Skype in the Classroom

  Skype technology is an amazing tool to connect one's classroom to the outside world, while letting

 students interact in ways never before thought possible. It opens up one's classroom to a world way

beyond one's physical school campus. Skype technology has many uses, but I'd like to focus on three

main functions that can really transform a classroom:


1-  To collaborate with other classes, no matter where they are. Students can get bored of the

same classmates and friends that they see day in and day out. They also sometimes think they are the

only ones learning that particular subject. With skype however, the students in your class can connect

with peers their age in another yeshivah in any part of the globe, that are learning the same material.

They will see the similarities and differences between both classes' approach to the topic at hand,

which will give them a whole new perspective that didn't previously exist. It will also be exciting

introducing oneself to the other "exotic" class, while simultaneously inquiring into the academic

requirements as well as social life in the other institution.

2- Allows one to invite guest speakers into the classroom, which wouldn't have been possible

otherwise, due to financial and long distant considerations. With skype however, you're only one

click away from any expert you'd like to speak to your class, no matter where they're located.

3- Allows a teacher to take his class on a virtual field trip anywhere in the world. This really

is vital to a classroom where visualization is key to comprehension. There would be no practical

way to transport everyone to the far off location, especially with the financial factor.

With skype however, you're just a video away from any field trip.

 The best part about skype, is that it's totally free, so money is no longer an obstacle! What was a

pipe dream only a few years ago, has now become a reality!

 With the right use of skype in the classroom, student learning will be able to soar to heights never

seen before!