Activity Description: This social networking activity is probably the most exciting for my classroom because it brings experts into the classroom via video and online discourse using Skype and Skype in the Classroom as a platform to collaborate with others globally and to communicate with groups, organizations, and speakers. Setting up Skype: To use Skype in the Classroom, first download Skype. Here is a screenshot of the program once it is downloaded and ready to use:
Setting up Skype in the Classroom: Once the Skype account has been set up then go to Skype in the Classroomand set up that account then see what activities are available. Here is a screenshot of Skype in the Classroom set up and ready to search for virtual opportunities. Searched can be filtered by subject matter and grade level or age level.
Activity: For this activity students do not need a Skype account because they will be participating in the Skype in the Classroom activity via Smartboard and webcams in groups using one station in the classroom. Students will be listening to other groups questions and conversations during Skype calls and activities and will take turns at the webcam and microphone. This social networking activity is a virtual tour of the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia. It must be set up ahead of time online through Skype in in the Classroom. The museum accepts the reservation for the virtual visit and on the scheduled time, the classroom goes live with Skype to take a virtual tour with staff at the museum. Prior to the tour, there are handouts and preparation materials sent by the museum so students know the basic format of the tour. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions for deeper understanding during the tour and listen to the curators discuss the art. The conversations about critical art reflection and meaning in art that take place through the online virtual tours is a valuable experience for students and can shape the manner in which they continue discourse about art in the classroom. The authenticity of the experience is real-world and having dialog with experts in art fields is enriching for young learners. The following are screenshots of the virtual tour I have set up for this activity: