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Bill McChesney

SKYPE in the Classroom

Skype in the Classroom is a video-conferencing tool that allows students to have audio conversations, video-chat or message others.  Individuals and classes can post forums describing their educational setting and focus.  This area can also be used as a means for connecting with professionals or other classes as a means of collaborating and gleaning from others.  Skype is free when using it Skype to Skype.  However, for a fee, one can use to call phones.

 You can visit Skype in the Classroom by visiting https://education.skype.com/

 

Some of the Features of Skype in the Classroom include:

  • It's FREE!
  • Easy to use.
  • Allows students to connect with experts in any given field.
  • Students can connect and collaborate with students around the world.
  • Students can be exposed to other perspectives, cultures and worldviews.
  • Students learn to create networks and relationship with others.
  • It creates students to become better global citizens
  • Students can learn to take the initiatve for their own learning and interactive experience.

 How It Can Be Used in the Classroom:

  • Students can collaborate with other students to develop ideas or create projects.
  • Students can consult with experts during or for a project.
  • Students can learn to engage and interact with other cultures.

Using Skype in the Classroom as a UDL tool:

  • Skype in the Classroom would be good for students who enjoy group work, learn through discussion and are hands-on learning.
  • As students use Skype and create connections with other people, they are likely to remember information if emotional connections are made - thus, it has the potential to enter the sphere of Affective Learning.

Required Age of Users:

2.2 You cannot accept these Terms if: (a) you are not lawfully entitled to use the Software, Products and/or Skype Websites in the country in which you are located or resident or (b) if you are not of legal age to form a binding agreement with Skype.

In Canada, one can create an account at the age of 14.  Teachers utilizing Skype in the Classroom should be aware of the Policies around Privacy as Skype does collect some personal information, and owns the Property Rights to all content posted or created through their software.