Skype

=Skype in Education= []

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What is Skype?
Skype is free software that uses the internet to make calls.


 * Free for Skype to Skype
 * Free for Skype to Toll Free Numbers
 * Costs for Skype to phone

Functionality:

 * instant messaging
 * audio call with up to 25 users
 * video calls are 1 to 1
 * transfer files
 * screen sharing capabilties

**Equipment:**

 * Computer with internet connection
 * Skype installed []
 * Logitech Webcam 9000 - has built in microphone.
 * Place on top of the whiteboard or on a single machine.
 * Use with projector or without.

Troubleshooting tips:

 * No sound - go to Call - Audio Settings and make sure the Webcam mic is turned on.
 * Screen Sharing - Under Call - select "Share Your Screen" and the options are to select a portion or do full screen.
 * Go back to video - Click Blue Video icon on bottom of video call screen to turn video back on after screen sharing.

Tutorials
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Ideas for classroom Use:

 * Students homebound could participate with classroom activities to stay up to date.
 * Connect with travelers to bring different places to life
 * Connect with Staff and Students as they travel:
 * http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1744226.html
 * Connect with other schools
 * LA classes from other countries discuss movies they have watched.
 * students teach other students about their community, topics they have studied, etc.
 * ex. []
 * http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1744226.html - students connect and share culture
 * discuss science topics
 * Connect with other international schools to discuss government.
 * Share projects with other classes
 * Use in connection with a blog discussion. Students can continue the conversation in the blog and take turns on the webcam.
 * book talks between classes
 * Connect with Experts in their field
 * student write questions before hand
 * students take turns asking the questions
 * Follow-up questions filter through the teacher.
 * Example: [] Class connect with founder of Peace One Day.
 * Authors - discuss books with authors.
 * Here are some possible ways to use Skype in a math class:
 * the time difference fascinated my students -- possibly do something with time zones;
 * possibly figure mileage (and air fare cost);
 * possibly look at currency and compare McDonald's (or other common food chain) menus in both countries;
 * do a grocery list or cost to go to movies and so on; figure a budget for living in that country compared to what it would cost in America (housing, cars, education and so on);
 * figure out how many soccer fans can fill that country's stadium compared to how many football fans(since we do not have quite the soccer mania here!) fill a local stadium;
 * do a Wii tournament and focus on math skills (this can be done via the Internet); just do math problems together -- we had a great time just interacting with students from an international school.
 * Teachers meet with other teachers to plan and conduct trainings.
 * Connect students with bigger cities, etc to show them how other people live.
 * Have a teacher teach the class via Skype from another location.
 * Teachers on leave could continue to connect with their classes.
 * Classroom competitions to review concepts being learned in both places

Resources:
Skype in Education: Skype to connect 7th graders with a historian: [] Skype in the library (with an author) [] Skype uses in the classroom - list of ideas and projects with links [] Authors who Skype with Classes: [] [] [] Http://www.icamzlive.com
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