Thursday, May 6, 2010

Journal #9 Playing with Skype NETS I, III. IV, V

Weller, T.J. (2010). Playing with skype. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25508&DirectListComboInd=

In this article an 8th general music teacher was able to have get connections and agree with some music composers to connect to Skype and allow the kids to watch a live concert.  Skype also allowed Kids to ask questions and find out great information about copyright laws and how the music business works.  This has great potential to inspire students and make what they learn in school to become real and rewarding.  Travis believes that if technology is used for a richer and educational experience, then the time and small effort if worth to make it happen in any classroom.

How did he make it happen?
A grant called Classrooms for the future helped to cover the costs for the equipment.  He bought webcam,  some microphones, a projector, a computer with broadband Internet connection, some adapters to pump the audio feed through the sound system.  They made along with the composers, a Skype account which is easy and free at  Skype.com.

Why should educators use Skype? 
Teachers no longer have to be the only educators, but it is smart to get experts talk to kids as well.  Kids will have a greater heart to do well in school if they are told by experts in the field about what is important and how what they learn is school connects to their future.  Kids will also be encouraged to use technology in other parts of their life and see how important and cool it can be used at the same time.