Skype in the Classroom
Using Skype in the Classroom, an education initiative from Microsoft, teachers can easily expand the walls of the classroom. Skype offers four different pathways for teachers to explore including Skype Lessons, Mystery Skype, Virtual Field Trips, and Guest Speakers. Through the website, teachers can access a wealth of content available to their students. Everything is searchable by grade level and by content topic. Teacher accounts are free and it's very easy to get started.
For the purpose of this activity, students will be connecting with our local weatherman, Damon Lane, through Skype. The local news station offers free Skype visits to local educators in which students can ask questions and learn from the meteorologists. We will be talking specifically about severe weather and how people can better prepare for weather disasters.
For the purpose of this activity, students will be connecting with our local weatherman, Damon Lane, through Skype. The local news station offers free Skype visits to local educators in which students can ask questions and learn from the meteorologists. We will be talking specifically about severe weather and how people can better prepare for weather disasters.
Note to Teacher:
- Prior to beginning the activity, provide students with a copy of the KWL chart. By this point in the unit, students have a pretty significant amount of background knowledge on severe weather events, so they should have more specific questions. Using the KWL chart, students will write a few things they know about the topic and each student will be required to come up with at least 2 questions.
- Students can work on this physically or they can save a copy of the file to their Drive to complete digitally.
- Prior to beginning the Skype lesson, it's important to practice asking their questions. Pair students with shoulder partners to practice introducing themselves and reading their questions. Make sure that every student has selected a question that they'd like to ask if their name is called during the Skype session.
- Students will participate in the activity whole group. The teacher will need to log into a Skype account and hook up the computer to a projector and speakers so that all students can see and hear.
- Project the Skype call for students and encourage them to jot down notes in the "learned" section of the KWL chart.
- To facilitate the conversation - and practice vital Speaking and Listening skills, pull sticks or use a random generator of some sort, to call students to the front and speak into the webcam. Students will be asked to introduce themselves and then ask their question into the camera. Be sure to remind them to thank the speaker as well.
- Once students have completed their KWL chart, encourage them to begin drafting a paragraph about what they learned on the call.
References:
Roblyer, M. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (7th ed.). Massachusetts: Pearson.
Roblyer, M. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (7th ed.). Massachusetts: Pearson.