Skype in the Classroom

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• Jackie DeBonis
• Computers in the Curriculum
• November 13th, 2010

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What is Skype?

• Skype is free communication software that allows
  you to make calls, instant message and video
  conference online

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Getting Started with Skype

• STEP 1

Download Skype for Windows or Mac
STEP 2
Open Skype from desktop and create a profile with
a user name, password, and picture
STEP 3
Add contacts to create your own address book
make a test call
STEP 4
START SKYPING!
For more detailed instruction and support go to
https//support.skype.com/
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Using Skype
Call a friends house or cell phone from the
computer
Video call with a group of friends
Call a friend who has Skype and video chat
Set up and leave voicemails
Send instant and picture messages
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Skype in the Classroom
After School Help
Share Experiences with Other Classes
Parent/Teacher Conferences

• Author Visits
• Guest Speakers

Field Trips
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SAMPLE LESSON PLANS
High School

• Elementary/Middle

• History Exploration
• Be a Rock Star
• Math Exploration
• Career Exploration

• Culture Awareness Lesson
• Lets Meet The Author
• Virtual Field Trips

EVEN COLLEGE!

• Office Hours
• Group Work
• File Sharing

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Promoting Education Community

• Some other GREAT ways Skype can be used inside
  the classroom and around the world

INCLUDE A CLASSMATE WHOS HOME SICK IN TODAYS
LESSON
CONNECT WITH A STUDENT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS THAT
HAS TO BE IN A DIFFERENT CLASSROOM
DIVE INTO FOREIGN CULTURES BY TAKING A LOOK INTO
OTHERS HOME FROM MILES AWAY
CONNECT WITH FAMILIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
PRESENT A PERFORMANCE OR EXPERIMENT SHARE IT
WITH EVERYONE
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Teachers Parents

• A huge benefit for using Skype effects more than
  just our students, but our teachers and parents
  too!

That doesnt include everything they can do to
help parents as well such as holding conferences,
sharing students work, and bringing the busy
parent into their childs classroom
Teachers can expand on their professional
development, chat with other teachers, and tutor
former students right from their computer
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BENEFITS OF SKYPE
FUN!!!!!!!
MEETS NJCCCS
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
FREE!
CONSTRUCTIVE
ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING
POWERFUL
EASY
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Just make sure to WATCH OUT!

• Here are some tips to make sure students stay
  safe when using Skype

Allow calls only from people on your contact list
Dont use your full name as your username or
password
Receive calls to your online number only from
people on your contact last
Allow chats only from people on your contact list
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Resources for Using Skype

• ePALS (http//www.epals.com/ ) - find other
  teachers and classes around the globe using Skype

Skype in Schools (http//skypeinschools.pbworks.co
m/w/page/11008318/FrontPage) - List yourself
or find others in this directory just for
educators seeking Skype collaboration
Mixxer (http//www.language-exchanges.org/ ) -
connect language learners seeking partners to
practice their language skills via Skype
Cool Cat Teacher Using Skype in the Classroom
(http//coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/10/using-
skype-in-classroom-or-just.html) - This teacher
provides the basics to get Skype set up with your
class.
eduwikius Skype (http//eduwikius.wikispaces.com/
SKYPE ) - This wiki contains plenty of
information about using Skype in the classroom
and also provides links to additional resources
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Watch how this teacher incorporates Skype into
his classroom