Using Skype in the Classroom

While you can use Skype on classroom computers and laptops, I think it works best when displayed on your classroom digital white board. This screen is usually fairly centrally located in the class and is big enough for all students to view and interact with it at once.

While making a Skype call you'll also want whomever is on the other end to be able to see you and your class too. Interactivity is one of Skype's most powerful attributes. While making a Skype call the picture from your webcam will be displayed as a small image in the bottom corner of the screen. From my experience kids enjoy being able to see themselves in this window while making a Skype call almost as much as they enjoy seeing the other party, so it's important to angle your laptop or webcam so that your class can be clearly viewed.

So who would your class call on Skype? You can only call people that you have added to your Skype friends list (which means you don't have to worry about unauthorised third parties getting digital access to your classroom). We will cover adding friends in the next post (don't worry, it's easy!) but for now let's talk about who you might call.

Some ideas:

• A trusted friend or relative that is overseas or in another part of Australia.
• An employee or member of the local council in their office.
• Another class or teacher.
• A professional like a builder, marine biologist, etc. onsite or at their place or work (without the costs of an excursion).

The list is only limited by your imagination. We will talk more about how skyping with these people can facilitate classroom literacy and learning, but I'm sure you're already beginning to think about some lessons you could create that students would find both entertaining, engaging and valuable.

A SMART white board is your friend.