Connect students to the World - Skype and More!

Technology in education is the most powerful when it is allowing students to do things they would not be able to do without it.  Using Skype (or other tools like it, such as Google Hangouts) is a perfect example of this. Here are a few of the ways video chatting adds to the educational experience of the students.

Mystery Skype 

A mystery skype is a challenge in which students are paired up with another classroom in another part of the world.  Neither of the students know exactly where there other class is.  This is a particularly good activity for 6th graders who are studying 5 themes of geography because it relates directly to the district power standards.  We have done this activity a few times in our 6th grade classrooms here, and students have always had a good time (sometimes solving the mystery and sometimes not).  It is easy to find classrooms looking to do this, by either following the #mysteryskype hashtag on twitter or to check this spreadsheet with is constantly updated.  There are many teachers who also put forms up on twitter to sign up for Mystery Skyping. 

Skype a Scientist 

Recently featured on NPR's Science Friday- Skype a Scientist was created to allow students to talk to real scientist about topics that they are studying in school.  According to their website, they have over 1700 scientists who are ready to Skype with classrooms on a variety of subjects.  Teachers sign up using a google form and then the scientist will contact the teacher to find a time for a 30 minute discussion with the scientist. There are more than twenty different categories of scientists and they will do their best to match you up. 

Collaborate with a classroom 

There are many ways to do this, but one of the most exciting (and newest) ways that I've heard of is a site called Empatico (which translates to Empathetic!)- The website defines states that "Activities are standards-based and designed to promote meaningful interactions and positive perceptions. As students learn together, they explore their similarities and differences with curiosity and kindness and develop practical communication and leadership skills", which makes this a win win!  The students are able to hit curriculum standards while at the same time working on their social and emotional learning.  


The site has ready made activities that range from short "spark" activities that would require 2-3 hours of participation to longer "fire" activities that last for 2-3 weeks. Teachers are matched with partner classrooms and together move through the process of activating, interacting, and reflecting.  

This is a relatively new site, and/but I think it has a lot of potential for teachers and students.  Many of the activities relate directly to our learning outcomes (weather, geography, civics, etc) and I think it's an exciting new way for our students to learn with others from around the world!

Just the type of the Iceberg

Video Conferencing has many potential uses in every class and subject area.  Skype in Education gives more resources, and I will be sharing more as the year goes on!