We had a wonderful call with a 3rd grade classroom in Pennsylvania today. We started with the usual exchange of information. We shared how many students are in a classroom and in the school. We shared our school's name and who the Saint is that they are named after. Then we sang some songs. Our Pennsylvania classroom sang some multiplication songs and we sang our Fifty Nifty song. But, I think the Skype magic has worn off. I think the novelty of connecting with a classroom hundreds of miles away has become old hat!
What to do? Part of my problem is the set up of my classroom. I have 32 students and my laptop is hardwired on the South wall and my SmartBoard is on the North wall. I use a microphone, but when it's time for my students to answer a question, they tend to crowd around the camera. Then the students who are sitting, are torn between where to look. They want to watch their classmates, but they also want to see the other classroom on the SmartBoard. This leaves for squirmy students!??
I definitely don't want to cross Skype off my list. I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope that we will go wireless soon. I think that will solve part of the set up problem. I also might connect with an author. The Pennsylvania teacher sent me this link and said that they had a wonderful experience with Mike Artell. I think I may just give this a go!
Hi Barbara, I don’t know the size of your room but if you get a longer cat5 cable you may be able to move your lap top closer to the SmartBoard. The cable I had was 25 feet and it was not that expensive about $7.00. I use my lap top and the built in camera and mike. I turn the lap top toward the students who are seated. They can see the SmartBoard which is to the back of the lap top. The students can see the SmartBoard and also ask their questions from their seats. If you’re using a web cam and mike I don’t see any reason why this set up would not work. Hope you don’t give up on Skyping would like to Skype again with you. Kay
I never thought of that! DS #1 does have a cat5 cable. I’ll have to bring it into school. Hmm, but what to do about the SmartBoard connections? I’ll have ponder that part. Thanks for the tip!
Hi Barb – You might also consider having smaller groups of maybe 5 or so. I prefer working with smaller groups and there is usually more interaction among the participants.
Jason, that is an excellent suggestion! Thanks for taking the time to respond.