We all run out to check out the newest gadgets and check out the newest applications via web. Sometimes, like a great book that everyone swoons over, it may take time before you decide to actually read, buy, or try the newest release or a new application. Skype was the newest application that had a lot of hype for me, and I have been trying to figure out how to incorporate it into my classes for collaboration purposes. I think my aversion to using Skype has passed now that I know how easily and wonderfully an event can be shared for free that allows access to loved ones that are miles away.
Today for the first time, I tried Skype. I've had an account for awhile, but I really didn't have a reason to use it. However, I recently returned from a Disney trip with my sister, brother-in-law, and two nieces. I had promised to buy my 4 year-old niece a Disney Castle with characters. Since my 13 year-old-niece made the President's Honor roll, her parents decided to buy her an ipad. I know...you'd like them to adopt you. Meeeeeeeeeee toooooooooooo! I didn't want to miss the unveiling of the presents, so a Skype date was set up. (My sister's idea)
Anyway, I signed into my account. I checked my speakers, microphone, and web cam and then accepted the invitation from my brother-in-law and like magic...POOF!... I was in their living room. Excitement filled the air as the girls each had their presents in front of them. My four-year-old niece opened her present first, and she jumped, twirled, and yelled with excitement. Picture it...is there anything cuter than a child jumping for excitement and joy when they receive something that they really wanted. Well, I thought I got a show from the four-year-old, but when my 13 year-old-niece opened her ipad...screaming, arms thrown up in the air and crawling on the floor occurred. You would have thought the Jonas brothers had arrived at her house for a private concert.
I had the opportunity to be part of a wonderful family moment that I would never have been able to experience so easily and quickly with the feeling of really being there. I mean live video stream is worth a million words. Skype is no hype and it is free. You have to try it, to love it! Our skype meeting lasted 48 minutes and didn't cost a cent. Wow! I need to contact a professional, an expert, another classroom, or an author to impact student learning with Skype.
If you want to try Skype, visit http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home and set up an account. Find a friend, expert, family member and experience free internet calls, video stream, and chat. Happy memories! If you are a teacher, dream big and engage your students in the 21st century learning. Think about it...they are exploring the Internet and Web 2.0 tools on their own and you may think they know how to use these powerful learning tools, but a guide on the side may assist them in doing it safely and help them self direct their learning.
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