nex·us
A means of connection; a link or tie

(www.thefreedictionary.com)

The notion of connection is intrinsic to every aspect of humanity. So vital, in fact, that our very lives depend upon it as every breath, every thought and every action is preceded by millions of synapses connecting, transmitting and communicating important information.

This network of thought-and-action-determining connections don't stop inside the confines of skin and bone. In a mysterious way they link up to a greater network where, in some instances, our thought-processes are absorbed into the minds of others, while, in other instances, we take on the thoughts of others and somehow allow it to shape our own internal matrix.

This is the wonder of communication and learning.

With the advent of the internet, we've been provided with what could almost be described as a visual representation of the "human internet" - that macro-network where the ebb and flow of thought and action in society at large shapes the individual's downloads and uploads, learnings and expressions.

From an educator's perspective, that, of course, changes everything. Learners no longer have to rely on teachers to be their only source of "information downloads" , but can now access a world which offers thoughts, ideas and perspectives far beyond their own or even that of their teachers.
The role of the teacher is then to provide learners with opportunities to partake in this macro-network - to guide their "uploads and downloads" in ways that would best benefit their futures.

This blog investigates websites, applications and internet functions that can serve as powerful "connection-points", or tools for transfomative learning in the classroom.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Connected with Skype

What is Skype?

Skype is a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communication software, which offers free Skype-to-Skype video calls, and cheap Skype-to-landline or mobile phone calls.

What are the educational benefits of Skype?

Skype provides an easy and interactive way of communicating with people from all around the world. As students connect with people from other cities, countries or continents, they have the opportunity to learn about cultural differences, history, language, and many other things. Student engagement and comprehension will greatly improve through real-life, first-hand interaction with “real people”, because not only do they learn something about a certain topic, but they can talk to someone who is “in” that topic. For instance, instead of just learning isolated Japanese words and sentences from their (English first language, Caucasian) teacher, they can speak to Japanese peers who want to learn more about English. Learners will learn about the culture, the customs and the thinking that surrounds Japanese. All of a sudden, words might have more meaning because the context is understood, or because there’s a real life application for it as they communicate to their Japanese friends over Skype.

A learning exchange can therefore take place at a much greater depth where learners will learn about the context of a particular topic, to a degree that perhaps a teacher cannot provide to students within a typical classroom situation.

What are the concerns related to Skype?

“Skype is another avenue for digital mischief. In addition, as with many P2P applications, Skype users are effectively anonymous, and this lack of accountability can be worrisome (Educause, 2007).”


References

Educause Learning Initiative (2006). Seven things you should know about YouTube. Retrieved August 30, 2010, from www.educause.edu/ELI/7ThingsYouShouldKnowAboutSkype/162373


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1 comment:

  1. MichaelaSeptember 2, 2010 at 8:46 PM

    I previously considered Skype to be an online tool to keep in touch with my friends overseas, but the use of Skype as a educational tool is now clear. I am excited to use this tool in my classroom. Thank you Jacques

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