Skype

=Using Skype in the Classroom= Skype is free software that supports chat, voice calls, and video conferencing right over your computer! These capabilities open a whole new dimension to classroom communications and collaboration with the world. In this session, we’ll learn what Skype is and how it works as well as examining how to use communication software like this to support student collaboration and learning. **Skype is free sofware** Skype - download Skype for free! ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How can Skype be used to enhance our classroom learning? EXPECTED OUTCOMES: ** SKYPE TUTORIALS ** Assignment: Do them in the order by the numbers!! > * I will be checking your profile to see if anything needs to be removed. You will get one free removal after that you will not be able to use Skype at school and parents will be notifiied. > During our call I will say "Good job, you will receive a 100 for making your first successful Skpe session call." I now want you to start adding and calling other class members and use what I taught you. You will have to set them up as a contact first. Skype Conversation Assignment in a Google Doc file:
 * 1) Learners utilize Skype as a tool to enhance classroom communication and student learning.
 * 2) Learners effectively plan for successful Skype experiences.
 * Skype Help Guides - Skype's official help section
 * Quick Start Tips for Using Skype
 * 1) Go through first: **NETIQUETTE:** The Core Rules of Netiquette - applies to all online communication. A Note about Netiquette on Skype:Consider a few courtesies when communicating over Skype.
 * 2) Go through the Training using the site [|Skype Site] . We will watch the Video from Lesson 1 together because of You tube video. Make sure you have gone through all 8 Lessons before you set up your profile.
 * 3) Profiles:Set up your Profile: Create your Account and Download Skype use the profile listed on our file we shared out with you via Google Drive.  **Do not put your real name under full name.**
 * Never go in Skype Me mode.
 * Do not complete your profile.
 * Load Avatar Picture, never use your actual picture
 * Do not Skype Out (or call a landline phone) they get 5 free minutes and you DO NOTcall home from the computer
 * DO NOT Create your account via facebook account
 * **Change your profile to Contacts only **
 * 1) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Set me up as a contact and make sure we have had a video conference so I can set you up as a contact. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Otms students use: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">teststudentotm@bluevalleyk12.net <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (Mrs. Rehagen) and ABMS students use: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">teststudentabm@bluevalleyk12.net <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (Mrs. Holmes)
 * 2) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**Teacher Call:** You will call me. Be patient!! I will show you how to turn on Video calling and how to launch a side chat.
 * 1) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Get with a partner from our class that has the same topic as you and set them up as a contact. Look at the spreadsheet for Groups
 * 2) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">During your call practice sending a file, SMS messaging, and other options for skype. Make sure you know how to do both call without video and call with Video.
 * 3) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Open a **Word Document/or Google Document**. Use the Skype Conversation below when making your call and discuss the following while taking notes in your File.
 * Log into your Email account and go to Google Drive/Doc and Open a Google Doc and Call it Skype Conversation.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Practice Introducing yourself as if you do not know the person.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Talk about your favorite subject in school, sports team, what do you do in your spare time, favorite computer program, phone, favorite apps, games on computer
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Discuss What makes a good skype session?
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">How should the participants act during the call?
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Develop 5 tips for a good call and 3 things not to do during your call.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Talk about camera position, body language, volume of voice, facial expression and gestures
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Record all of this information in the Chat Feature and make sure you take screen shot of this using Word or you can copy and paste.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After you have a conversations __**Develop a Skype Code of Conduct**__ addressing all of the items listed above.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Things to Think about
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When speaking into web cameras students need to use eye contact with the camera, avoid reliance on body language, and minimize animated voices. However, they must avoid monotones voices.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Speaking clearly and concisely in the microphone is critical to avoid confusion, especially for classrooms located in other countries. Short sentences work best.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Confidence is essential when students use Skype. Shyness limits communication and exchange of ideas.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Objects being displayed must be placed carefully to ensure that they are in clear view of the web cam. Viewing angles need to be checked for maximum effectiveness prior to session.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Movement of objects or people must be deliberate and precise to avoid blurring.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Use the online chat feature for feedback, questions, and variety in delivery methods. When working with others who do not speak English as their first language or if the sound quality is weak, the chat feature is a good method to ensure everyone understands what is said. This feature can also be used to ensure that both classrooms are prepared.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You should be able to multitask by speaking, reading chat messages, and positioning camera or microphone for optimum performance.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Use a tripod or fixed point to keep the camera as still. It is better to bring students and objects to a position in front of the camera to avoid blurring. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">[]

After I have called and spoken with each student, we divide into groups and practice Group or Conference calls. You will need to answer and mute the microphone. When you conference, you can oly have 10 people (you can call 9) at one time, so that is why we will split the class into groups. We will watch on my smartboard as I point out how each peron's name glow at you speak. We will talk about side chat and will send you a file to see how it works. I will also send you a hyperlink and ask questions in the side chat. We will demo how to leave a chat or a call. You can get echoes on part of this activity if you don't use mute and if your microphone is not close enough to your mouth. We will discuss skype safety and other issues about skype. We will also be looking at each other's profile and note if there is anything revealing or misleading in them. You will be able to practice setting up a conference with each other. I will hang up and call you at some point during our practice session. ** Using the microphone ** ** Being in the audience ** Of course, we also talked about other things like school, animals, subjects at school sports, movies, books, music. Original image: ‘ [|Cantante] ‘ by: Julián Rodriguez Orihuela
 * Class Conference Call: Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Rehagen will do this!! **
 * **Setting up equipment**
 * If using a webcam connected to your computer via USB.
 * You will use headphones and connect to the plug. We have splitters to split the sound with headphones.
 * Have the webcam on eye-level with the speaker so they don’t have to look up or down at the webcam, which will distort the view of the class watching.
 * Set up the desks of those students not at the microphone, so they can still be seen by the class you are speaking to.
 * Speak clearly and try to slow down your normal speech – it takes a while to work out some accents.
 * Speak fluently with no small talk or swearing. When it is your turn to talk, make sure you know what you are going to talk about. Try to explain rather than give a one or two word answer.
 * Show confidence when speaking – this might mean a few rehearsals for some students.
 * If using a desk microphone, hold it straight and speak straight into it, not swinging it side to side.
 * Be quiet when someone is speaking on the microphone from either end of the conversation.
 * One person at a time speaking in the room at the microphone.
 * Listen attentively when you are not the speaker, as you might know the answer to the question being asked by the other class.
 * Don’t sit friends near each other as they will tend to distract each other when not the speaker.
 * Sit where you can see and hear the conversation but where it is also easy to get up and go to the microphone.

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