1. in the Classroom Presented by: Molly Aschoff maschoff@esu17.org Valentine Community Schools

2. Skype is a software application that allows users to make telephone calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service, and in some countries to free-of- charge numbers are free, while calls to other landlines and mobile phones can be made for a fee (about 2 cents a minute). Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

3. Getting Skype Skype is a free download (Windows or Mac) @ http://www.skype.com/ Most newer computers will have a built in Microphone and speakers and camera You may choose to connect an external mic or a web camera

4. Tips for Privacy Allow calls only from people on your contact list Allow chats only from people on my contact list Receive calls to your online number only from people on my contact list

5. Skype Uses Video Calls Conference Calls Instant Messaging File Transfer The Skype help page is very HELPFUL!

6. Ways to use Skype in the Classroom Connecting with an expert Connecting with another teacher or classroom Connecting with a student who can’t be in class Connecting with parents Connecting with authors of favorite books Video conferencing for meetings

7. 4 th Grade Weather Project Ainsworth Elementary School connecting with a Valentine Elementary School Attendance Center in rural Cherry County

9. Connect with other Classrooms http://theedublogger.edublogs.org/want-to- connect-with-other-classrooms/ http://theedublogger.edublogs.org/want-to- connect-with-other-classrooms/ http://nebraskaeducatorsnetwork.ning.com

10. I use skype in grade 4 for shared learning with several USA school classrooms as well as two classes in England. Have also used it for language assistance with new Spanish-only speaking students. We play games, share stories, riddles, math problems, and class artifacts. Terry Smith: www.smithclass.orgSo far, my grade 5/6 class in Hafford, Saskatchewan has a Skype teleconference every term with our epals in Waterloo, Illinois. Our success in teleconferencing has increased with our experimentations. My colleague, Mr. Theobald, has had geography quizzes between his students and mine. Now that we have a mobile lap top lab and wireless internet, I'd like to continue teleconferencing and add the chat to it. Any suggestions appreciated.My Current Issues students have been using video collaborations with Skype since September of 08 to discuss global issues with international students. We are currently working with a Russian high school on a joint proposal for better US Russian relations and we intend to send this to our respective embassies and perhaps even to president Obama. My students absolutely love this. We follow up these live video conferences with blog and forum entries to discuss and reconsider our opinions about international issues.www.smithclass.orgSo far, my grade 5/6 class in Hafford, Saskatchewan has a Skype teleconference every term with our epals in Waterloo, Illinois. Our success in teleconferencing has increased with our experimentations. My colleague, Mr. Theobald, has had geography quizzes between his students and mine. Now that we have a mobile lap top lab and wireless internet, I'd like to continue teleconferencing and add the chat to it. Any suggestions appreciated.My Current Issues students have been using video collaborations with Skype since September of 08 to discuss global issues with international students. We are currently working with a Russian high school on a joint proposal for better US Russian relations and we intend to send this to our respective embassies and perhaps even to president Obama. My students absolutely love this. We follow up these live video conferences with blog and forum entries to discuss and reconsider our opinions about international issues.

11. Professional Use Roving reporter on the Entertainment Channel Omaha Reporter used it to cover the Miss Nebraska pageant in North Platte

12. THANK YOU!!