Skype in the Classroom

A Quick Start Guide

What is

Skype is an application that allows users to make video phone callsover the internet. (Videoconferencing similar to FaceTime & GoogleChat)

Calling other Skype users and creating a Skype account is completely FREE.

WHY use Skype in your classroom?

Students are engaged and active learners! Its easy to use!

Open up new worlds and experiences to students!

Video Reflection on Skype Call

What do I need to get started?

Skype ApplicationDownloaded by Debbie Webcam & Microphone- Six in Debbies Office Register for a Skype Account

How to register for a Skype Account

Heres how you do it: 1. Download and install Skype from the Skype website 2. Once installed open Skype and youll see a start-up screen 3. Click on Dont have a Skype Name? 4. Follow the directions to create a new Skype account and username then click Sign In *Consider creating an account to share with your grade level or content area. *Make sure you use a secure password. * Consider your purpose when you are creating your Skype username

Required

How can I use Skype in the classroom?

Access experts in any field!Invite a guest speaker into your classroom
Skyping with Chris Howell in Charleston, South Carolina, co-founder of The Pulsera Project

Authors & Skype

Invite an author to Skype with your class.

2nd Grade Author Skype Example

Sites with lists of authors willing to speak with your class: (Most will chat for 10-15 minutes free) http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/ Scholastic Invite an Author List Authors Who Skype for Free- Kate Messner PINTEREST- Skypeanauthor-A

Reading Continued...

Grand-Friends

and Fairytales reading hour with elderly people in the community and Kindergarten classes

Reading-

March 1st is Read Across America Day!

Virtual Field Trips (Distance Learning)

Science/Math (3-8) http://www.e-missions.net/
e-Missions are distance learning videoconference simulations in which students connect with a flight director at the Challenger Learning Center and use their problem solving skills and math and science abilities to work their way through a scenario fraught with crises.

Science/Math (K-8) Cosi Science Center

Force & Motion, Knee Replacement Surgery, Energy (K-2), Astronomy, Science of Superheroes

Science/Math (K-8) National Park Service

Distance Learning Opportunities & Skype with a Park Ranger!

Distance Learning (Continued)

Science/Math (K-8)- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Social Studies/Lit (K-8)- Cleveland Museum of Art Cleveland Museum of Art: Distance Learning

Social Studies/Lit (K-8)US House of Representatives/ Senate

Around the World with 80 Schools:

Connecting Classroom to Classroom

This challenge asks participating schools to hook up with 80 worldwide and report back what all theyve learned about other cultures and languages.

Skype in the Classroom:

Collaborate with another classroom on a project (Partner Lessons) (ex: weather, collaborative poems/stories, debates, 50 states project) Pen-Pals (http://www.epals.com/)

More Ideas to Explore for Skype in the Classroom

50 Interesting Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom

by Jeff Dunn @ Edudemic.com

Top Uses of Skype in the Classroom

by Jacqueline Botterill @ Skype.com

Recommendations for Skype Calls

Make your Skype call an extension of their learning or reinforcement of a concept, rather than an intro. Start SMALL & SIMPLE! Test your video cam & microphone

GoogleEarth the location of where you are calling before making the call.
Set up a hot seat/s right in front of the video camera
.

Assign roles to each student (pre-call, during the call, post-call)

Ideas for Student Roles during a Skype Call

Calendar Greeter Share Q&A Photographer Videographer Backchannel Writer Google Maps Placemarks

Google Earth Distance Blogger Live Blogger- Word Problems Data Form Time Elapsed For detailed descriptions see Around the World with 80 Schools website

Assessment- What did they learn?

Pre-Call Activities:
GoogleEarth, Background Information on location & person being called, KWL, Come up with questions, Give out jobs for during the call

During Call Activities:

Individual Student Jobs

Post-Call Assessment Activities:

Informal assessment: debrief right after the Skype call, Information Literacy (evaluate, analyze, categorize data collected), Create documentary (video clip) from video clips taken during the Skype call, Create Photo Slideshow of images taken during the Skype call, Write a reflection (with or without prompts), Create a Video recording from your debriefing session, Audio podcasting, Share with parents (informal at home) or host a parent presentation session

Websites Referenced Today

http://langwitches.org/blog/2010/11/20/asses sment-of-learning-via-skype/ Download Skype Pre-Viewing and PostViewing Reflection Worksheets on this site http://digitallyspeaking.pbworks.com/w/page/ 17791583Videoconferencing#SkypeSkillstoMast erTipsheet Some GREAT worksheets/checklists on preparing your class for a Skype Call

References Cont....
http://theedublogger.com/2011/04/03/thecomplete-educators-guide-to-using-skypeeffectively-in-the-classroom/ The Complete Educators Guide to Using Skype Effectively in the Classroom (Great site that walks you through the process)

Any Questions?
Please e-mail or call if you would like help setting this up in your classroom. I am happy to do a test run with you! Thanks for listening!