Embedded Files
Mystery Skype
Mystery Skype
Mystery Skype is a 45-60 minute critical thinking challenge in which your class takes part while using Skype with another class somewhere else in the world. Your students' goal is to guess the other school's location (country, state, city, school name) before they guess yours. This is done by asking yes/no questions.
One way to find a mystery Skype partner is to connect to teachers with whom you collaborate outside of your district. Another is to use Twitter. Send out a tweet that looks something like this and you are sure to get some takers (the hashtags included will increase the number of people who will see your tweet).
Skype in the Classroom has worked hard to make this process easier on teachers. They've now created a Mystery Skype page where you can find other teachers around the world who are interested in Mystery Skyping by registering on this page: https://education.skype.com/mysteryskype
Skype Collaborations
Skype Collaborations
Skype Collaborations gives students the opportunity to practice inquiry based learning with learners from around the world. Teachers communicate with other professionals and design projects students can complete together. This platform gives students the ability to conceptualize the world and broaden their experiences of people and cultures from around the world. Students also build their self awareness of being positive world learners and citizens. Below, students from New Zealand and California come together and share about their communities. Students naturally use their background knowledge of time, geography and math to interact with peers from other countries.
Virtual Field Trips
Virtual Field Trips
"Virtual Field Trips takes learning to another level as they connect what students learn in the classroom with the real world.
They also deepen students' understanding and learning as they can be connected to each classroom's curriculum.
Moreover, they can be customized by the host so as to meet your students' needs and your teaching goals.
Find below a few tips on how to prepare for and integrate a Virtual Field Trip to your curriculum!" (Microsoft)
How to get started:
- Set up an appointment with the organization to which you want to take a field trip. Microsoft Education has a virtual field trip community where you can explore, get ideas and find destinations that match your lesson's focus.
- When you make the appointment, remember to note the user's Skype ID so you are ready to call while in class.
- Prepare your students for an interactive learning experience. Students should approach this field trip like field trips they have gone on before. Remind students to ask questions and interact with the presenter.
- Visit, How to organize your Lesson (Before, During, After the Virtual Field Trip), for more information and lesson ideas for extensions and reflections.
Watch students in the UK meet and interact with African Penguins in Cape Town.
Watch students in the UK meet and interact with African Penguins in Cape Town.
Skype Lessons
Skype Lessons
Skype Lessons are a specific lesson about a particular subject given by an expert on the subject matter. It is normally given in a presentation format with the speaker talking into the camera and also possibly using screen share and taking Q&As. There are a variety of lesson categories available to help you search for content. The lessons are designated for different ages and languages. Check the Microsoft Educator Community for a current list of available lessons.
Guest Speakers
Guest Speakers
Skype in the Classroom offers the opportunity to connect with a variety of Guest Speakers. These are people who have profiles on the site that allow teachers to request time with them. Guest Speakers can either accept requests via their profiles or they can set up Skype Lessons or Virtual Field Trip activities on the site to provide more information for teachers to know what to expect from a session and include pre-call resources and activities.
When searching for a Guest Speaker, you can filter by age group, subject, Skype availability, country/region, and language. You can even check a box that allows you to spontaneously find a speaker who is "available now!"
For more detailed information, you could also check out the great resources that Microsoft has assembled here:
https://education.microsoft.com/skype-in-the-classroom/overview
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