A couple of years ago I tried (and tried) to get some of the local teachers I worked with to consider the idea of connecting to some classrooms (via Skype) which were in some foreign countries (I had a number of foreign teachers ready to go…). You would have thought I had sprouted horns and a tail….wait…got to check…nope, I’m fine.
Last week I ran across this new initiative from Skype, where they will host a clearing house of teachers who are interested in connecting with other classrooms…My dreams may have come true!
Skype is connecting teachers and classrooms across the globe
http://blogs.skype.com/en/2011/03/skype_is_connecting_teachers_a.html
If you’re a teacher, it’s a place where you can connect with other educators according to your interests, the age group you teach or location, and find partner classes or guest speakers to join projects you’re working on. There are already over 3900 teachers around the world signed up and using the tool, so you’ll be in good company. As an added bonus you can share and find a wealth of knowledge and inspiration in the resources area.
The community has been developed in response to, and in close collaboration with, a passionate group of teachers who are already using Skype in their classrooms to help their students learn.
Skype in The Classroom: An International Social Network for Teachers
http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/30/skype-in-the-classroom
Skype Launches a Dedicated Network for Teachers
http://mashable.com/2011/03/30/skype-in-the-classroom
Welcome to Skype in the classroom
http://education.skype.com
Collaborate on projects
Projects are a way for teachers to find partner classes, partner teachers or guest speakers for a specific learning activity. You can create your own project or find one where your help is needed.
Connect with other teachers
Use the directory to find like-minded teachers all over the world. You can search by keyword or explore the directory by ages taught, a teacher’s location, or subjects of interest.
Discover new teaching inspiration
The resource section of Skype in the classroom is stacked with videos, links and tips. Add resources of your own or favorite the ones you like best to create a huge, shareable library of teaching ideas.
The Complete Educator’s Guide to Using Skype effectively in the classroom
http://theedublogger.com/2011/04/03/the-complete-educators-guide-to-using-skype-effectively-in-the-classroom
