Skype in the Classroom

2. March 2010 by MrBall.

I’m not sure if I am being lazy or efficient with the presentation I am planning for Thursday. I’ve never done Skype in the classroom before so I am feeling a bit under prepared experience-wise. I am going to rely primarily on Langwitches.org and Silvia Tolisano’s experience with Skype.To start with I will simply show the staff the mechanics of Skype and their webcam/mics. I want them to be able to do simple trouble shooting for the hardware and software. I also want to make sure that their security features are turned on so they don’t get spammed. I use Skype at home to connect my daughters with my parents and I’ve had a few issues with unsavory people trying to connect with (no horror stories). I will definitely get them set up with the proper permissions. Check the names I’ve had to block from contacting me below.    Next Langwitches’ video on Skype in the classroom (~20 min) with highlights on preparing and managing a class during a classroom Skype call. The Langwitches.org website has loads of resources that I will show the teachers. It will be up to them to review the ones they value. There is also 50 Awesome Ways to use Skype in the ClassroomI will then finish up with a couple of ways that teachers can use their webcams other than Skype. The first is through VoiceThread.com they have a few examples posted here of how educators are using it. Some lower elementary examples are listed here…Grade 6 Math Grade 1 ScienceKindergarten Language Arts If I have time left over I am going to show the teachers how they can use youtube.com to have their students quickly and easily record and save their ideas. I like this kind of recording especially for recording fluency.If I have missed anything you feel is important please leave me a comment below.

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