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Keeping Connected with SKYPE

SKYPE calls are a wonderful tool to use in the classroom. Classrooms can connection with other classrooms, professionals, and locals such as museums.

There are many resources that provide opportunities for classrooms to find connections and many Distance Learning vendors are also using SKYPE as an option for connections.

skype-tips-tricksKatrina Keene’s article states how Mystery SKYPE calls can connect your classroom to the world. To read the entire article, click here – Mystery SKYPE Calls

 

 

Ensure Success with SKYPE?

  • Practice with another classroom in your building or district

  • Connect with educators you know in other districts, states, countries

  • Test SKYPE connection

  • Have specific goals for connection

  • Discuss etiquette with students and plan who will speak when

  • Have a back up plan in case there are technology glitches

 

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SKYPE in the Classroom Resources

  1. SKYPE in the Classroom – https://education.skype.com/

  2. SKYPE with Penguin Publishing Authors – http://www.penguin.com/school-library/skype-authors/

  3. SKYPE an Author – http://skypeanauthor.wikifoundry.com/

  4. Kate Messener’s Authors Who SKYPE for free – http://www.katemessner.com/authors-who-skype-with-classes-book-clubs-for-free/

SKYPE Projects

  • SKYPE with a Professional

    guest-speaker-skype

  • SKYPE with an Author

  • SKYPE with a local such as a museum or landmark

  • SKYPE with Pen Pals

  • SKYPE with parents

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Meet the VGO Robot

Using Technology To Instruct Home Bound Students

With the VGO Robot

In the Monroe #1 BOCES region, a district needed help connecting an elementary student to her classroom. Due to medical issues, the student hasn’t been able to attend school for several months. Even with the help of a tutor, the student was missing out on the social aspect of school and interactive learning with other students. With the help of a VGO robot, whom the class has affectionately called Frosty, the student can now connect to the classroom for socialization and math instruction.

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Video Conference Fact Sheet – checking for understanding

Video Conferences are a great way for students to learn and collaborate. But how does a teacher know if students are understanding the key learning points of the conference?

Below is a document that educations can print and distribute to students to use during or right after a conference. Using this document allows for educators to ensure students have learned during the conference. Also, gathering evidence addresses Common Core Learning Standards.

Video Conference Fact Sheet

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Career Connections!

Each year the NYSDLC offers Career Connection Video Conferences to high school students. Students are able to learn from experts in the field about relevant high school courses, college, internships, and career expectations. In the past the fields of interest have included – doctors, nurses, architects, master chefs, radio dj and station manager – and many more!

Career Connections Video

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The Value of Field Trips – In person and virtual

A recent study discussed the benefits of field trips for students.  There has been a drastic reduction in schools participating in field trips due to expense, scheduling, and curriculum. Click on the link below to read the entire article.

ARTICLE: The Educational Value of Field Trips

Items of interest from the article:

Students:

  • Recall more details
  • Use Critical Thinking
  • Display Historical Empathy
  • Increased Tolerance
  • Increased Interest in Museums
  • Greater Benefit for Disadvantaged Students

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2013 – 2014 Career Connections

For the second year Career Connections will be provided by the New York State Distance Learning Consortium (NYSDLC). Career Connections offer students the opportunity to meet with professionals in fields of their interest.  Career and college readiness via distance learning!

2013 – 2014 Career Connections Schedule is currently being created.  Watch for updates from your distance learning coordinator.

Geologist John Amos – November 6, 2013 – 10-11am  More Details

Master Chef: Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt – The Art of Charcuterie November 12, 2013 – 9:15 – 10:30am OR 12:15 – 1:30am  More Details

Sneak Peek at the Career Connections Veterinarian