Skype+-+Erin+Worley

Skype is a technology application available through the Internet, which facilitates communication through the use of video and conversation. Video chats are a free service through Skype, and it is also possible to make calls from the computer to a land line or cell phone for a fee paid via credit/debit card. Some additional features include instant messaging and file transfer. Anyone can become a member of Skype by setting up a personal account with a username and password. Skype is great for personal use to keep in touch with friends and relatives that do not live nearby. It can also be employed by businesses for video conferencing between offices. In thinking about using Skype in the ESL classroom, one way it could be fun for students is to organize video conversations with language partners at other schools or possibly in other countries. ELLs could be paired with a native speaker about their age to provide a peer-to-peer learning opportunity.

My Idea: Rachel Wellman I would be interested in using this by finding a special speaker for a topic I am teaching and have them present a short lesson that the students can watch and interact with. It would be fun to do this with another classroom as well that is learning the same information.

My Idea: Kate Wellington Since my students are at a university level and are working on listening to lectures and taking ntoes of main ideas, I might have a specialist in an area do a skype video conference with the students about a certain subject. This would allow the students to interact in a digital arena (which they may need to do in business someday) as well as practice the skills we're practicing in class.

My idea; Elaine Van Regenmorter I want to make everyone aware of the awesome opportunity to work with Wycliffe Associates in so many capacities, but especially in their new focus on ELL. As a matter of fact, last February they began to teach English via SKYPE (using WebCam) to prospective Bible translators in Korea. (Unfortunately, one needs a good foundation in English to use many of the Bible translation materials which translators use during training, as well as on the field.) Materials to read can be sent ahead of the SKYPE session via email to the student or students in the class. This can include anything you'd like your students to bring to the SKYPE session, for example her favorite foods to talk about with you in English, a parent she can practice introducing to you, a map for a directions assignment... the list is endless. (If you'd like to teach ELL and/or to find out more about this awesome mission go to: [|www.wycliffeassociates.org].

Comment: With a laptop computer, this could actually turn into a newscast or visually sharing just about anything. We used it to share what my daughter's apartment looks like in Germany (which is beautiful). Students or teachers could share experiences with each other as it is happening with just a skypecall. Lynda Howe