skype



toc =**Using Skype for Learning Activities**=
 * Skype is a Web-based service that offers users communication over the Internet though voice calls, instant messaging, and videoconferencing. You must install the free Skype software on your computer and sign up for a Skype account. Connections to other Skype users are free. Connections to traditional land lines and to cell phones can be made for a fee. Teachers can connect their classrooms with guest speakers, authors, content experts, absent students, other classes nearby or in other countries. Videos can be saved for later use.**


 * Using Skype Effectively **
 * **Prepare your students ahead of time﻿**
 * **﻿Get your students involved**
 * **Assign roles to your students**
 * **Examples**
 * Greets
 * Shares
 * Collects data
 * Manages Backchannel
 * Photographs
 * Video
 * Blogs
 * Google Earth locator
 * Times

**Getting the Skype software**
Skype - Follow the Get Skype link and download the software. Then install the software on your computer.

**Creating a Skype account to get started**
Username - Between 6 and 32 characters, starting with a letter and containing only letters and numbers with no spaces or special characters Password - Case sensitive, between 6 and 20 characters, including at least one letter and one number Skype - Look for the Join Skype link to sign up for a Skype account.

**Resources for making connections**
Register to be a part of Skype's own "Skype in the Classroom," a program that features a free directory aimed at making it easy for teachers to connect with other teachers and resources from around the world. Teachers should also be able to share inspiration and tips for helping kids learn through Skype. @http://education.skype.com/ - Register and learn more.
 * Skype in the Classroom - Coming Soon?**

ePals - Register for an account to collaborate in project-based activities with classrooms locally, nationally, or internationally.
 * ePals**

Skype for Educators - View a list of educators/experts willing to Skype into your classroom.
 * Skype for Educators**

Skype Other Classrooms - Search, by country, a list of school classes interested in having Skype conversations with other classes. Add your class to the list.
 * Skype Other Classrooms!**

Videoconferencing out on a Lim - Examine Janine Lim's collection of links to Skype content, connections, and resources.
 * Videoconferencing Out on a Lim**

Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom - View 50 links to ideas of how to use Skype in the classroom.
 * 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom**

Skype in the Classroom - the Eduskypers Phonebook - View postings from teachers interested in connecting their classrooms through Skype. Add yourself to the phonebook.
 * EduSkyper's Phonebook**

[|http://www.ohiodl.org] - View a wide-collection of distance learning opportunities.
 * Ohio Distance Learning Organization**

[] - Make history come alive for your students through visits with virtual historians.
 * Virtual Living History - FEE Based**

[|Skype an Author] - Invite an author into your classroom to video chat with your students before, during, or after reading the author's book.
 * Skype an Author Network**

Miscellaneous resources
[] - Keep your Skype information and conversations protected.
 * Skype Security**

Skype Support User Guides - Locate tips and trouble-shooting strategies for using Skype.
 * Skype User Guides**

[|Learn Central] - Join LearnCentral to access a free Elluminate meeting room, a list of community-generated resources, and a professional learning directory of your peers.
 * LearnCentral (Part of Elluminate)**

Video conferencing for Educators
 * Video Conference Info**

Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration - Connect with other teachers.
 * Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration**

TWICE - TWICE promotes and supports collaborative connections for the benefit of all students.
 * Two Way Interactive Connections in Education**


 * Classroom Ideas**