http://iTunes.app/Skype/id204878510?mt=8
App: Skype
Cost: Free
Pros: Some of the pros are that Skype is a way a class can collaborate on educational projects with teachers and other classes all over the world. Though not accessible on the Ipad app, Skype also has a database on their website where teachers can find guest speakers, connections with other teachers in the education community, and project ideas and lesson plans.
Cons: Some of the cons for Skype are that you need to have high-speed internet connection and listening/ speaking devices will be required when using this application in the classroom. The last negative I would like to bring up about Skype is the lag time and background noise that occurs during video conference call. But overall those are the only negatives I have found with this application.
I could see myself using Skype in my classroom as a tool to connect with people who use math in their everyday life (bankers, accountants, scientists, nurses, doctors, ect.). I believe this will help students to not only see the importance of understanding math but that many of their jobs entail math. Using this application, will help students to get excited about what they are learning in the classroom and will help connect what they are learning in the classroom to the real world.
I also have added skype to my iPad. It was much easier to use with my parents because they were already signed in to their home computer's skype program. I have used facetime and i feel it may be quicker and stream a higher quality visual and audio, but my friends in the PC world are unable to use facetime. For conveniences sake i love skype because it is universally used by almost everyone. Like you stated previously i am super stoked about using this to bring authors and speakers into my classroom.
ReplyDeleteI like how you applied Skype to the classroom. I use Skype to connect with family and friends, but I had not really considered how I might use it within the classroom. I have been in classes where professors have brought in an expert via Skype, and these types of experiences could definitely be beneficial to elementary classrooms as well. I have used FaceTime as well, but as Nathan commented, Skype is universally used and I too am excited about opportunities I may have to bring authors, scientists, or other influential people into my classroom via Skype.
ReplyDeleteI have skype on my iPad and my computer and I find it to be a great way to connect with others that you cannot physically be with. I have not really thought of ever using skype in my classroom myself but having guest speakers is a neat way to change up the day. Like you said the problem with skype is the internet problem and needing to have access to speakers. If all of those items were provided, then skype can be used in the classroom with no problems.
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