Though my colleagues at school might not know it as I am vocal and outspoken when passionate about an issue, I am shy. Writing an e-mail is easier than making a call for me. So, I thought that I might not get around to using the call function of Skype. I thought just the texting might be all I’d do. Then Evan called.
My family is currently in Arizona to attend a wedding and visit my in-laws. I’ve had a hard time finding time to complete homework this week, so I got up early and started working. (With the time change, it was easy.) I’m in the bedroom trying to complete some assignments, when Evan calls. We begin to chat. Suddenly, my husband (who has been trying to keep the six kids entertained while not waking his parents as they are not experiencing a time change) appears to see who Evan is and why he’s in the bedroom with me. It was amusing.
Actually, the first calls didn’t work. We tried to text. First, I couldn’t figure out where the text box was. I clicked on all the icons, but none worked. Then I noticed it at the bottom. Then I typed, but had no idea how to send. It’s not the same as e-mail. I called my husband in and he looked at me like he might look at his grandmother trying to learn how to use a cell phone. To him, it was beyond obvious that I needed to hit enter. Yet another humbling experience for me.
However, progress has been made. I can now talk and text on Skype. And have actually done so! I have to admit that learning about a new tool is not the same as using it. It’s pretty cool to be able to talk using my computer.
In the future, I could see using Skype first as a way to bring experts into the classroom. It seems like a fairly easy way to start using this technology. I think another doable first step would be to connect students to a classroom of other students who are learning about a similar topic. With more experience, the ideas which most appeal to me include using Skype to help me learn a second language, working with another teacher to co-teach a class, and having parents use it to see student presentations.
From this technology, I could gain expertise from others who can “visit” my classroom via Skype, personal and professional connections, free access to people around the world, a way to engage and motivate students, the ability to eliminate the barrier of geography, and yet another tool in my technology toolbelt.
