Journal 5 Playing With Skpye (NETS II and V)

Weller, Travis. (2010). Playing with skype. Leanring and Leading with Technology, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25508&DirectListComboInd=

This was a very interesting article of a school band teacher that used Skype to allow the composers of the music listen to the school bands bring it to life.  The teacher attended many performances where the composer, as a guest or guest conductor, shared personal insights on the piece during the show. Since it is so expensive to fly the composers out to listen to a school play one song, Travis Weller wanted to find a better way. Skpye is a telecommunication device that is free to everyone online. Using Skpye at a live concert to connect with the composers was exactly what he needed. To make this happen he needed minimal hardware that was already available at the school. He has one steadfast rule about technology in his classroom: if it makes for a richer educational experience, then it’s worth it! Some of the composers had never used Skpye before and successfully used it for the concert. I think it was an excellent idea to take the children’s experience with music and the songs to a new level.  Getting to meet and interact with the composer of the music children are performing has to be an enriching experience.

How else can Skpye be used in the classroom?

Skpye makes it possible for educators to seek out experts in their subject areas and invite them to share in the classroom. It would be neat to use Skpye to connect with a classroom in another country and learn things from one another. It is a great way to communicate for free!

Would I use Skpye in my classroom?

Yes, if the resources were available I would love to use Skpye for educational activities in the classroom. It would be a great way to communicate with people and share experiences with students.