Skype Keeps the World Flat
By Ann FeldmannWhat is Skype? Skype is a Web 2.0 tool that allows online videoconference with anyone, anywhere in the world, computer to computer at no cost. In order to Skype, each person needs to have a web cam, microphone, Skype account, and download the Skype software. The details are found at http://www.skype.com/ .
Classroom uses for Skype are limited, only by our imaginations. An article, “Skype Tutorial” said that Skype can be integrated in many ways into the classroom. “Skype has tremendous potential for classroom use. Teachers can quickly and easily invite guests from all over the world to speak to their students. A sick student could participate from home.
Social studies and foreign language teachers can use Skype to connect with students in foreign countries. Language arts teachers can connect with the authors of works they are reading. Science teachers could demonstrate a lab activity using Skype's video capability. Students in all subjects can make presentations and class-rooms in different districts (or different countries) could collaborate on a project using Skype.”
Teachers have found Skype a great way to connect students to professors. According to the article, “The Many Uses of Skype in the Classroom”, Neil Stephensen, a 6/7 teacher in Canada used Skype in the class-room to connect his students with a Ph. D. in Canadian History as a culminating activity for their Humanities Unit. The students were able to converse with Dr. Sheldon Posen, curator at the National Mu-seum. Not only did they ask him questions, he also was able to engage them about their work they had done for the project and had posted online (Stephensen).
1. "Ed Tech Teacher: Skype Tutorial." Skype Tutorial. 2008. 2 Mar 2009 http://edtechteacher.org/skypetutorial.html. Neil, Stephenson.
2. "The Many Roles of Skype in the Classroom." ISTE’s NECC09 Blog. 2/15/09. 2 Mar 2009
4 comments:
My sister gave me, my mom, and my sister a web cam for Christmas. We now regularly talk via Skype on the computer. A great tool for grandma to see the grandkids. The price is right. I would recommend it as well.
As I was viewing videos on Teachertube, I saw the ad for Skype and wrote a note, I think it would very useful in the classroom, especially in rural schools who may not have close access to researchers or zoos, the students could ask questions and communicate with experts.
Skype sounds like it would be a lot of fun to use in the classroom. I think that there could be many reasons to use it in the classroom. Like if you were writing to pen pals, what a great way to communicate with them, rather than just letters and paper/pencil all the time!
I think Skype is a great tool. My sister's husband is in the guards and he was gone for 18 months. They communicated a lot by Skype. They both enjoyed it immensely because he left shortly after their first child was born and this a least gave him the opportunity to see his daughter grow.
I think Skype is cool. I know Oprah has added it to her show and the kindergarten teacher in our school is now having conference calls with another kindergarten class states away. How cool is that?
Post a Comment