Click to access link then click to watch video
Skype is a current
technology that went from being a way for friends and families to connect using
technology, to an educational tool that can connect students and teachers of
all levels (K-postsecondary) around the world.
Not only is Skype being used to connect students, as you can see from
the link, but it is used to connect industry around the world as well. I once had a Skype interview for an online
instructor position – I was in California and the HR representative from the
organization was in Wisconsin! Skype has
made learning opportunities more convenient, because students and instructors in
K-12 and higher education have access to other students and instructors in
other parts of the world. What an easy
way to get the expert in your class – just call him/her on Skype. Skype to Skype calling is free, and
downloading Skype on computers is free as well.
There is no expense to teach students about life in America or in Africa
when they can connect across the Pacific and Atlantic using Skype. It is tantamount to acquiring an
international education without ever leaving home.
In post-secondary and
adult education, Skype connects students and instructors as well. Learning communities are formed in each of my
classes, and except for time zone constraints, Skype has made meeting with the
members of my learning community extremely easy. We are able to collaborate, share
information, and work on projects together using this technology. Instructors are available via Skype as well,
so tutoring and one on one support is also easily accessed.
One of the problems with
Skype or any technology is connectivity – if a teacher has a Skype session
scheduled but the system is down, or some students cannot log in from their
remote location, which is a problem. The
day without Blackboard that I experienced recently is an example of
connectivity issues with technology and how it can disrupt the learning
process. No convenience is foolproof,
not even with the most advanced technological processes at work.
When using Skype with
K-12 students, teachers have to use precautions so students are safe from online
predators. They must monitor discussions
to ensure the students stay focused on the assignment, or that adults who
should not be involved in the discussion are not. This is easily done when Skype is set up in
the classroom and the instructor is actively engaged with his/her students
during the online interaction.
Skype works best in
K-12 especially when there is a focus for the lesson, with written
instructions, questions and opportunities for critical thinking and problem
solving for the students. Post-secondary
and adult education students can be given a lesson focus, and perhaps a summary
of information to complete an assignment or work out a problem to guide their
interaction during the Skype conference.
Schools that use Skype
in the classroom need to have fast Internet connection speeds, preferably
wireless, and an open network to facilitate fast and secure connections for
their interactions. Instructors are
challenged to develop a reciprocal relationship with instructors and experts
across the country and around the world.
This will make the best use of
Skype technology for students from K-12 to post-secondary and adult education.
Thornburg (2009) said
that educational technology is constantly changing and “These trends, in many
cases, are larger than the current technologies that support them” (p. 1). The use of Skype technology in educational
settings will advance with the growing trends with the suggested ways of
managing current challenges, as well as keeping an eye on the future trends for
this technology.
References
Thornburg, D.D.
(2009). Current trends in educational technology. Retrieved
from
AJ, Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteSimple statement: Skype is awesome!! It amazes me how we went from static to dynamic in just a few years. Also, it is only going to get better when the interuptions and interference disappear between multiple users on a call. Do you feel Skype will play a more significant role then when students can collaborate between more than just a few of them with two-way video and audio? Imagine the possibilities. I can't wait for Web 3.0, but I guess I have to like everyone else. :( Good work.
Tim