Skype In The Classroom

(Introducing Skype in the classroom from Skype in the classroom on Vimeo).

I was conducting some research regarding the use of Skype in the classroom and it got me to thinking about how Skype could also be incorporated into the library. Of course, the benefits of Skype are endless and a list of 50 reasons as to why it would be a fantastic tool within the classroom can be found here, but I also believe it would be a phenomenal tool in the library as well. Based on a similar premise to a reading circle, Skype could be incorporated into the library by providing students with the opportunity to have a meaningful discussion with other students or teachers in different locations about a book they are reading, or even provide students with the opportunity to speak directly with an author! Using Skype within the classroom isn't a new idea and there is a fantastic Skype community for teachers which can be found here. There is even a Skype An Author network. For fellow inspiring educators who may have further interest in viewing or reading about Skype, an interesting article about the benefits of incorporating Skype into a lower grade classroom by one teacher can be found here, and an equally interesting and more comprehensive article about how it can be incorporated into a library can be found here. There is also the Vimeo movie embedded above (allow to buffer first). Skype has the potential to assist students world wide by removing traditional economic, geographical and cultural barriers to communication allowing for a truly enriching learning experience. Would you consider using Skype in your classroom?