Skype

I am able to use Skype in my classroom because I attended a workshop on it through my school. When I first tried to load it on my computer access was denied. I found out that I have to have the Technology Facilitator load it for me. I was able to get her to do that for me, but she told me the school does not have any video cameras, so I decided to purchase one. My second grade class was planning to Skype with a fifth grade class. The fifth grade teacher may only have a microphone, so we may only be able to hear the fifth graders. Since second and fifth grade study weather, the fifth grade teacher and I thought it would be a good idea to buddy class together.We will also be integrating Social Studies into our lesson. Second grade studies Kenya and Japan so we will find out about the weather in those two countries from the fifth graders. It will be an introductory lesson for the second graders on weather and it will be a review for the fifth graders. The fifth graders will read a story to the second graders about clouds and the second graders will ask the fifth graders questions about weather in Kenya and Japan.I have already introduced Skype to my second graders. I walked around and showed them what the camara looked like. The students were waving at it and thought it was hooked up. I had to explain that it wasn't connected yet. Most of them were not familiar with it, but they were all very excited about communicating over Skype with the fifth graders. As of today I am still waiting on the other teacher. Now, my computer with the video/micophone is acting up. I have tried to unplug it and plug it in again. The computer will not let me log into the system either now. A box keeps popping up that an item is not recognized. So, I have put a request into the technology facilitator to check it out.