Home › Blogs › evab2001's blog › Skyping for Collaboration
      TeachingEnglish
      Skyping for Collaboration
      Submitted by evab2001 on 18 February, 2011 - 21:50

      Have you ever used Skype in your classroom? If you have internet at school and a Skype account, you will need nothing else. You can bring the world into your classroom. Skype is a great way to connect your students with other students all around the world. It is free and easy to use. Moreover, your students will have a chance to speak real English with real people.

      What can you do?

      • Find a teacher to collaborate with. Choose a subject, ask your students to research and share ideas with the other classroom.
      • Find a friend who can speak English and give your students a chance to interview him/her. About her/his lifestyle, job, hobbies, etc.
      • Ask your PLN to help and create a culture corner in your classroom. Your students can interview your PLN and find out about their countries, culture, mother tongue, etc.

      Where can you find teachers to collaborate?

      Just check the time difference and test a Skype conference before the class.

      No votes yet

      Tag

      Comments

      bluering's picture
      bluering
      I like skyping
      Submitted on 19 February, 2011 - 12:58

      Hi,

      I used skype a few times in my classes and saw that students enjoyed it. Although their language proficiency is not very high, they like communicating with their peers from another country. Since it is a real communication activity, they do not have to act out. They can use their body language, tone of voice and stress patterns naturally. Therefore, I would advise everyone to try it in teaching.

      CoffeeAddict's picture
      CoffeeAddict
      I use skype a lot at home
      Submitted on 19 February, 2011 - 13:35

      I've never tried but why not? I use skype a lot at home so I know it's super easy to use. The "problem" would be to find someone to connect with and a shared subject. Perhaps I can find some other school that is putting on the same play as ı am and "compare notes"?

      :-)CoffeeAddict

      Seastar's picture
      Seastar
      Thank you eva2001
      Submitted on 19 February, 2011 - 15:56

      Thank you eva2001,
       
      I want to use this technology with my students. Thank you for mentioning it! Also thank you for the nice links.
       
      Best,
      Starfish