There are lots of great reasons to consider using video calling in your classroom. Maybe you’re thinking about bringing in a guest speaker from across town, the state, or even the world. Perhaps you want to hold a “virtual” class and give a lecture while you’re out of town. Or maybe you teach online or in a hybrid format and want to have a group video call to check in with your students. Whatever the case may be, there are several different options for making that connection happen.
One of my recent favorite recommendations has been to use Skype. Most people think of Skype when they think of video calling (or even use “skype” as a verb), but until recently there have been complications to overcome when using it in the classroom – you would need to make sure the Skype app was installed and up to date on the classroom computer, and would have to exchange Skype contact info with another person to start the call. With recent updates, however, these barriers have been addressed.
- You can now share a link to let anyone Skype with you – they don’t need a Skype account
- You can now Skype on the web without downloading any apps, plugins or extensions.
- If you need a webcam and/or microphone for your class, please contact Media Services at least a few days ahead of time to request equipment check out and delivery to your classroom.
For a quick demo of how to get started with Skype and get a shareable link, check out the short video below:
UPTechTip: Skype with Anyone, Anytime
https://uportland.mediaspace.kaltura.com/id/1_1eqyqseh?width=470&height=295&playerId=28073962