Using+Skype+in+the+Classroom

=Why use Skype?= There are many reasons for using Skype in education including:
 * **Virtual field trips**: trips that are not possible due to financial reasons or distance can still be taken using Skype to transport students to another country or area
 * **Foreign language learning**: Skype can be used to set up short communication sessions with native speakers as listening to and speaking a foreign language is essential if students want to improve listening skills and oral communication
 * **Interviewing**: connecting with and speaking to an author or celebrity can bring classroom theory alive and make it real for students
 * **Homework help or extra lessons**: teachers can offer help with homework, long-term projects or give extra lessons to students who are lagging through Skype
 * **Guest appearances**: guest teachers or experts on a subject can teach students through Skype or give an explanation directly from their work environment
 * **Illness**: students who are hospitalized or who suffer from long-term illnesses and are schooled at home can also benefit by being included in lessons through the Skype platform

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=Using Skype in the Classroom= By: Annie Condron

Imagine taking your class on an "around the world" field trip or having your favorite children's author lead today's read-aloud. You can do both of these and more without leaving your classroom thanks to Skype. Skype is free communication software that allows you to make calls, instant message and video conference online. //** Here are just a few of the endless possibilities for using this ed tech tool in the classroom. **// One amazing experience you can have with Skype in the classroom is a virtual author visit or other amazing guest speaker.

Author and illustrator Mike Artell is one of many authors using Skype to visit classrooms.
 * Author Visits & Guest Lectures**

When Artell Skypes with classes, students can ask him questions about writing an illustrating, watch him sketch and show him their own in-class illustrations. He also reads from Petite Rouge – A Cajun Red Riding Hood, his book named 2009 Read Aloud Book of the Year by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.


 * Here’s a video documenting one of Artell’s Skype visits:**

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Mike Artell’s Skype Tips More Skype Tips for Teachers
 * Make sure the screen is large enough for the kids to see what’s going on.
 * When kids ask questions, it’s fun to actually have them stand up and walk in front of the camera.
 * It’s important to do a “test” Skype call ahead of time to make sure everything’s working well. Invite colleagues/administrators in to see the technology work.
 * Get started by downloading [|Skype] ahead of time
 * Choose the venue that works best for your purposes (whether it be your classroom, the library or a media center.)
 * Be careful about your privacy settings
 * Only allow student supervised access to Skype
 * Try Skype’s built-in recording option to rebroadcast your conversations later!
 * Whether you’re conferencing with an author or another class, have your students prepare test questions to make the most of your chat.
 * The whiteboard feature also allows you all the freedom of being in the classroom and writing notes on the board for students.

Get in touch with Michael Artell and other authors who Skype by visiting the [|Skype an Author Network].

** Skype Pen Pal Projects ** No longer just pen and paper communication, you can skype with partner classrooms across the country or across the world. Sign up with [|ePals] to connect with other interested classrooms!

If you’re feeling ambitious, follow in Silvia Tolisano’s footsteps with the [|Around the World with 80 Schools] challenge. The Jacksonville, Florida, Instructional Tech Specialist is using Skype to go in which she wants to connect her classroom with at least 80 different countries in the next 6 months.

You can also arrange book discussions that demonstrate the different perspectives of reader from different places and cultures.

**Skype for Parent/Teacher Conferences** Schedule skype conferences with parents whose work or commute interfere with them making the meeting. You can also make a call home more effective by speaking with the student and parent(s) together.

** Skype for Professional Development ** Reach out to national education experts whose travel would typically blow out your budget or set up inter-district conferences to compare notes with schools and districts who have found success facing similar challenges.

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