Saturday, February 18, 2012

The Power of Skype:Changing the Classroom

In class we discussed the communication software Skype and how it can be used in the classroom to benefit the learning experience. I found this discussion really interesting and eye opening to just what technology can do for students in the classroom environment as well as teachers in the school community. Skype can provide students the opportunity to speak with authors and guest speakers they might not otherwise get the chance to see. This type of experience engages students in the learning process by having them ask questions and participate in discussion. Another unique project students can do using Skype is the Skype Pen Pal Project. This gives classrooms the opportunity to communicate with other classrooms across the country or even the world.If you want to stay close to home, you can interact with other classes in your school to enhance the sense of school community.  You can even arrange discussion groups with other classes to get different perspectives from readers of others cultures and backgrounds. Skype can also be used for Parent/Teacher conferences for those parents who are unable to meet face to face. Skype can even be used for teachers or school districts to meet with education experts or other schools and districts who faced similar obstacles. For more information on Skype and its power in the classroom visit  http://education.skype.com/.

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