6.1 Skype

Skype Links to an external site. is an audio-conferencing or video-conferencing application that operates via the Internet. It has now been around for over 10 years and has become very popular for friends and families to stay connected.

If you're not familiar with Skype, check out this quick video that explains the basics.

Skype Explained Visually

Skype has been increasingly used in educational contexts. Innovative teachers have been "Skyping" authors, musicians, directors, politicians and scientists into their class discussions. Other teachers have connected with other classrooms around the world either on a one-time or on-going basis. For these examples and more of how Skype can be used in teaching, please read Ten ways to use Skype in a course Links to an external site.. 

There are a wide variety of interesting stories of how Skype has been used to enhance teaching and learning. Here are some examples: 

• Making History With Technology in the Classroom Links to an external site.
• Great Big Sea gives boost gives boost to distance learning Links to an external site. (includes short video)
• Chris Hatfield Visits Kingston School via Skype Links to an external site.

Skype has also created an online community known as Skype in the Classroom Links to an external site.. This community is intended to connect classrooms around the world to one another. You can begin this journey by creating a Skype in the Classroom account and setting up your profile. To see a variety of videos of highlights of this service so far, visit: Skype in the Classroom Videos Links to an external site.. 

 Author Jojo Moyes shares her writing tips via Skype in the classroom

For the Google Hangout this week, we will be talking with Alan Stange. Alan is an elementary school teacher in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He has experience using Skype in the Classroom with his students. He also has a vast online PLN (Personal Learning Network). A discussion forum has been set up where you can post your questions for Alan, but you can also tweet questions using the course hashtag #ilt_usask.

 To get started with using Skype, you can follow these guides depending on your operating system:  

• Mac OS
  • Getting Started Links to an external site. (Mac)
  • Adding Contacts Links to an external site. (Mac)
  • Calling Someone Who’s on Skype Links to an external site. (Mac)
  • Making a Video Call  Links to an external site.(Mac)
• Windows
• Getting Started Links to an external site. (Windows)
• Adding Contacts Links to an external site. (Windows)
• Calling Someone Who’s on Skype  Links to an external site.(Windows)
• Making a Group Call Links to an external site. (Windows)

Skype logo is a trademark of Microsoft. Use of this logo is not authorized by, sponsored by, or associated with Microsoft.