Lesson+3

Lesson 3 - Skype
Skype is a free program that allows you to make free phone calls to other Skype users over the Internet. You can make conference calls, conduct an IM chat, and with a webcam you can make live video calls! You can download Skype from the [|Skype] website.


 * Classroom uses for Skype.** Skype has tremendous potential for classroom use. Teachers can quickly and easily invite guests from all over the world to speak to their students. Social studies and foreign language teachers can use Skype to connect with students in foreign countries. Language arts teachers can connect with the authors of works they are reading. Science teachers could demonstrate a lab activity using Skype's video capability. Students in all subjects can make presentations and classrooms in different districts (or different countries) could collaborate on a project using Skype. A sick student could participate from home or a teacher could run class from home!

Before you watch the tutorials, you night want to download the Skype program at [|www.skype.com] and install the product. Double-click the Skype icon to start up the product and add a username and password into the "Create a Skype Account" window. On the Personal Profile page, add some personal information about yourself. Check that your microphone and speakers are on. Now you're ready to watch the tutorials below and begin "Skyping!"
 * 1. Watch our three-part Skype video tutorial.**

These video tutorials require Flash. If your computer does not have it, [|download the free Flash plug-in]. //Note: I decided not to upload these to Teacher Tube.//
 * [|Searching for Skype users and adding contacts]
 * [|Making a video call with Skype]
 * [|Chatting in Skype]

Please click on the** **"discussion" tab and** **contribute a comment!**
 * 2.** How might you use Skype and/or Twitter?
 * Read the following Classroom 2.0 discussion on Skype: []