Skype is an easy to use desktop videoconferencing tool that can be used to bring global resources, experts, and peer interactions to your classroom. Skype is great for short learning experiences.

Content & Connections

Skype Content Providers & Experts

• Skype Content Providers (zoos, museums, and organizations that offer content to schools)
• Skype for Educators: a list of experts who are willing to VC with your students

Connecting to Authors

• Skype an Author
• Another Skype / Author list along with a list of authors who will do 20 min Skype for free.

Finding Partner Classes

• Global SchoolNet The oldest (1995) Internet projects registry; lots of Skype projects
• Skype in the Classroom: Skype’s new cool school directory
• Skype in Schools Wiki: Directories of schools, resources & more
• Skype Other Classrooms and Country School Terms & Breaks Calendar by Sue Waters
• The EduSkyper’s Phonebook
• The Mixxer: for language learners
• Skype for Educators
• Classroom 2.0: search the discussions for Skype. A lot of people post requests for partner classes here.
• Global Explorers: Skype in the Elementary Classroom
• Around the World with 80 Schools
• American History Middle School Skype Collaborations

Other Uses in the Classroom

• 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom
• Remote Student Interviews with Skype (with video clips)

Resources

Best Practice / Formats / Checklists

• Digitally Speaking: Classroom Videoconferencing Charts, checklists, and best practice considerations for digital conversations
• Videoconferencing in the Classroom with Skype: Article on a Race, Class, and Education course
• Skype and VoiceThread presentation on 2nd grade weather studies
• Project Templates Booklet: Lots of potential agendas and formats for your videoconference
• Involving all your students: Backchannel jobs (video)
• Involving all your students: pictures and illustrations
• Pictures of Around the World with 80 Schools

Technical Tips

• Introduction to Skyping in the Classroom
• A Skype Odyssey
• Education World Techtorial on Skype
• Skype Manual for Schools (embedded in the blog about using Skype for projects)
• Comparing Skype to H323 Videoconferencing Carts

Articles

• A Skype Odyssey by Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano, creator of Around the World with 80 Schools
• Skype Connects Students Around the World (This also features Silvia’s work.)
• Skype in the Classroom How To

Presentations

• Slideshow: Authentic, Intercultural, Professional Communication in Prof. Janet Caulkins’ French 313
• Video-Conferencing It’s Easy, Free and Powerful, 2008 K12 Online Conference Presentation
• Instructional Strategies That Work with Videoconferencing, 2009 K12 Online Conference Presentation
• Around the World with Skype, 2009 K12 Online Conference Presentation
• Around the World Impressions (quotes from kids and teachers – video)
• Around the World Helsinki (reflection afterwards – video)
• Around the World with 80 Clicks, intro to using Skype

Classes

• Planning Interactive Curriculum Connections
• 21st Century Communication Collaborations

Issues / Solving Challenges

• Skype Blocked? How to Build a Case for Skype
• Legal Issues for Using Skype in Schools: Skype in Schools – Adjust Your Sails and Navigating the Waters of Web 2.0
• Cautions/Cons of Using Skype