There are so many ways we can use Skype, backchanneling, Ustream, Wikispaces, etc. When students are given the tools--Internet connectivity and handheld something, the classroom will be transformed. We can use Skype for speakers, class experts, and collaboration. I would use backchanneling in chucks; teacher talk a little, class discussion a little, then backchannel a little and so on. Perhaps even take the time to summarize the backchannel discussions. Ustream and
Wikispaces could be also used as a class station. Both can be used for students to teach students.
Some schools block skype because they say their teachers were using it too much - for personal reasons. It REALLY bothers me when filters are put in place as controls for behavior.
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