9th tool Uses of Skype

Quoted from web page exposing ideas on the power of using Skype

Skype is like a field trip around the world. Communication with people, students, and relatives of any nation. With Skype, students can learn from other students, connect with other cultures, and expand their knowledge in amazing ways.


Video conferences to exchange or share ideas students across the country and accross the world.

Video conferences shall help students improve their second language skill when they interact with other students whose language is their native language, English.

Video conferences should be also a direct interaction between book authors and students. Perhaps a direct connection with a politician. Interviews created by students to an important authority figure.

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you have students conducting interviews or your class is interviewed, Skype facilitates the interview process. Individual students can interview other teachers or school staff, sending the Skype feed to the classroom for all to watch.
Guest lecturers.

Using Skype in the classroom can promote communities within a school or globally.

Connect special needs students. Students who may have to be out of the classroom due to special needs or IEP requirements don’t have to miss any special events in the classroom with Skype.

Connect with students who have fell ill or might suffered an accident and are temporarily unable to attend classes.
Connect with families from around the world. Form friendships that can easily bridge distance gaps with Skype.
Teachers and parents can benefit from Skype in the classroom, too. Share students’ work with parents. Let parents get a first-hand look at what their children are doing with Skype. 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. 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.

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.


Professional development. Teachers can use Skype to access professional development opportunities, such as watching conference presentations.
Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents. See how this teacher helped share information with parents using Skype and the PBS program, Growing Up Online.

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.
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.
Receive teaching feedback. Have an experienced or mentor teacher watch you teach via Skype and receive valuable feedback..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 yo