Communication+Tools

= Communication Tools =

= Ideas: = Skype in the Classroom so students could "introduce their pupils to cultures and experts worldwide in real time." This article explains the [|benefits of using Skype in the Classroom.] "You are able to give an experience that you would not be able to give these children otherwise," says an eLearning coach in Indiana.

This video introduces [|Skype in the Classroom]. The possibilites are endless and children will love the Skype lessons. media type="custom" key="24435342"

= Samples: = I use Skype all the time. I hardly get a chance to talk to my best friends from my hometown anymore because we are all in college, but Skype is a great way to talk to them and see them. I probably Skype or FaceTime about once a month with either my friends or my family. I have a little experience with using Skype in the classroom, but not through the actual 'Skype in the Classroom' website. During my initial practicum semester, my cooperating teacher did a lesson via Skype. She knew a teacher in Texas and the students on both ends prepared a list of questions to ask the other classroom. The two classes discussed how life is in their state (WI or TX). It was really cool to see this, even as a student learning to be a teacher.

In exploring the actual website, Skype in the Classroom, I found this opportunity to Skype with Pall Davidsson. He is someone who explores glaciers in Iceland. Students would essentially be able to [|walk on a disappearing glacier in Iceland]. This is such a great opportunity for students. There are many ways that teachers could use Skype in the Classroom for, and virtual field trips are just one option.

= Thoughts: = One way that I would like to use Skype in my classroom is to take virtual field trips. If we are learning about South America, I would want to "take a trip" to a specific place we are learning about. I would also try to find someone to talk with from South America to explain their culture. You can teach students until their blue in the face, but hearing it from someone that is living there will really encourage students to learn about that particular subject.