Just a jump, hop and a Skype away...

It seems that much of what I choose to write about in these blogs stems from personal experiences; this week is no different. A few weeks ago, one of my closest friends gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Unfortunately, her husband was unable to be present for the birth. The reason for this was because he is currently bravely serving our country oversees as a distinguished member of the United States Marine Corps. As I stated, he was not present for the birth, but he did not miss a second of the delivery. In fact, he saw every single moment of that day, felt every single emotion within the room, and heard that very first single cry from his brand new baby girl. You may be wondering how this was possible. How could he have experienced and seen all of this occur when he was thousands of miles away? The answer lies in one small software application simply known as, Skype.  

Skype, as its definition states, is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and chats over the internet. All that is needed is this application, two functioning computers and recipients on both ends to create an extremely powerful and profound connection, as seen in the story above. This got me thinking. A major aspect of teaching is connecting our students to the outside world. As teachers, we should be exposing them to and immersing them in the rich diversity that exists all around us. By providing them with unique opportunities to make lasting connections with others, we are strengthening their awareness of the happenings of the world. My friend and her husband were able to make such a connection from thousands of miles away. Skype presents us, as educators, with the rich opportunity to make these connections with students who may be right around the corner, or in this case, a little bit farther away.

 

I started thinking about ways in which I could incorporate Skype into my curriculum. I researched, online, how fellow teachers have chosen to implement Skype within their own classrooms, and the numerous benefits that resulted from the implementation of this application. I came across so many innovative ideas as to how we can use this form of digital-media to further enhance the learning experience, and engagement levels, of our students. Some of the most creative and engaging ideas mentioned included; setting up a Skype session with the author of the book you and your class have just completed, having discussions with classes in other states as well as overseas to gain powerful insight into their culture and classroom dynamics, using Skype as a means of professional development with regards to attending out of state conferences and sessions online, and lastly taking virtual field trips to out of state locations, as well as enabling students who cannot physically attend a field trip for various reasons to still partake.

These are just a few of the many, many ideas I stumbled upon this week, but the uses and possibilities of Skype within the classroom are truly limitless. Technology has provided us with so many amazing opportunities to connect with the community in which we live, and the world of which we are a part. The Skype application is just one of those many ways that is enabling us to continually make, with our students, those powerful and lasting connections and meaningful learning experiences.

Below is a link to a number of creative ways in which you can incorporate Skype into your own classroom. What are some other ideas you have, or creative ways you have used Skype with your students?

(2001). 50 Awesome ways to use Skype in the classroom. Teaching Degree. Retrieved from      http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/