Skype Me!

Fremd Applied Technology Teacher, Mike Karasch, had a dilemma during Open House last fall; how to be in two places at one time. Mike is teaching classes at Fremd and Conant High Schools this year and both schools had Open House scheduled for the same day and time. Star Trek transporter technology is not a reality, yet, so, transporting him physically from one school to another was not an option. Mike was able to overcome this dilemma, however, by using his free Skype account to broadcast his Open House presentation from Conant to his class of parents at Fremd. His department chair, Paul Hardy, made sure the classroom projector was turned on in his Fremd classroom and also set the computer to receive the Skype video. Parents commented very positively on this use of technology as they were able to see Mike and ask him questions as if he were in the classroom with them.

Mike’s use of Skype reflects a growing trend among teachers who are using Skype technology to bring guest speakers into their classrooms. Authors, poets, scientists, adults with unique careers, the town historian, and parents, are just a few examples of people who might be interested in sharing some of their expertise and time with your students. A survey of your own students may reveal one or many speaker resources you could tap instantly.

Teachers are also using Skype to hold conferences and collaborate with students in other classrooms all over the world. ePals is an excellent resource for teachers who would like to collaborate with other teachers on projects. The Skype in Schools wiki is a virtual guest speaker network for educators. I’m willing to bet teachers in our own school district could create a similar wiki directory that would benefit all D211 teachers and anyone else who happens to visit the wiki. The Global School Network is a site that has over 3000 collaborative projects you can join. GSN also has ideas for teachers who wish to start their own collaborative project.

Bringing outside speakers into your classroom is an authentic way to help your students make contact with people who are practicing what you are teaching. Letting students contact potential speakers is a great way for them to take ownership of their learning. Our World Language students could make real connections with students in different countries. Imagine being able to converse with native speakers during class time!

The kids who are coming through school now, if you can't give them a real-wold connection to what they're learning, they turn off. They're not with you.
-Helen Gooch, Instructional Technology Coordinator for the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System in Tennessee

I encourage you to visit Vicki Davis’ blog post about using Skype in the classroom. She has a short video on the blog that will provide you with some very helpful tips for getting started with Skype. I would be happy to help you brainstorm ways you can use Skype with your students.

You may also want to visit:
Using Skype at School
See Me, Hear Me: Skype in the Classroom

Do you use Skype in the classroom? If so, please share what you do.
What questions do you have about Skype? What do you think are some hurdles you would have to overcome in order to use Skype in your classroom? How can I help you explore the use of Skype with your students?

By the way, Skype me at michael.bachrodt.