Classroom technology … with Skype
Forget pencil, paper and chalkboards … classroom technology’s moving into the future, with a little help from Skype. Read on and find out how video calling, instant messaging, screen sharing, file transfers and more are helping us all learn a lesson.
Using new technology can be a real learning curve. But, even though Skype is really easy to use, it’s definitely helping to teach us all a lesson by making classroom learning even more accessible and entertaining.
More teachers and students are beginning to use Skype as an important classroom tool. And here’s why …
Skype helps bring teachers and their resources together …
Two heads sure are better than one. So, it’s safe to say that 17,566 heads and counting makes for an even smarter combination.
17,566 teachers are currently using ‘Skype in the classroom’ – a free global community that lets educators swap resources, lesson plans, ideas and inspiration with one another, to help make classroom learning even better for students.
In fact, Skype-savvy teachers have already used Skype in the classroom to create 582 shared resources and 1074 [1074 what?] – that’s A+ math.
And even more teachers could be using Skype to instant message, video call, screen share and swap files.
Video calling helps liven-up lessons
Before video calling came along, you might have used a pen pal to bring on your language skills. But now, all you need to do is make a call between classrooms to test your vocabulary, pronunciation and more.
And where you might have used textbooks or exchange trips to learn about a different culture, now you can just use Skype between classrooms.
Some educators are even using Skype calls to bring lessons to life – say by calling a class that’s based in a location that features in set reading or relates to a subject they’re studying.
Skype is available on iPads – a new classroom favourite …
More schools are starting to use laptops and iPads as classroom tools, and it’s easy to see why – there are loads of apps that help with learning, like vocabulary flash cards and anatomy visualizers.
But what’s even better is that some kids are getting to take iPads out of the class and back home. So more kids can use Skype for iPad to keep learning and video calling their new learning buddies after that final bell’s rung.
Has Skype helped improve the way you or your kids learn?
