According to the "From Now On Technology Journal" One of the major components of Scaffolding is that it "points students to worthy sources". (http://fno.org/dec99/scaffold.html)
What better way to enhance student research and discussions than to bring in an expert on the topic at hand. A live discussion with a book's author or an expert on gene therapy can enhance a lesson exponentially.
Experts need not be only ivory tower residents but can be feet-on-the-ground peers of our students. For example students studying Alaska, or literature set in Alaska, can gain much understanding from communicating in real-time with peers who live there (see user mikefrancis' post here: http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/Experiences).
Skype is merely the free tool (from their site: "Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls are always free. As are group IMs and conference calls on Skype") that allows these communications. It utilizes an internet connection and a webcam (optional).
There are only four steps to using integrating Skype in your class:
download the software and create a Skype account! |  Skype with people all over the WORLD computer to computer for FREE! |
|  learn to use Skype with other applications for truly interactive learning... |
Links to in-depth video tutorials and links for taking this integration further can be found at:
http://edtechteacher.org/skypetutorial.html
For a real-life tutorial contact your Technology Facilitator or the author.
No comments:
Post a Comment