[LM_NET] HIT: Skype Video Classroom Uses

[Gordon Walter <gordonwalter@MCHSI.COM>]

I asked about how Skype Video is being put to use in the classroom.  
Below are the answers I received...........

-- 
Gordon Walter
Retired AGWSR School Librarian
101 Hilltop Drive
Ackley, Iowa  50601
Tel:  641-847-3315
Email:  gordonwalter@mchsi.com


I'm not sure if you are going to post a HIT or if I should reply to all, but
here's my response.

I recently completed two different Skype projects as a collaboration between
the library and a classroom biology teacher at Lake Placid Middle/High
School in Lake Placid, NY. For the first project, we had a lower-level
biology class research genetically engineered foods. The class than
participated in a debate with a class in Williamsburg, VA on the topic. The
kids loved the Skype interaction and enjoyed the authentic learning
experience, but the classes weren't evenly matched in terms of ability level
so the competitive aspect of the debate format was not ideal. For the second
project (with the same two schools and teachers, but different students), we
had each group research ecological issues in our home region plus the other
school's region (acid rain and water quality in the Adirondack Park of
northern NY and stormwater/nonpoint source pollution and overfishing in the
Chesapeake Bay in VA). The two groups came up with questions for each other
and we basically just allowed the kids to have a guided discussion. It was
really great and they asked really good questions!

I would be happy to provide more information about these projects if you
have questions. I also created a Skype debate manual for the school as part
of one of my classes, which I can provide if you are interested.

Rebecca Buerkett
Syracuse University MLIS Student
Intern- Lake Placid Elementary School, Lake Placid, NY
rbuerkett@roadrunner.com
------------------------------------------------
We have used Skype for both videoconferencing with students that are home-bound and 
also with other classes across the state.  We have a first grade that regularly 
shares via Skype with another first grade class on the other side of the state.  
Haven't had any problems - it is really easy to use and is free!  We have 
videoconferencing equipment but the school on the other side of the state doesn't, 
so Skype was an easy fix for hooking up with them.  We only needed a computer with 
a camera and a data projector.  Speakers are helpful.



"When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes."
Desiderius Erasmus

Betty Mundy
Media Specialist
Brown Elementary School
2831 W. Garden Lane
St. Joseph, MI  49085
269-926-3525
bmundy@sjschools.org
ELMS Chairperson
-----------------
Hi, Gordon,
Just this week a reading teacher in our middle school used Skype for an author 
"visit."
It provided the opportunity for the students to chat with and see the author "in 
living color," and for her to see them, too.
It worked really well.
Marcia McCarthy
------------------------------
I used Skype this year during a project with first grade. After sending
written letters back and forth with a college student in London, the
class gathered in the library. We logged onto Skype and the students
were able to directly ask questions. I think what shocked them most was
the concept that the person they were talking to had just eaten dinner,
when they had just eaten lunch!

Peg Noctor
GWES Librarian
Quinton, VA
Teacher Librarian
-------------------------------


Michigan Association for Media in Education 



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