From inside the classroom’s four walls to outside the state
Skype is a phenomenal tool to keep
in touch with relatives and friends without incurring additional costs. What a
wonderful way to be a part of someone’s life even if this person isn’t easily
accessible at the drop of a dime! Skype also has tremendous possibilities for
creating a collaborative learning environment for students – even students who
aren’t present within the four walls of a teacher’s classroom. Often times
teachers face resistance from administrators and technology gurus responsible
for purchasing technology for classroom use because of the cost incurred with
implementing these innovative resources. Skype, an application that allows
users to make voice calls and video chat, can be implemented without incurring substantial
costs.
It is important to note that to truly
utilize Skype as a means of collaboration with students in other
schools/classrooms, one would need access to a webcam. Many computers come with
a webcam; however, this is not always the case. For teachers who do not already
have a webcam installed, it is important to consider purchasing this item.
Despite the need for webcams, the costs of implementing Skype are not extensive
in comparison to other innovative educational tools. Without the webcam,
students would still be able to communicate utilizing the application’s instant
messaging tool. Some collaboration is better than no collaboration, right?
Utilizing Skype would foster a
collaborative learning environment that allows students to work together to
complete assignments while practicing positive communication skills. This
simple task will provide students with essential skills that will later lead to
increased marketability when seeking a job requiring the use of 21stcentury skills.When implementing Skype, teachers
must have a true focus in order to ensure effective instructional implications. Incorporating technology will engage learners, but engaging learners is not enough. Learners must be engaged and focused on a goal made clear by the teacher. The ultimate goal and purpose of using collaborative tools like Skype should be made clear when assignments are initially given to the students.
Learn more!
Click the picture for an article focusing on the use of Skype in classroom.
Module 1 Response From Tawana Siff
ReplyDeleteGreetings Laura!
It is so great to work with you in yet another course! Skype is a wonderful technology that I had the pleasure of using for the first time via my Walden courses. I understand the collaborative nature that allows people to interact on a more personable level without being face to face. However, I am not sure how I could incorporate it with my 8th grade math students - - if it were approved as an acceptable technology integration within our district. Do you have any suggestions? The only reason I am asking is because it seems like it is mainly utilized for people who do not have the capacity to meet F2F. Great post! I look forward to our continued work together!
Tawana Stiff
Hi, Tawana! In my Language Arts class, I can use Skype to do peer conferencing or practice oral presentation skills. I've never really considered incorporating it into Math instruction; however, your reply got me thinking... I know seventh graders at my school participate in an activity where they are required to do surveys on a topic and then graph the data. So, to put a spin on surveying, you could incorporate Skype for interviews. If you teamed up with teachers in various states to complete this activity, you would have a variety of information and options for sorting the data. I hope that makes sense... I'm really not the Math type. :)
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