General Description

Skype’s video chats have developed into an innovative tool for global classroom collaboration. Using this very simple video chat service, you can engage in numerous projects that may not be accessible due to geographic location, time, cost and practicality. Skype in the Classroom is an online community that enables thousands of teachers to inspire the next generation of global citizens through transformative learning over Skype. Language is not a barrier, as Skype now has a facility called Skype Translator that allows students to connect with students in other countries. This can be especially invaluable for studying other languages, ESL students and multicultural studies.

There are four ways this can be achieved:

Skype Lessons that allows you to connect with any teacher or classroom around the world.

Mystery Skype is a fun project where you can learn about geography by trying to guess who you are skyping with.

Virtual Field Trips that can take you anywhere around the world.

Guest Speakers from many expert fields who can connect with your class.

Integrating Skype and other tools, your classroom can become a vibrant, multicultural and multi diverse hub that will not only engage and motivate your students, but will also enhance their learning.

Audience

All educators including Primary & Secondary Students

ESL Teachers

Language Teachers

Principals

Teaching Standards

2.6.2 Proficient Level - Know the content and how to teach it - Information and Communication Technology (ICT):  Use effective teaching strategies to integrate ICT into learning and teaching programs to make selected content relevant and meaningful,

3.4.2 Proficient Level - Plan for and implement Effective Teaching and Learning - Select and use resources:  Select and/or create and use a range of resources, including ICT, to engage students in their learning