Skyping at Shepherd
Visit our blog to learn about calls we've already made
(currently just 2008-2009 schoolyear)
Why do we do it?
Skype provides an opportunity for students to meet other people through telecommunications. Using webcams, students can see others and have conversations. We can talk about our schools, our communities, our interests, classwork, etc. This builds global awareness as students learn about new places and similarities and differences they share with people in those places. It also helps students see telecommunications (communicating over a distance with technology) in action. This is a great activity to create 21st century learners!
How does a Skype call work?
Calls can vary a lot. Our calls last year ranged from about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes. We took turns with the other class. We took turns telling a little bit about our school and area. We asked some questions and gave their students time to answer the questions. Sometimes there was just one answer, other times multiple students would take turns answering. Sometimes we also answered our own question. Then, the other class would ask questions and we would answer their questions. Some classes held something up to share (school spirit wear, a project they had done in class and were proud of). Some classes we talked to sang a song for us. I hope this year we will be able to share some sort of class project in each of our calls.
What questions might we ask students in other places?
Students helped brainstorm questions early in the year. Obviously we can't ask all questions in each call, but this list provides a starting point to plan questions before a Skype call. Other questions may also be asked depending on the circumstances, current events, curriculum objectives, and/or location.
School ?s:
How do you get to school?
Do you do special projects?
How does your school day start?
What kinds of special classes do you have?
What are you studying now?
How many subjects do you have?
Does your school do anything to help the environment or animals?
Do you have technology or computer class?
What is your favorite part of the school day?
What kind of drinks can you get in the lunchroom?
What kind of food is the best in the lunchroom?
Do you have a class pet?
General ?s:
Where do you live? (house, apartment, something else)
Where is your school?
What is near your school?
How old are you?
What is your weather like?
What kinds of animals live in your area?
What kinds of vehicles do you ride in?
Do you have motorcycles?
What kinds of clothes do you wear?
What kinds of shoes do you wear?
How long does it take you to get to the beach?
How long does it take you to get to the mountains?
Favorites & Opinion ?s:
What music is popular?
What is your favorite food?
What hobbies do you have?
What kinds of drinks do you like?
What is your favorite book?
Do you have a pet? What is it?
What do you do for fun?
What TV shows do you watch?
What sports are popular?
What is your favorite movie?
If you would like more information about Skyping at Shepherd, or you have a suggestion... a question we might want to ask or a person/class that we might be able to Skype with, please email Mrs. Onyskin know. I'd love for us to Skype with experts and not just other classes this year! 
