Thing #3 - Communication Tools

Skype is a powerful communications tool in that it incorporates video along with the audio and personalizes the experience.  It is easy to see that you could bring personalities into the classroom and make subjects real to the students - providing a real-world connection to the subject at hand.

In Geometry, one could bring in an architect to discuss angles, objects, the golden ratio, etc..  In Algebra 2, you could access a research biologist to discuss data collection and analysis or a NASA engineer to study launch paths, gravity effects/equations and other parabolic motion paths. I have a projector and sound system in the classroom and am working to get Skype working there.

I am wondering how dangerous it would be to open a Skype chat some evenings for homework help or test review -- it would be OK for the 20 who get in, but what about those that don't?  Also, just getting set up the first few times would take a while.  Probably good for smaller classes and difficult for the larger groups.

I like the backchannel chat because it allows you to discuss, think and contribute without interrupting the presenter and slowing down the presentation. It also gives the presenter a chance to get feedback immediately or after the fact - their choice.

Below is a screen shot of a converstion that I had with my senior-in-college son (Tim) - he finished his last final before break today. Jing would not let me take a screen shot of conversation in full screen mode - it backed out of the full screen as soon as I clicked on the capture button.