Hopefully you're starting to get convinced, and maybe even excited, about using Skype in a classroom. Good!
Just be aware that there are some issues around getting young people in front of a webcam and onto Skype.
Firstly, you're going to need to get permission. Parents will need to give their approval and there might also be a member of the school faculty that oversees this area you will need to talk to. They will be able to tell you more about their schools specific policies regarding this and how to go about it. Your mentor teacher needs to be willing as well.
Make sure Skype isn't blocked at the school you're placed in. If it is there will usually be someone you can talk to about getting it unblocked. Getting a whole class in front of the white board and then finding you can't actually connect will give you something good to write about in the challenges section of your lesson review, but won't make for a very enjoyable or valuable lesson for the kids.
Thirdly, test it out! Even if Skype is unblocked things can still go wrong. A five minute dry run, ideally one week before, and then in the break immediately before the lesson should ensure everything runs smoothly.
I'd also recommend that this be something you do as a class, or under heavy supervision, rather than an activity the kids perform alone. Not only will they benefit from your guidance and knowledge, but it's important to make sure that the technology is being used responsibly and appropriately. Remember, this is a two way window from your classroom into the outside world. One of the things you're teaching the students is how they will be expected to behave when engaging with members of the community in this way.
Finally, model it for them! Be confident when using Skype and conduct yourself in the same way you would expect the kids to. Last but not least, enjoy yourself! Your students will be.
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