Weller, T. (2010). Playing with skype. L & L, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25508&DirectListComboInd=
This article discussed the many benefits of using Skype to enrich students’ educational experiences. Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice, instant messaging, file transfers, and or video calls over the Internet, for free. This technology was used to allow a group of music students’ to speak with real musicians and to learn tips and skills from them. This type of learning has proven very valuable and cost effective because it takes the burden off the teacher to know everything. In many cases they can reach outside the classes for experts of fields.
What benefits could teachers get from using a technology such as Skype?
There are many benefits to using this technology, but most notably it gets the students access to professionals, and or informed persons depending on the subject and content. Just as T. Weller did with his music class in the article, it makes room for more experts. The other great thing is that schools would save a lot of money by not having to provide money to have the person to come to the class physically.
Would all “experts” be willing to join in class using Skype?
I think many educational experts would most defiantly take the opportunity to use their skills and talents to help the students in classes through Skype, but I think that we would find there would be a high number of them they would be more selective, or could even charge a small fee. In the later case, it would limit the access for teachers and students depending on the schools budget.
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