1. Exploring New Technologies: Skype
Sharenia Hunter
Valerie Robinson
EDD 7914
Curriculum Teaching and Technology

2. What is Skype?
Software-based internet telephone and video service that allows free calls computer to computer over the internet (Michel & Chang, 2011).
Calling seeing, messaging, and sharing with others whenever…where ever (Skype, 2013)
Free
Download video and voice calls to anyone else on Skype
Instant messaging and file sharing

3. Advantages & disadvantages
Voice over internet protocol
Teleconference to remote areas
Free (Morgan, 2013)
Distortions in video and voice quality
Skype users may pay attention to their own image rather than the speaker (Morgan, 2013)
Plus
Minus

4. Uses of Skype in the Classroom
Author Visits
Guest Speakers
Global Connections
Collaboration with other Classrooms

5. An author Visit by Skype
Go to “authors who Skype”
Find an author that you would like to Skype with your class.
Authors can provide a 20 minute Skype Session (Free!)
Can be used to motivate reading

6. An Authors’ Skype
This is a picture of Kate Messner’s class doing a Skype Chat with Laurie Halse Anderson.

7. Skype and the Assure Model
1. Analyze learners- Student interest inventory, multiple intelligence survey, Benchmark data, etc.
2. State standards and objectives-Design lessons around Skype to meet state standards for students.
3. Select strategies, technology, media and materials- Incorporate use of a PC computer lab, LCD projector, SMART board.
4. Utilize technology, media, and materials- Throughout the lesson the LCD and SMART Board will be utilized for demonstrations and student practice using the Skype software.
5. Require learner participation- Form cooperative learning groups, create and perform Skype projects to demonstrate knowledge of software.
6. Evaluate and revise-Use of rubrics, peer review and teacher commentary.

8. Use Skype to learn 3 ways to connect with others:
Online Skype Communities- The Mixxer and ePals Global Community software.
Global Skype Projects- project-based learning exchanges to develop science, math, and literacy skills.
Skype in Education Directory- video conferencing classrooms.

9. Skype: resources
SKYPE for Dummies to/content/using-skype-at-school.html
SKYPE for Educators
50 Awesome Ways to Use SKYPE in the classroom -awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/
Using SKYPE in the classroom classroom

10. Five Classroom Skype Tips
Check to see if there is a block for Skype
Locate speakers that relate to the curriculum that will enhance classroom learning activities.
If Skype is blocked, find a way around it like a flash drive software download,
When setting up sessions, keep in mind time limitations and schedules of the guests.
Test all equipment such as webcam, speakers, monitor, computers, etc. (McCrea, 2013).

11. References
Mc Crea, B. (2013). Skype takes students where no school bus can go. Technological Horizons In Education. 39(5), 18.
Michel, B. & Chang, C. (2010). Attending a presentation at a distance in real-time via skype. Teach Trends. 55(1), 1-27.
Morgan, H. (2013). Using skype for exciting projects. Childhood Education. 89(3), 197.
Skype. (2013). [Computer Software]. Retrieved from Microsoft.