Skype in the Classroom

Yesterday I was lucky to offer my students an awesome experience: we were able to meet the author of the book that they all read and it didn't cost us a penny!  This was all possible through Skype and a few emails to the author.

Skype is not only useful for speaking with authors.  Skype now has a website called Skype in the Classroom that actually helps teachers find or post projects with other Skype partners.  Posted projects cover every subject area and grade level.  Last year I connected with a school in New York and worked with my students on a pen pal project.  We used the site Twiducate (like Twitter, for education) to talk with their New York "friends."  I also recently connected with a teacher in Texas to develop a virtual book club.

To get started, go to Skype in the Classroom's project database and browse for your appropriate subject and grade level.  Information about contacting the project owner is found by clicking on the project.   Our library has webcams available for checkout as well.  To prepare for a Skype chat, all you have to do is download Skype to your computer and install the webcam.  (Very easy things that I am happy to help with).

Just think about the project possibilities: guest speakers, working on an assignment with a class in another country, state, or city, guest readers, bringing experts right into your classroom...

View the pictures below to see our experience Skyping yesterday.