Thursday, April 22, 2010

Journal #9 - Playing with Skype (NETS I,III,V)

Weller, T.J. (2010). Playing with skype. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25508&DirectListComboInd=

The article, “Playing with Skype” by Travis J. Weller introduces Skype. Skype is an internet communication tool. The only equipment needed to use this tool is an internet connection and a webcam. In this article the author used Skype to bring his music students close to the composers whose music they perform. This engaged students more in their music and what it meant. I think it also informed the community because they were present at the time the Skype connection was made. This is a cool tool that teachers can use in their classroom. Teachers do not have to get famous composers to speak to their students; they can simply connect with other classroom across the world to learn about different cultures. There are several ways in which teachers can use Skype in their classroom.
How can I incorporate this into my classroom?
I can use Skype for Career Day. When it is Career Day students usually are limited to community members and parents but with Skype their options can expand. I could set up Skype to be able to have an astronaut or the captain of a boat speak to the students. Skype can expand the career options of students.
Will Skype me accessible to me?
Skype does not require a lot of technology therefore making it accessible to all teachers. Skype only needs an internet connection which mostly all schools have or can easily get access to. There is also a free trial that teachers can use.

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