Skype in the Classroom

Hi everyone. This year I am leading a Study Group for CFE entitled “The Web 2.0 Classroom”. During our opening session one of the members of the group was in New York. Instead of missing the content of the class we were able to “Skype” her in. She was able to take part in the class remotely through an audio/video link over the Internet. As a result of this experience one of the Study Group members has decided to try collaborating with a class remotely through Skype. So….this week’s Wednesday Web discusses using Skype in Education.



Skype is a software program that allows users to make audio and or video “phone calls” over the Internet. For free. It is not blocked by CPS.

Dummies.com offers reasons why Skype makes sense in education. Some of their suggestions include using Skype as a “homework helper” and to conduct read-alouds. It’s a very short, to the point article.



Tools for the Tek gives more of an explanation of what Skype is and how to get started with the software, as well as some technical issues you may encounter. It also discusses how to get involved with ePals (listed a little further down this page).



See me, Hear me: Skype in the Classroom is an example of how a high school teacher in Austin, Texas was able to Skype in an author for her class. She talks about how she conducted the session and how her students felt about it.



Annick’s Blog provides some additional resources, both video and text based, for teachers that are interested in learning more about Skype in Education.



50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom is a great place to start if you are giving this some thought, but aren’t exactly sure how you would use this service. Not all 50 suggestions are links to outside resources. Two of my favorites are #3 (7th graders collaborating with a museum) and #9 (using Skype to conduct interviews)


ePals offers teachers and students globally that are willing to collaborate. Sign up for a free account today!



Finally, here is a Google Search Page that lists videos for using Skype.

Feel free to post some of your own comments on Skype!