Skype

=Skype= Skype is a free application which provides audio calls free between Skype users. When the call is from one computer or mobile device) to another, the connection can be video as well. A skype call can be made with up to about 10 users at a time. Skype has to be installed on the computer or mobile device and you have to set up a Skype account.

Learn how Silvia Tolisano used Skype from the K12 Online Conference 2009

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Skype can be used to communicate with people who would not normally be in your classroom. As a teacher you can
 * plan with other educators
 * contact experts to "visit" your class
 * include a student who may be unable to come to school due to illness

As a class
 * communicate with other classes to work on a project, share information,
 * have a lesson taught by a teacher somewhere else
 * share a visitor to your class with another class
 * learn from an expert outside your community
 * have a "visit" from an author

Making Connections
Skype in the Classroom From their site: "Skype in the classroom is a free community to help teachers everywhere use Skype to help their students learn. It’s a place for teachers to connect with each other, find partner classes and share inspiration. This is a global initiative that was created in response to the growing number of teachers using Skype in their classrooms."
 * connect with other teachers
 * find a project that fits with your classroom objectives or advertise one of your own
 * find resources that other teachers are sharing

Join the Global Education Collaborative ning In addition to being the site of the Global Education Conference, you can join a group of like-minded teachers One group is Skype and iChat - you may have to join the ning in order to see the postings. Around the World with 80 Classrooms

Get your students involved in TigEd through LEARN