Skype+in+The+Classroom

== =15 Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom=

Skype is a free and easy way for teachers to open up their classroom and their students to a world way beyond their campus. With Skype, students can learn from other students, connect with other cultures, and expand their knowledge in amazing ways.


 * 1) **Professional development**. Teachers can use Skype to access professional development opportunities, such as watching [|conference presentations].
 * 2) **Share students’ work with parents**. Let parents get a first-hand look at what their children are doing with Skype.
 * 3) **Conference with parents**. Whether a parent has to miss a regular conference or a concern comes up that requires speaking with a parent, Skype can provide an opportunity to [|connect with a parent] that may not otherwise be available for a conference.
 * 4) **Collaborate with other teachers**. Who says Skype has to be fun just for the kids? With Skype, [|teachers can collaborate] on ideas, projects, and more.
 * 5) **Be available to students**. If your school is suddenly closed for a while or if you want to set up conference hours for students, use Skype to allow students to [|contact you].
 * 6) **Tutor former students**. If a student has moved away or you want to offer [|accredited online degrees] or just moved up from your class, you can be available for tutoring (for free or for a fee) via Skype.
 * 7) **Bring busy parents into the classroom**. A busy parent who has knowledge to share with the classroom may be more likely to be able to make the time for a presentation if she or he can do so with Skype rather than having to leave work and come to the school.
 * 8) **Foreign culture lessons**. Skype allows students to see first hand what people’s homes, schools, clothing, weather, and more looks like. If a festival takes place, Skype can bring it to your classroom too.
 * 9) **Present a performance**. Whether your class puts on a play, demonstrates a science experiment, or presents the results of a class project, share the fruits of their works with other classes, parents, or other interested people.
 * 10) **Share field trips with others**. If your class goes out for a field trip, see about connecting with parents or other classes to share your classes’ experience.
 * 11) **Share travel experiences**. If you will be traveling during the school year, arrange for your substitute to connect with you via Skype and you can share the experience with your class.
 * 12) [|Skype an Author Into Your Library or Classroom]**.** This site will connect schools with authors through Skype. Short sessions are free, while longer sessions are subject to a fee set by each author.
 * 13) **Guest lectures,** have a guest speaker join your class via Skype.
 * 14) **Skype between schools within your district.**
 * 15) **Interview.** Conduct an interview via Skype, either locally or globally.

=**How To’s **=
 * [|Click here] to watch a Skype screencast.
 * [|Click here]to learn how to record the audio of a Skype call.
 * [|**Mikogo**] **is a plug-in that allows you to use Skype as a virtual classroom.**
 * **[|click here] for Call Graph plug-ins for Skype. **

= = =Skype Extra’s =
 *  [|TalkAndWrite] whiteboard/screen sharing is also free and compatible with Skype. You can download it from [|here] or [|Talk 'n' Write Skype Extra].
 * Skype Help Guide - []
 * Click on [|Skype Support/Help] for further information. See [|How-To] videos.
 *  To record audio and capture video for both Windows and Mac Skype sessions, try [|SkypeCap]