So I already think Skype is pretty amazing in terms of facilitating the ever more infrequent Ed Tech Coast to Coast podcasts (though there may be a new one shortly!) But I happened to be watching an online presentation by my friend Alan November yesterday and he suggested a use that just made me slap my forehead in a “Doh!” moment: Skype to allow parents to listen to their child’s presentations at school!
And while we’re at it:
If there is anyone out there interested in piloting some Skype in the curriculum, let me know.
I recently gave a workshop built on Alan‘s Rip, Mix, Learn metaphor. The entire presentation is on a blog. See my “after the show” reflection here. I had two blogger guests (Bud and Sheryl) participating in an interactive chatbox during my presentation. Their presence concretely demonstrated how blogging “brings the world into the classroom on a daily basis.” The night before the presentation Sheryl suggested that I Skype the entire presentation as well — what an exciting idea!! Next time I definitely will. This line of thought and your post has me really excited about the potential of Skype in the classroom. All this is my long winded way of saying: If you know any math classes that are interested in exploring this further, count me in!
I would definitely be interested in piloting something like this with you. I have used Skype quite a bit lately to keep in touch with a few colleagues separated by Katrina. It has been a godsend. As you stated in your posting, I see one large benefit for students is the ability to “sit in” on class discussions if home sick or out of town. It is an exciting program with much potential.
I believe we need to use resources like this much more in our schools. If you look at the business world that we are preparing our students for, conference calling and collaboration is standard business practice.
My Skype name is bmull_gli