For this technology tutorial I chose to explore the use of Skype in the classroom. With the limitations in budgets for travel I feel this would be a perfect opportunity to connect my students with other people, schools, and classrooms outside of our own. While working on this tutorial I was also able explore the use of Jing to capture those visual learners like myself.
Skype is a technology that allows users to connect with others through video conferencing, voice chats, and instant messaging. Skype offers a free version of their software with which users can use these tools to connect with other Skype members. Users can also choose to pay for variations of Skype to be able to make calls to land line and mobile telephones. For full use of the software, users may need to purchase a webcam or microphone.
Skype: Use in the Classroom
Many teachers have found the benefits of using Skype as an effective technology tool in the classroom. Teachers have also found that Skype offers a way to connect and collaborate with other teachers. When researching how Skype could be used in classrooms I found many teachers had utilized the software to make connections with authors and guest lectures that enhanced the curriculum, this would be an extremely valuable compensation for travel
distance, cost, and time. As I researched and explored the Skype software I thought about how it could be used most effectively in a classroom. A suggestion that I would make for interested teachers is to set up 4-5 classroom accounts, rather than each student accessing a personal account. With these accounts students could work in small groups to video conference with students from other schools within or outside of the district. Students may also use these classroom accounts to conduct interviews pertaining to classroom concepts. Using Skype will take some practice and preparation as teacher set up approved contacts for students to connect with.
Skype Tutorial for Teachers
Skype Technology Tutorial for Teachers Part 1: http://screencast.com/t/PWUaSsRCx2qk
Skype Technology Tutorial for Teachers Part 2: http://screencast.com/t/ixxxljoHY
Skype Tutorial for Students
Skype Technology Tutorial for Students:http://screencast.com/t/hBixznM3dn
Skype: Resources
There are many resources available to teachers for using Skype, here are a few that I have found most useful and some that could be used in conjunction with this tutorial:
Omaha Public Schools Technology Hub - This is a great website used by teachers throughout the OPS district, but is also one that I would recommend for teacher use outside of the district as well. Here you will find great step-by-step videos showing how to use programs such as Skype.
Skype for Dummies - This is also a great website that discusses the basics for using Skype in the classroom.
Skype for Educators - This website offers resources from individuals who work with Skype and classrooms, the site allows for you to sort through authors and speakers who may be willing to Skype with your class.
50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom - A website that offers a list of possible projects and ideas for using Skype in the Classroom.
Using Skype in the Classroom - This article from Teachhub.com shows an example of how Skype was used in the classroom and offers tips for using it effectively.
Happy Skyping! Be sure to add me as a contact: heather.artz!
Having some technical difficulties with the student tutorial. I will update as soon as I can. Sorry for the inconvenience.
ReplyDeleteHere we go, all should work smoothly... I hope!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Well set up and easy to follow. I use Skype to talk to my family but have never used it in the classroom. Thanks for all the great classroom ideas. I am excited for the new school year-to try all of these new ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post... I have friends all over the country who Skype and my mother-in-law, who needs help transfering between the cable box and the DVD player, has even Skyped with her daughter but I have yet to figure it out. So with your tutorial I am going to give it another go!
ReplyDeleteOk...this post was great Heather. I have used Skype before but only because my sister set it up for me. Next year I am looking into using Skype to talk with a children's book author. How wonderful it would be for my kids to actually talk to someone who wrote a book the kids have actually read. I also looked at some of your resources and I never thought of using Skype for field trips. My brain started thinking of checking out whether the zoo or Joslyn offer Skype tours.
ReplyDeleteI hope we can access this blog for a long time because I plan to try out many of these tutorials.
I completely agree with Kris and Carol. How awesome is it that we all are doing research on different technologies, which I think is half the battle of trying something new in the classroom, so next year we can try all sorts of new things! Thanks for the Skype tutorial. My sister is moving to Memphis for grad school so I see Skype in my very near future!
ReplyDeleteIt is also very easy to use with an iPhone or iPod touch because they are very mobile and have great picture quality from the built in webcam!
ReplyDeleteI think this might be a great tool for students whom are absent. I've had several students out this past year with long term illness or injuries like mono and surgeries. This tool would allow students and parents to keep up in class lectures since I teach in a Socratic method and it is mostly discussion based. On a personal level, it seems like it would be quite fun to talk to friends and family far away.
ReplyDeleteGreat tool for students and educators. I have used Skype in the past with our PLC's (Personal Learning Community). Since I am what is known as a "singleton" in my building my PLC occurs either over the phone with a teacher at the other High School(s) or now through Skype so that I can speak with all 4 high school aquatic instructors. Thanks for the Skype tutorial and application for student and teacher use, you gave me some great ideas for next year. Summer Break!
ReplyDeleteFrom Mary Ullery:
ReplyDelete"I have heard a lot about Skype and have always been sort of intimidated to try it. Now that I see it is so simple, I would not hesitate to get my own account. Also, I didn't realize I wouldn't have to purchase a webcam to "skype" someone (I just wouldn't be able to see them) so now I know it is even more within my scope. Thanks for the great lesson!"