Skype in the Classroom

What is the tool?

Skype is communication software that allows users to make free Skype-to-Skype video calls by using webcams and internet connection. Skype also allows users to make calls to non-Skype users for a small fee. Services available with Skype include voice calling, video calling, IM, and SMS. Skype is available to anyone who has access to internet connection (broadband preferred) and is used throughout the world. This tool is an awesome idea for school systems especially since it can be used for free!



How can it be used?

Skype can be used in many ways in the classroom. I have included a link to a website below that lists 50 ways to use Skype in the education setting. I have found that class-to-class discussions, Skype field trips, and Skype interviews to be interesting. One way to use Skype in the classroom is to have your class video chat with a class from a different area or culture in order to learn from each other and work on problem-solving skills. It is important for students to actually be able to see others their own age and learn from them. If budget concerns have taken away field trip opportunities in your school Skype can be a great way to “take students on a trip”. Teachers can arrange for museums or zoos to Skype with their class so that the students can experience places that are outside of the classroom without leaving campus. Students can also use Skype to interview a variety of people. Some classrooms use Skype to interview authors and illustrators of books they are reading. You could also interview community helpers such as policemen or firemen for elementary level social studies lessons. One last way that Skype can be used is to reach out to sick students. I read about how one fourth grade class used Skype to interact with a fellow student that had leukemia and could not physically come to school.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this tool?

Advantages:

Cost- A major advantage is that Skype can be used for free, thus making it a perfect tool for a public school system.

Opportunities- Another advantage of using Skype in the classroom is that it allows teachers and students to experience places and collaborate with people that they otherwise would not be able to.

Disadvantages:

Equipment- Using Skype does require the use of webcams so acquiring a webcam could be a problem. Some schools may also have slower internet connections that may make using Skype a little more difficult. Teachers may have to get the IT team at their school to allow them to download Skype.

Connections- It may be hard to find people willing to Skype with your classroom, but it just requires networking skills to make the proper connections.

Who is the audience for this tool?

This tool is for both teachers and students. It can be used at all age levels throughout the school system. I should also mention that Skype can be used not only in the classroom setting for the students learning experience, but also for educators as a professional development and collaboration tool.

Where can we learn more?

50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype

The Skype Website

Technical Aspect of Using Skype

My opinion on the usefulness of this tool:

I think that Skype can be an amazing tool in the classroom. I am a big fan of collaboration and I feel that Skype can take collaboration to new levels. Once the technicalities of getting permission to download and use Skype are out of the way, teachers can integrate this fun technology into ANY subject matter.