Students will have video-pals (in place of pen pals) to discuss topics learned in class, collaborate on projects, or share classroom experiences to enhance learning.
A more advanced way to take advantage of Skype in the classroom is to have combined lessons where one teacher gives the lesson for two classrooms (one in the classroom and the other via video through Skype). Teachers can switch for the next lesson. Students have the advantage of hearing a topic from a slightly different perspective and teachers don't have to teach every lesson and have the opportunity to walk around the room to help while the other teacher is instructing.
Another advanced application is to have a video lesson with another classroom going while text chatting between students is taking place. Students are able to ask their peers questions and answer back without stopping the lesson to raise their hand.
Lessons can be recorded and uploaded to sites like YouTube for students to revisit later if they need clarification or reinforcement. Students are also able to share lessons with parents so additional home dialogue takes place.
Skype is also a great way for students to ask the teacher questions without having to share them out-loud in the classroom. During class, or in the lab, students can work at their computer and text chat a question to the teacher and receive an answer discreetly. Teachers have to advantage of answering questions with supportive links, images, how-to videos, and more.
With a new file sharing option, students and teachers share large files instantly. If students are working in groups and cannot physically meet, Skype can be used as the connection medium where students share files they've been working on to complete a project.
There are many more examples of using Skype in the Classroom. To see more, visit the Skype channel on YouTube:
Also, visit Skype in the Classroom for resources from Skype specifically for educators!
