It's probably been about 15 years that I've been using video conferencing with elementary students. In 2011 I was teaching second graders (my last year in 2nd before moving to 5th), and was using Skype as a teaching and learning tool. Here's the content from when I presented at a poster session at ISTE 2011. If you are using video conferencing with kids now, you might find some helpful ideas here. There are so many possibilities! I was tempted to edit but in the end decided to leave it as is.
If you have questions, just let me know.
ISTE 2011- Skyping: The New Dress-Up Corner
Tuesday, 6/28/2011, 4:00pm–6:00pm
PAAC Broad Street Atrium, Table 4
Can you please explain?
Elementary classrooms don't have to do without some of the fun things we had years ago. We just need to give them a technology makeover! With a couple of computers and some creativity, you can bring the dress-up corner back to the classroom. Using Skype as a modern dress-up corner generates some great learning and some really enthusiastic learners!
Why would you use Skype within your classroom and school?
Children get excited to interact in this format, and this changes the learning environment dramatically. Children are more engaged in the activity taking place, they are more willing to participate, they are more invested in their learning and are therefore more prepared to share information or ask questions. It’s unfortunate that children don’t always get to use their imagination. But, when they are given the “OK” to be creative and do something different, it doesn’t take long for them to catch on. Children will soon be “flying to Florida” to their interior design office or “taking off” on a vacation to Yosemite National Park. Even though they are right in the hall, you would never know it!
Allowing children to pretend they are someone different or somewhere different helps them to share content knowledge, a story, or a project they have created in a completely different way. They are part of the action. They are the teachers and the learners. I have found that using Skype has been freeing. Some children have shown a different side to their personalities as they take on the life a different character. Some children who don’t normally participate are jumping up and down to ask questions to our new friends on the computer screen.
The children have developed their digital citizenship skills. These skills are crucial in today’s world. At the beginning of the year I definitely noticed a difference between children with whom we connected when they were first graders and those who were new to this process as second graders. Those with previous experience were shocked at some of the behaviors of their peers the first time we turned on Skype. How quickly they forgot their own first experiences!
How do you get started?
You will need access to computers with Skype. Make sure the computers have built-in cameras or that you can add cameras to them. You can use costumes and props to add to the fun. It’s a good idea to share your project ideas with your administrator, but especially if you are using videoconferencing equipment. It is also a good idea to share your project ideas with parents. You might even invite them to join you! Even though you might just connect within your own classroom, be sure to follow good citizenship rules. This is a great time to practice. Be prepared for children to make mistakes. It’s a normal part of the process. Review the procedures with your class often to help make your activities successful. Young children learn quickly.
A few important reminders: Don’t give out personal information, speak slowly and clearly, there could be a delay in response, you can ALWAYS be seen and heard, take turns talking unless otherwise indicated.
A Brainstorm of Ideas to Get You Started
*Be a guest reader * Be a guest author *Be a news reporter and share current events *Present your project from anywhere in the world *Be a career guest speaker *Problem solve from your office *Practice greeting other people *Practice other social skills *Demonstrate a skill (how-to) *Be a character from a book – take questions and comments from the readers
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