For more information or for training on Skype, please contact Brad Niessen at 973-4743 or at bniessen@usd259.net.

With the flattening of the world brought on by high speed Internet, classrooms now have the opportunity to interact, collaborate and exchange ideas with other classrooms around the world. Video conferencing allows teachers to break down the barriers of time and distance, allowing their students to experience 21st century learning. Tools like Skype allow synchronous, real-time discussions without cost.

In this session, learn how this free software lets educators make calls with or without video from their computers. We will demonstrate how this service works so you can connect within the district or around the world.

Not only does Skype allow classrooms to connect with other classrooms and students, it allows teachers to bring experts into their classrooms to help expand knowledge and understanding, while at the same time engage students in the learning process.

Another video conferencing solution is Tokbox. Unlike Skype, Tokbox also allows the recording of these conversation and also multiple users to participate. Tokboxs also adds a layer of security by allowing only invited fried or participants to join in the conference. Tokboxs will help us fulfill the need for an inexpensive multi user video conferencing solution.

The only software required is the latest version of Skype and what ever drivers are required for your web cam. The latest version can be downloaded by going to the following web site: [Click Here]

 

The following hardware items are required for participating in a one-on-one Skype call. The brands listed below are only suggestions, but have been proven to work with Skype software.

• Logitech QuickCam®
• Hue HD Webcam
• AverMedia CP300

The following hardware items are required for participating in a large group. The brands listed below are only suggestions, but have been proven to work with Skype software.

OPTION 1:

Using AverMedia CP300 Document Camera with Skype. Using the CP300 Document Camera allows users to not only share video of participants, but also documents and other objects.

• Install Skype [Click Here]
• Install AverVision software [Click Here]
• Connect CP300 to your computer with the USB cable
• Start Skype software ad go to Tools – Options – Video Settings – Select Webcam – USB Video Camera for AverVision Digital Camera
• Handheld Microphone (For large groups) Headset (One-on-One video conferences)

OPTION 2:

Using either the Logitech QuickCam or the Hue HD Webcam. Using the Hue HD Webcam allows users to not only share video of participants, but also documents and other objects.

• Install webcam software
• Install Skype [Click Here]
• Connect your webcam to your computer with the USB cable
• Start Skype software ad go to Tools – Options – Video Settings – Select Webcam – Logitech or Hue HD Webcam
• Handheld Microphone (For large groups) Headset (One-on-One video conferences)

OPTION 3:

• Digital Video CameraThe advantage of using a Mini DV video camera is it can zoom in for close-up views, pan the room, and record sessions for later use.
• Video Camera Tripod
• Belkin HI-SPEED USB 2.0 CableBELKIN F5U228This cable is required in order for a Mini DV video camera to be connected to a computer running Windows XP.

Handheld Microphone

 

Ways to Integrate Skype:

• Video Pals – Taking a traditional pen pal program and adding video
• Virtual Field Trips
• Ask an Expert
• Sharing Instructors
• Sharing guest speakers
• Share professional development
• Mystery Reader
• Where in the World-Have a guest call in from another part of the world or country. Then have student ask for geographic clues.
• Administrative meetings
• Student tutoring – Connect with older students from local schools or universities
• Connect students with universities
• Instructing the Homebound
• iProjects – Sharing long term classroom projects with classrooms around the world.
• Share Professional Development – Connect for PD days
• Teacher Collaboration and Teaming – Share instruction or team teach across the district or across the country
• World Language Classroom – Connect your world language classroom with native speaking classrooms

Resources:

Skype How-To-Guide - PDF - [Click to Download]

Locating Other Classrooms or Experts:

• EduSkypers PhoneBook
• Skype in Schools
• Skype an Author Network
• Global SchoolNet
• The Mixxer - Language Exchange Community for Everyone

Video Conferencing Etiquette:

Participants
•  Arrive early – Make sure that you arrive on time for class so your entrance is
not a distraction.
•  Sit where you can be seen - The farther from the camera you are, the less
identifiable you will be to the other participants.
•  Speak in a normal tone and volume – Speak clearly and enunciate without
yelling.
•  Speak toward the camera. - Turning away from the camera has a tendency to
distance you from the other conference sites.
•  Listen carefully and pause for a response – There my be a small delay in
audio between sites, so pause and allow time for others to respond. This way
you will avoid talking over one another.
• B e courteous of others – Avoid side conversations, not only can they be
distracting but they can be heard be other participating sites.
•  Everything can be heard – Please avoid chewing gum, tapping of pencils and
other small noises, they can be heard by all sites.
•  Be polite, respectful and courteous – Be courteous and use a polite voice

Video Conferencing Teacher Tips:

•  Plan your video conference from start to end. Have a backup plan in case there are technical issues
•  Have Pre and Post activities that reinforce the conference learning experience (Example: Blog or Wiki)
•  Do a test call prior to your event
•  Use the chat feature if experience any audio technical issues
•  When not speaking, mute the microphone

•  Go over the "Video Conferencing Etiquette" tips prior to the event
•  Have the speaker walk to the camera and mircophone instead of the camera and microphone going ot 
   the student