Skype in the Classroom

Features:  Skype in the Classroom is a branch of the video call platform, Skype.  Additional features of this version include the ability to find and create lessons and share them with others around the world.  Classes in different parts of the world can video conference to share information, and classes can Skype with celebrities, professionals, and authors as well as take virtual field trips throughout the world.  This is a whole-class focus platform, with the teacher doing the "work", but is a great tool for sharing.

Classroom Use:  This program would be a perfect way to introduce students to other people around the world during a culture study or when learning about the seasons around the world (keeping K-2 in mind).  Using it as an add on to pen pals would be fun, and the available author presentations would be a great way to get writers motivated.

Rating:  Skype in the Classroom earned a 27/30, just losing points because it isn't a place for students to complete or store work, so the rubric didn't fit there.

	Ineffective OH NO! (1pts)	Adequate It’s OK (2pts)	Must Use Sign me up! (3pts)
Learning Target Goal	Students are unable to use this tool to meet their learning target	Students can see how this tool can be used to meet their learning target	Tool is transparent and students can clearly see how this tool is used and can apply it to their learning
User-Friendly Design	Students have a hard time navigating through the tool and can not easily find what they need	Students can navigate through the tool but have difficulty finding useful tools	Students can easily navigate through tool
Access (Free or Paid)	Communication tool is too expensive and not worth the benefit of the tool and/or is not accessible to students and teachers	Communication tool requires small monthly fee that is worth the use and benefit of the tool and/or easily accessible to students and teachers	Communication tool is free and/or easily accessible to students and teachers
Differentiation	There is no way to accommodate or differentiate for all learners	This tool could be differentiated for a few types of learners	There are many ways this tool could be adapted for all learners
Student Motivation	Students are not/would not be motivated to interact using this tool	Some/few students may be  interested in using this tool	Students are excited to use this tool to interact and communicate
Timely Communication/ Feedback	Communication stream is not easily followed and takes too much practice to learn to be useful	Communication stream may be difficult to follow and manage, or managing feedback is not easily done in a timely manner	Communication stream is easy to follow and access quickly to keep feedback timely
Trackable User Work Record	Student work is not archived or able to be tracked.  There is no way to easily see what each member has contributed.	Student work may be archived OR individual student contributions may be determined	Student work is easily tracked and individual contributions are clearly and easily determined.
Medium	Tool is only available for one or two browser platforms	Tool is available in some browsers and/or devices	Tool is easily used on multiple or all available browsers, mobile devices, and computers
Age Appropriate	Tool is not appropriate for the target age group, either too simplified or too complex	Tool may need to be adapted to fit the target age group	Tool is appropriate for the target age group
Monitoring Capability	Teacher has no means to monitor and remove inappropriate content or comment	Teacher may not be able to monitor, or may not be able to remove inappropriate content	Teacher is easily able to monitor user interaction for appropriateness