ver the world to speak to their students. I have used it with both students and colleagues to bring in experts on a topic. Additionally, social studies and foreign language teachers could use Skype to connect with classes in foreign countries and language arts teachers could connect with the authors of works they are reading. A science teacher could demonstrate a lab activity using Skype's video capability or invite a researcher to discuss latest developments in his/her field. Additionally, students could make presentations to other classrooms within/outside their district (or different countries) or collaborate on a project using Skype.
Skype is easy to use, but it does use a lot of computer & network resources and some schools ban it, or restrict its use. Schedules and time zones can also limit the ability to arrange for a call with an invited guest. Some businesses ban Skype, too. I wanted a lawyer to talk to my students about U.S. civil rights, but though she had Skype usage banned at her office.
That said, Skype's ease-of-use and video conferencing capability make it a hugely beneficial tool in helping our students connect with others outside our classroom walls.
FYI - I have an informational Web page on Skype with three video tutorials:
http://edtechteacher.org/skypetutorial.html…
Added by Tom Daccord at 8:21am on November 4, 2008