Skype in the Classroom

In the past decade or two, there has been an ever-increasing emphasis on preparing students to enter a global community. Unfortunately, this goal may be unattainable for some educators who are restricted by their location and poorly-funded budgets. Due to advances in technology and a little bit of creative thinking, bridging this gap has become a thing of the past.

One example of this instructional innovation is the use of Skype in one's curricula. Once considered simply a service to connect family and friends across the globe, this free program can be used to link learners to unprecedented sources of information. Upon reading Kristen Hick's article "6 Creative Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom," the vast opportunities in using this technological tool were revealed to me.

Inspired by Hick's post and my discoveries exploring the program, Skype in the Classroom, I have created a brief list of some of the benefits of using this service:

Communicate with Other Classrooms

Using the program, Skype in the Classroom, individuals can connect with other students across the world. For instance, teachers can use the application, Mystery Skype, where students guess the location of another classroom to improve their geographical skills. Individuals can also discuss topics amongst each other to gain greater perspective.

Learn from Experts

Teachers can also use Skype to coordinate with professionals around world. As described in Hick's article, many adults who are unable to make a physical visit to a classroom can more easily fit a video conference into their busy schedules.

Go on Virtual Field Trips

Another program offered through Skype in the Classroom is Virtual Field Trips. Using this tool, an instructor can sign up for a trip through various organizations to experience a behind the scenes look at various careers, artifacts, and locations. By integrating Virtual Field Trips in your classroom, you can provide students with experiences they may never have undertaken given their current circumstances.  

Keep Students On Track

Skype can also be used to keep absent individuals up to date on course material. Personally, I have experience utilizing this benefit as a student and highly recommend its applicability in the classroom. When I was a sophomore in high school, I was sick from school on the first day of a mock trial in my World History course. I was in charge of giving the opening remarks and did not want to let my team down. In order to give my speech, my instructor allowed me to Skype from my home and present my hard work. Even if students are not well enough to join in a classroom conversation, instructors can also record their lesson and send the video to the ill individuals.

These are simply a few samples of the countless instructional uses of Skype. I encourage you all to check out Hick's article, as well as the Skype in the Classroom program to see how you can further your students' educational experiences. Create memories in your classroom and provide individuals with opportunities to which they may never have had access otherwise.

Please comment below if you have any other ideas for using Skype in the Classroom or if you have personal success stories of your own in using this wonderful service!

Image Source: Laurie Sullivan