Skype is a programme that can connect teachers and pupils all over the globe FOR FREE – yet many schools are unaware of its amazing potential. All you need is a computer connected to the internet in the classroom! Want to know more?
How do you get started?
If you haven’t tried Skype before it is really worth giving it a try. Skype has recently started to make it a lot easier for teachers to find each other by creating a Skype in the classroom website. Now there is no excuse to start using Skype! Why don’t you take a look? http://education.skype.com/ Click on the picture below! It shows the latest educators to join the site.
10 way chat is a great new feature
Version 5 which came out last year brought out some fantastic new features the best of which has to be the 10 way video chat which is brilliant! I am not sure if this facility is free.
How can Skype for Educators help you?
The http://education.skype.com/website has a whole list of projects to get involved in:
How to find a project on Skype in the classroom from Skype in the classroom on Vimeo.
There is step by step instruction on how to get started and find like-minded teachers:
How to create a profile and find a teacher from Skype in the classroom on Vimeo.
There are many resources to explore:
How to find a resource on Skype in the classroom from Skype in the classroom on Vimeo.
Where else can you find classrooms to Skype with?
1. Edublogs gives a whole directory of teachers looking for Skype partners. They have even added the time zone of the teachers which is something that is important to note.
http://theedublogger.com/want-to-connect-with-other-classrooms/
2. The Skype in schools wiki:
http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/
3. Around the world in 80 days Skype project:
http://aroundtheworldwith80schools.wikispaces.com/
4. Want-ads – looking for educators to skype with:
http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/w/page/11008389/Want-Ads
What sort of things can you do with Skype in the classroom?
1. You can debate!
Student Inter-school Debating with Skype by Lois Smethurst
2. Here are 10 great ideas:
10 Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom
3. You can even give students skype jobs in the classroom! http://langwitches.org/blog/2010/04/11/skype-jobs-for-students/
4. What about inviting an author? Here is a post about the author and illustrator Mike Artell
http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/02/12/skyping-in-mike-artell-illustrator-author/
5. This is another post about author and illustrator Jan and Phil Huling-
http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/05/24/skyping-in-author-and-illustrator-jan-phil-huling/
6. A post by Jack Kenny lists some of the ideas she has noticed:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6090279
7. This is a popular post showing 50 things you can do with Skype:
http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/
8. More ideas from Shelley Terrell:
http://oupeltglobalblog.com/2010/05/28/motivating-adult-learners-skype-an-expert/
Did you know that experts are willing to come into your classroom?
1. A list of experts willing to skype into your classroom:
http://www.skypeforeducators.com/educators.htm
2. Skype an author network:
http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/
Want a few tips before you start?
1. Watch a great video by Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano’s Presentation ‘Around the World with Skype” to get you started
2. Skype tips:
http://room202.edublogs.org/skype-tips/
3. How I taught skype to my class by Coolcat Teacher. Vicki has also added a detailed step-by-step video in her post.
https://www.schoolnet.org.za/2006/10/using-skype-in-classroom-or-just.html
4. Dummies guide to Skype:
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/using-skype-at-school.html
Livebinders with Skype resources
A Livebinder is a great way to share a variety of resources on a topic. There are several good Skype livebinders to explore.
1. Making connections with Skype
http://livebinders.com/play/present?id=25372
2. Skype in the classroom
http://livebinders.com/play/play?id=8641
Recording your Skype sessions
1. Automatically Recording Skype Calls with MP3 Skype
2. 15 Apps for Recording Skype
Wikis with Skype resources
1. Technology 4 Kids Wiki: Skype Resources
2. Skype in School Wiki:
http://pdsblogs.org/mattscully/2009/05/06/skype-and-tell/
3. http://wsfcs.pbworks.com/Skype-in-Schools
4. http://videoconferencing.wikispaces.com/Home
So then, why should you Skype?
http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/01/02/reasons-for-skyping-in-the-classroom/
Why not give it a go? Please comment and tell us of your Skype experiences. We would really love to know about them!
