Skype is a free web-based communication tool which allows people to video conference, make calls, and instant message. Skype has more than 300 million active users all around the world.  

Skype provides a variety of educational opportunities for classrooms. Students can connect with other students, increase their knowledge, and interact with other cultures. They can use Skype to share projects, polish their language skills, exchange information about particular books with students who read the same books or present their dissertation to their committee.  Skype also provides students and teachers with the opportunity to participate in virtual tours of historical places, communicate with authors and researchers, and engage in conversations with classrooms around the world. Skype provides a simple platform for student development and growth.

Learning Activities

Math: Many tutors use Skype to teach Math as online. They teach students who struggle to understand abstract concepts in Math as an individual or in the group. 

Science: There are many opportunities to use Skype for STEM. Students can follow along with scientists as they build a new rocket  or walk on a glacier in Iceland.

English/Language Arts: Skype allows both educators and students to connect with one another on a global level. Learners can find a chance to speak the foreign language with native speakers. In addition, students can meet authors and lecturers on Skype to get more information about writing and reading their own language.

Other: Interviews, after school help, virtual field trips, bringing busy parents into the classroom.Resources (see 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom )

How to Use Skype

1. 1. Go to www.skype.com

   2. Click “Download Skype” and get Skype for Windows or Skype for Mobile.

   3. Click “Sign Up” and register for account

   4. Setup your profile page

      1. Click on the silhouette icon in the top right corner

      2. Click on “My account.”

      3. Click on the silhouette icon and select “edit profile”

      4. Add a photo and/or short bio

   5. Search people’s either username or e-mail address to add them to your contact list

      1. Go to “Contacts”

      2. Select add “Contacts” or click directly in the search text box

      3. Type the “Contact name” or “Skype username”

      4. Click on “search Skype”

      5. After find right contact, click on “Add to Contacts”

   6. Make a free call

      1. Click the “Use Skype Online” button in the center of the page

      2. Go to your account and Click the “Contacts” next “ Search Skype” to find people you want to call

      3. Click the name you found and make a voice or video call or message