Journal 9: Playing With Skype- NETS 2 and 5

Weller, Travis. J. (2010). Playing with Skype. International Society for Technology in Education, 37(6), 1-2. Retrieved March 25, 2010, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25508&DirectListComboInd=

Summary: In this article, the author Travis J. Weller relates his experience of bringing Skype into his music classroom. He brought three noted composers: Scott Watson, Brian Balmages and Andrew Boysen Jr. into the classroom to provide their insights about music composition and the music industry. All three of the interviewees agreed to appear live at the concert via Skype and make the introduction for their pieces before the student ensembles performed them. After the performance, a lively discussion ensued where students asked the experts questions and received relevant and informed answers.

Question 1: Why would teachers want to use Skype in the classroom? Well first of all, using this technology in the classroom makes for a richer educational experience. It keeps the students interested and engaged in the material because it is a different activity then traditional lecture format. Second, specifically using Skype technology in the classroom decenters the teacher as the only authority on a given subject. How so? Well, Skype opens up the classroom to have more experts speak on different subjects and share their viewpoints, research and advice. By having different experts share their insights on various topics, students are taught to be good listeners with an open-minded view of the world. Lastly, Skype should be used in the classroom because it is so easy to do so. Weller brings out that "what 10 years ago would have taken a satellite and a television truck can now be accomplished using two laptops and a couple of webcams". Since this technology is available, teachers should make use of it!

Question 2: Could I see myself as a future educator using Skype in the classroom? Definitely! Since I want to become a high school English teacher, I could see myself bringing in contemporary writers and poets into the classroom to be interviewed and discuss literature with the students. This would allow students to communicate with individuals who really value literature, have expertise in writing and have made writing their career and life pursuit. Also, I could use Skype to connect students with other student writers at local or out-of-state schools. This would allow students to gain constructive feedback and guidance on their writing from an outside student with a different perspective.