Interested? How haven't we used Skype? We've conducted science experiments, used the screen share option to collaborate on real-time web tools, participated in book discussions, meet with other student writers as part of the progressive story project, interviewed an illustrator from StoryBird, written collaborative books, surveyed other classrooms, learned from experts, exchanged topic presentations, had community and climate comparisons and more! I'm still amazed at the technology that today's kids will grow up having. How many of us are still surprised that the video call in Back to the Future 2 is for real and that our students can experience the reality on a normal basis? I am.
Innovative? Skype is a wonderful way to connect classrooms. But, the more meaningful and purposeful calls are interactive ones. I'd a huge advocate of teaching kids that communication serves a purpose and that it takes two sides for effective conversation. Collaboration is key! Not only between the student, but the teachers as well!
This Skype call was a little different than ones in the past though since we had our first across the seas call with a class from Italy. We learned more about communicating with others in our world, those who speak English as their second language.
IMPACT? Be sure to check out our blog post on our class blog, Secondsin2nd, regarding our first meeting with our friends in Italy. It was quite memorable! Here's a video clip from the call...
Our second call was focused on a cultural exchange. Rita's class was going to share with us about Christmas Cakes. They wore baker hats and aprons, interviewed each other, listed and showcased the ingredients of the various versions of the yummy cakes. Our class shared some of their own family traditions to start off. Next, small groups prepared puzzles about four winter holidays based on what they'd learned from the Brain Pop, Jr video. This is where we were glad we had illustrations to share, since the other class had some difficulty understanding us. But, my students changed their plan of action and we used the webcam to focus in on the pictures that they drew. After the call, we discussed how drawings break all language barriers. If a child draws a tree in China, a child in South Africa knows it's a tree. Last, we exchanged songs and sang the last one together.
Here's the video we created to share with our friends from Italy to further explain what we'd prepared....
Sometimes even the new and cool technologies becomes the norm, but we're changing it up at this point. We're switching to small group phase. I've been working with different educators, trying to set up a connection for each of my small reading groups. Easier said than done. Mr. Kauffman had to go and switch grade levels! But, it'll be worth it all! I look forward to seeing my students get more "camera time" and therefore the participation level increase.
Impressed? I've been really excited about the growth in my students and their confidence with the technology. They've stepped out of comfort zones and are well on their way to becoming effective communicators in today's digital world. If you are looking on opening your classroom doors check out this blog post for 10 ways to use Skype in the Classroom, but also for ways to enchance the call with other web tools, as well as ways to find connections. Also, here's a Google Spreadsheet shared by Jennifer Wagner where teacher's share how they've used Skype.
How do you make the most of Skype for your students?
