It is well known that the Internet has helped to make the Earth a village where one can easily communicate with people located all over the globe. Skype in the classroom pushes this vision further and brings the world into the classroom via videoconferencing.
Thus, pupils can now chat with young inhabitants thousands of kilometers away to learn more about their culture and their country. It also allows them to discuss in another language with children whose mother tongue is it. Skype in the classroom also offers the possibility for teachers and students to hear speakers otherwise inaccessible.
Teachers can create a profile there where they mention their skills, interests and location on the planet. Once registered in this large educational community, teachers can communicate more easily with each other to carry out activities, share educational resources or give each other a helping hand remotely.
To benefit from it, teachers must obviously have access to a computer connected to the Internet, a microphone, speakers and a webcam.
So far, there are nearly 4,000 teachers, including about 220 from Canada. Skype is working with a group of teachers to develop this idea. The program is currently available in beta, that is, still in development.
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