Journal #4: Playing with Skype

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=

Summary:

This article showcased the use of skype as a way to interact with experts in different fields, specifically music here. I found it very useful because it is less complicated and expensive than some of the interactive VFTs described in "The Beginner's Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips." Weller was able to bring composers to his concerts without traveling expenses, just technology that is found at most schools and can be utilized with little to no training. I have used skype for a few years myself because after studying abroad I wanted to keep in contact with classmates and friends I met. I personally know how easy it is to use and it's absolutely free!! You can't beat that.

A quote that stood out to me in this piece was, "If it makes for a richer educational experience, then it is worth it" (Weller 2010). Even as someone who is fairly comfortable with technology I feel myself resisting at times. I think it is human nature to become comfortable with the status quo, but as a teacher I want to be aware of those instances when I feel myself holding back because I want to push my class forward and offer them the most innovative tools to enrich their learning experience. If i acknowledge my fear along the way, I will be able to overcome it and use simple things like skype in my own classroom. As stated in the article, teachers should not be threatened by outside expertise, but excited to incorporate it into their classrooms because it will only increase the learning.

Q1: How can I prepare myself for possible technological mishaps?

Planning is crucial to all lessons, especially those that rely heavily on technology. I will make sure to always master whatever program I am using before bringing it into my class and test it on the specific computer I am going to be using. I will review FAQs to familiarize myself with problems other users may have encountered. There is also always the possibility that things just do not work out, so having a back up lesson will also be a good idea. Being flexible and able to adapt is part of being an effective teacher and while technology is a great tool, it is not always our friend. Hopefully I will be very tech-savvy by the time I have my own classroom and rarely experience unexpected problems because I will expect them all and already know the solutions.

Q2: Could skype be used to connect classrooms to other people besides experts?

The idea of connecting to experts and professionals in different areas is extremely simple yet innovative. I began thinking about how skype could even help connect to other classrooms or perhaps parents. Parental involvement is so important to a student's success and any type of technology that might make it easier will be welcome in my class. Maybe a parent could view a lesson through skype, have a parent-teacher conference without leaving their office or home, see a performance they might not have otherwise been able to see, etc. Many students in Oceaside specifically have parents in the military. Skype would be an invaluable tool in bringing those parents abroad into the classroom. There are countless ways simple technology like skype can be utilized in a classroom to not only enrich learning but accommodate important people like parents!