Ok, lets talk about Skype. I LOVE Skype and have talked about it previously in one of my other posts. It's so easy to use and and takes just a minute or two to set up an account. You pretty much just type in your name and start finding friends and family that also have an account. There is a little green "check" that shows up next to a persons name if they are online. You click on their name and it starts dialing. PRESTO, you have video chatting. The picture isn't in HD by any means, but what do you expect. The sound is really good though and it's FREE! I personally started using Skype this summer and use it about once or twice a week to talk to my parents that live out of state. I feel more connected to my family and it's almost as good as having them here to talk to.
Skype would be a great tool in the classroom. First, you could have guest speakers all the time without the hassle of scheduling and travel. Just be online at the same time, and you are all set to have a great conversation with specialists, experts, and forerunners in any field. Second, your class could have a "pen pal" with another class in another state or country. It would be fun for all the students to see the difference in dress, hear the different voices, and just be seen. Third, Skype is a great tool between two or more teachers. They can collaborate and work on projects together no matter where they live. Skype has many wonderful uses in and out of the classroom. I'm not a technology "geek", but I am SO glad someone created Skype! =)
The beginning of your post made me laugh! :)
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