Skype Guidelines

Classroom Connections via Video Conferencing with Young Learners

Globe Technology has given students and teachers amazing opportunities to make global connections to learn and share with each other. Video conferencing allows students to meet each other in real time – a powerful experience for all. However, managing a live video conference call with our younger students can be challenging and chaotic without careful preparation and structure. These guidelines were put together with teachers and students in Early Childhood and Primary classrooms in mind for planning and conducting meaningful & productive video conference calls but are applicable to all levels.

Guidelines

Before:

notepad Plan with corresponding teacher

Create an agenda
- consider timeframe based on age of kids (i.e. 15 minutes for 3-5 year olds)
- what topics to talk about
- potential things to share (song, story, artwork, culture, etc)
Choose a day and time
- time zone differences (if time zone difference is too big consider alternative below)
- time of day
Check on school’s photo/video permission restrictions
Have a backup plan for contact in case of technical issues (i.e. email, iMessage, Skype chat)
Test out tech and connection before event!

blocks Prep students

expectations during Skype (listening, taking turns, sitting properly, speaking loudly and clearly, answer with elaboration – not just yes or no)
have students come up with questions (asking open-ended questions, consider creating visuals for questions)
do practice Skype before first Skype (get them familiar with experience, practice with another person or classroom at your school)

During:

Plan to start connecting via Skype at least 10 minutes before scheduled Skype time
Document the conversation
- photos and video (maybe have 1 or 2 student recorders)
- Tools for recording a Skype call (third party applications/software)
Follow your agenda but be ready to be flexible
Each side takes turn to ask questions and/or share something, such as books, songs or what the children decide
Have fun!

After:

Debrief and reflect with students
Download the conversation for reference (optional)
Post a short clip or photos from the Skype event on a blog and ask other participants to comment on the video
Follow up with corresponding teacher to debrief and discuss potential plan for future collaboration/conversation