Presentation by Dan Marx

MCOM 510

Spring 2012

What Is It?? Social networking communication tool created by David

Somekh and owned by Microsoft since 2011

Over 663 million users as of September 2011

Allows users to communicate with peers, classmates, and coworkers by voice, video, and instant messaging over the internet.

Calls may also be made to other users which is free of charge, but calls made via landline and mobile telephones are charged.

Other features include file transfer and videoconferencing.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home

Possible Educational Uses

Video conferencing in the classroom

A teacher could “show” students at home who could not make it to school what is going on in the classroom live using a web cam

Great for students with visual or deaf/hard of hearing disabilities since instruction can be presented in text or video form

File transfer

Teachers can send files, videos, web links, and documents instantly to any Skype user from any computer

Allows for easy distribution of assignments and cuts down on cost of paper

Group projects.

Students sign up, and conference with the teacher or one another in the “group chat” mode from any computer, anywhere live in real time

Teachers can connect with other professionals for class projects and lesson planning ideas

Since Skype is now connected to Facebook, whatever students do on Skype can now be transferred over to their Facebook accounts and mobile devices (i.e. Android phone)

Relevance

Skype has enormous potential for collaboration and innovative thinking

Both teachers and students are now able to speak with other peers and professionals from anywhere in the world directly and in real time

http://education.skype.com/?cm_mmc=SMYT|1402_B1-_-Introducing-Skype-In-The-Classroom

Satisfies 21st century learning objectives of student-student collaboration, communication, and creativity while using digital technology to accomplish learning goals and objectives.

Summary

Skype is an free, online communication and collaberative tool that can connect teachers and students like never before

Teachers can easily collaberate with other professionals on class projects and teaching tools and ideas

Students use Skype for group collaberation and interaction in a convenient and innovative way.

References

Skype Limited (2012). Skype. Retrieved February 6, 2012 from http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home.

Skype Limited (2012). Skype in the classroom. Retrieved February 6, 2012 from http://education.skype.com/.