Skype is a powerful tool that can help your students make global connections in meaningful ways. Here are a few ways Skype can be used in the classroom:

• Reading Buddies: Pair with another class to share favorite books or read the same book together on Skype

• Author Visits: Many authors are willing to Skype with classes.

• Present Projects with another class: Through Skype, students can have a new audience for presenting their projects

• Story Time: Invite a special guest to read to your class via Skype.

• Mystery Skype: (See Mystery Skype Quest)

• Virtual Field Trips: Take your class on a field trip without leaving your classroom by Skyping with National Park Rangers, Scientists, Zookeepers, and more! (Visit https://education.microsoft.com/ and click on virtual field trips after signing in. Many of the virtual field trip Skype opportunities are also posted on the Skype in the Classroom Facebook page.

• Consult with an expert: Interview or consult with marine biologists, archaeologists, artists and other experts on topics that support the curriculum or are of interest to your students

• Pen Pals: Pair your students up as pen pals with students from the other class. Have them write letters to each other and later "meet" on Skype.

• Collaborate: Connect your class with another class or individual to collaborate on a common project.

• Geography Lesson: Skype with classes in other geographical regions. Measure distance on a map. Compare and contrast the the two regions as well as discuss cultural similarities and differences.