Journal # 4: "Playing with Skype"

Weller, T. (2010). Playing with Skype, Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6). Retrieved from www.iste.org/AM/template.cfm


I personally have used Skype many times to keep in contact with family members that live in other states. When I saw the title of the article I was very intrigued. I think that the use of Skype for something like a music class is a very cool idea. The students are able to view concerts live from a computer which would not cost the school anything extra. The schools would be able to make use of the computers and sound equipment they already have for assemblies to use for the music classes. The classes would get to observe composers and their students, but it also allowed for the students to ask questions and engage in conversation.
The other benefit of using a program like Skype is that it is very self explanatory. The composers in the article that used it did it without any problems.

Are their other subject areas that a program like this would work for?

Using this in a music class is a great subject to make use of it. However, I think Art and P.E. might also be subject areas that could benefit from using this program. If a Art teacher could get a professional artist to do a class over Skype, that would be an experience that those students would never forget.

Would the use of this be affected by what type of Internet connection was used?

The article does say that the school would need a broadband connections, but from experience the feed can be horrible if the connections is not strong enough and a fast enough speed.