Skype



=Skype= = = =Overview by Alyssa and Droxsan=

[|Skype] is a service that offers online chatting (instant messaging), calling and video talking. It is an application that is downloaded onto the users computer. When “skyping” or talking with a person through Skype, users can share documents and share screens, allowing the other person to see what they are doing on their computer. Skype offers many different service levels to users. Users can choose from the free version, pay by the minute or to pay monthly. With the increase in versions, and price, comes and increase in services. The monthly service allows users to call phones, have multiple people in a video chat and live customer support. Skype can be installed on computers, TV’s and mobile devices. Skype even has adapters for home phones. =media type="youtube" key="m1mflr-kQlk" height="315" width="560"= =Ideas for Classroom Use by Alyssa and Droxan=
 * __Meet the author__ - after reading a selection, students could connect with the author to ask questions and have a discussion
 * __Meet an expert__ - students and teachers can have a question and answer session with a professional in any field of study
 * __Discussion with another class__ - taking into account time differences; discussions about a book, current events, or other projects with students in another location
 * [|Mystery Skype]- students connect with another classroom of unknown location and use critical thinking, collaboration, and other various tools to figure out the location of the other class
 * __Field trips__ - cost and location restrictions can be removed by "visiting" somewhere via Skype and allows students to ask questions in real time
 * __Sick students__ - students could still participate in an important activity or instruction even though they are not able to attend class that day
 * __Turtoring__ - Students can be conncected for help on homework in real time
 * __Substitute help__ - instructions maybe more easily be given by the classroom teacher in real time, this allows students to ask questions of the teacher directly, while a substitue stands by in the classroom
 * __Conferencing with parents__ - one or both parents may not be able to attend parent teacher conference physically but using Skype all parties are included in the important conversation
 * __Peer review__ - teachers in another building, city, state, or country can observe and respond to teaching practices in any classroom

media type="youtube" key="9ic4asfhi50" height="315" width="420"