What is Skype?

Skype is free downloadable software that allows individuals to talk or video conference with others from around the world. There are many ways teachers can use Skype to connect their students to the world and open many possibilities for learning.

Ways Skype can be used in the Classroom

Tools to Use With Skype
Skype can be integrated cross-curricularly in a variety of ways in the classroom. The following list was adapted from Think Online Smart Tutor, 

1.    Interview authors, scientists or even astronauts and other amazing individuals from around the world.

2.    Collaborate with classrooms, businesses and more in cross-curricular projects.

3.    Explore a volcano, rainforest, or history museum in virtual fieldtrips with experts in the field or even share your field trip experiences with others.

4.    Practice conversational foreign languages with those who speak the language.

5.    Invite a guest lecturer from leading educators and experts from anywhere in the world.

6.    Explore foreign cultures first hand with classroom to classroom video conferencing.

7.    Broadcast a performance or project to parents and families unable to make it to school.

8.    Participate in Mystery Skype to engage students.

9.  Conduct a discussion about books, as in a Digital Book Club with students from another school. 

10. Collaborate with innovative educators to plan units, lessons, or participate in online webinars.
The following is a collection of tools which include suggestions from, Think Online Smart Tutor in how to integrate digital technology in the classroom to increase collaboration and communication. 
  • On Line Discussion Tools– Such as Padlet in order to brainstorm, collaborate, and share ideas in real time.
  • Office 365 – Allows participants to share and edit documents, as well as insert comments for further collaboration.
  • Blogs – to reflect and share learning. One recommended blog is Kidblog or Edublogs for secure blogging. This would extend communication after the Skype call.
  • Twitter or Today's Meet – Can provide a backchannel during interviews, lectures, etc and as a way to continue the conversation after the Skype call. It can also be used as a way to further engage other classrooms you might be collaborating with.
  • Quiz Tools -  Engaging tools like Kahoot engage students in a fun quiz or Game Show to explore questions about the content of the discussion. Allowing multiple students from a variety of locations in which students can take part.

Learn About Global Issues

A few of the following are sites from Think Online Smart Tutor in how to get started with global projects to engage students. 
  • Global School Network engages classrooms worldwide in meaningful project-based learning exchanges to develop science, math, and literacy skills and foster collaboration, global citizenship, and multicultural understandings.
  • Taking it Global is an online community of global educators with the goal of making a difference in the world.
  • Around the World with 80 Schools introduced on the Langwitches blog challenges teachers to connect with 80 different schools via skype in order to circle the globe once.

Making Connections With Skype

Join Skype in the classroom to connect with other teachers or experts around the globe. Get involved in a global project or experiment....Find partners for Mystery Skype. There are tons of choices. To join it's free and easy to navigate the website.

Student Connections and Reactions to Skype Calls