREE Skype account in order to use the application. You could create a class log in or make individual accounts for you and your students. Prior to creating individual log-ins, be sure to ask your students how many already have log-ins, as they may already have personal accounts.
PURPOSESkype has the capability of educationally benefiting students by providing them with varied learning experiences.Prior to implementing Skype in the classroom, define how and why you will be using Skype. Many of your students will most likely believe the purpose of Skype is a way to connect with their friends and family, but may not understand how it could be used in a classroom environment to benefit their learning. This is why it is important to decide the impact you would like Skype to provide for your students. Will students use Skype to connect to a pen pal from across the world? Will you use Skype as a class and take a virtual field trip? Will it be used to to connect a guest speaker with your students? Will it be used to conduct real or mock interviews? Skype can be a great tool to use in the classroom and it is up to you to decide how to use it to benefit your students.
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FAMILIARIZE YOURSELFIf you have not had experience using Skype for personal reasons, make sure to take time to explore what Skype is and how it functions. Also, make sure to set clear expectations for students such as appropriate classroom behavior and language.
EXAMPLEs of Skype & OTHER RESOURCES |
PART V: MY THOUGHTS ON Skype
I like Skype! This is definitely a great way to share classroom collaboration worldwide! I wish Skype was available when I was in grade school. I remember being in a language arts class and having a teacher who knew of another teacher from Mexico who was teaching her students to write in English. So of course, my class was assigned a pen pal. At time, I remember being so excited for this experience, but remember being frustrated at how long it took to send and receive a letter. Now, with advances in technology, the world has opened! Using Skype, you can connect your students to other students worldwide, but in a much more modern and convenient way than the traditional paper-pencil format!
I also love using Skype as a way to bring a guest speaker for your students without the expense of the guest coming to speak to your students personally. Take the time to reach out to people that you would like to invite as a guest speaker. You might think it is a long shot that a literary author, business CEO, successful musician/artist, etc., would be willing to video connect via Skype with your students, but you never know! You might be pleasantly surprised, and think of the valuable learning experience that you would be providing for your students!
Remember that you are shaping and impacting your student's future. Why not strive to provide valuable learning experiences that will stick with them throughout their lifetime? What are you waiting for? Give Skype a try!
I also love using Skype as a way to bring a guest speaker for your students without the expense of the guest coming to speak to your students personally. Take the time to reach out to people that you would like to invite as a guest speaker. You might think it is a long shot that a literary author, business CEO, successful musician/artist, etc., would be willing to video connect via Skype with your students, but you never know! You might be pleasantly surprised, and think of the valuable learning experience that you would be providing for your students!
Remember that you are shaping and impacting your student's future. Why not strive to provide valuable learning experiences that will stick with them throughout their lifetime? What are you waiting for? Give Skype a try!
Are you ready for the next tool?