Skype In The Classroom

It seems like all I can think about lately is developing opportunities for video chat discussions.  It is such a simple concept in theory and doesn't require much technology but the "logistics" can be quite difficult.  You have to be able to find a class studying the same topic at the same time and they have to be willing to take time from their jam-packed curriculum to have a "discussion" with another group of students if they have the correct equipment and access...it's tough.  During a conference call the other day, the inability to Skype with more than one party (for free) became glaring and led to a Google Hangout (good ole Google).  Another lost video conference for Skype.  However...as I visited Skype's page today I noticed a banner at the top (see below) which offered free group calls for teachers on Skype in the classroom.  Nice!

Now What?

Signing up for the free year is simple if you are already a teacher on Skype in Education.  You simply supply your school name and website and send it off.  While you are waiting to get our acceptance why not check out Skype's library of lesson plans and if you are ever looking for a class to Skype...hit me up!

Skype in the Classroom

This morning I participated in a Facetime meeting between a business marketing class at Seymour High School and the VP of the committee that plans the Seymour Pumpkin Festival.  For those who aren't from around here...it's kind of a big deal.  The purpose of the meeting was to ask questions of the organizer as well as offer thoughts and suggestions for this year's upcoming festival.  It was a great opportunity for the students in class to apply what they had learned in class in a meaningful way.  After leaving the class I went onto Skype's website to see what they were offering in the way of educational content and was surprised to see that they have an entire section dedicated to classes interested in connecting with other classes.  On the Skype in the Classroom page you can create an account and then upload a lesson plan that you would like to use as the basis for collaboration.  If you aren't interested in putting up a lesson plan but would rather search through what is available you can do that to by using the categories (see below).  Overall, it's a relatively simple way to reach out and get started with video conferencing with other parts of the country and even the world.

Now What?

If you are even remotely interested in setting up a virtual meeting for your class and you have the logistics to make it happen...you should definitely check out the Skype in the Classroom website.  If you are looking for more classes who are willing to Skype you can also check out e-Pals which is a great website that I learned about from Allison Imperio on her blog Elementary Tech Assist.

Video In The Classroom

Outside of school, students today are watching video constantly.  A great way to get their attention in class is to use video as the basis for your content.  I read an interesting post the other day by a guy named Karl Fisch who is very popular in the field of technology and education.  He is also a high school math teacher.  He discussed the video below and how he will be using it to help him teach proportion.  He also set up a Skype (video chat) session with the creator of the video so that his students could ask him questions.  The video below can be used for a lesson on proportion but really the idea of using video to drive your classroom instruction can be used in any content area.