How to get Skype working in your classroom
Skype in the classroom is an online community that encourages teachers to connect and support one another through content sharing, collaborative projects and classroom connections to bring topics to life for their students. We officially launched Skype in the classroom back in March 2011 and the site has grown steadily since. There are over 20,000 teachers using the site and our goal is to connect one million classrooms.
We recently presented at the BETT Show in London and received several questions related to the technical setup that is needed to make Skype work in the classroom.
All you need to do is:
• Create a Skype account – Choose your Skype Name and enter your details so friends can find you on Skype.
• Get Skype – Download Skype to your computer.
• Sign in to Skype – Sign in and add your friends as contacts, then call, video call and instant message with them, wherever you are.
• Register for Skype in the classroom – Meet new people, discover new cultures and connect with classes from around the world, all without leaving the classroom.
A few other tips:
• We recommend you use a fixed line internet connection for the best quality calls.
• Sometimes firewalls can block Skype, however the majority can be easily configured with Skype. Find out more here.
• Remember to close any applications that use the internet (especially those that might be playing music or video) and cancel any file downloads. Find out more here.
As far as hardware requirements, if you want to connect your classroom with another classroom via video call, you will need a webcam and a headset.
For more information on how Skype can extend learning beyond the classroom, visit Skype in the classroom or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
