This year we suspect our connections to teachers will expand in the horizon of Skype. So this biggest question by teachers for using skype in the classroom are, "How do I use skype in the classroom?"

The best way to answer this is by actually looking at connections in terms of grouping. Janine Lim and The Amabassador Project have put together a fantastic list which I will sum up here:

1. 1. Interpersonal Connections: Connecting to another classroom, teacher etc to share. Groups include Epals, Global Classrooms etc.
2. 2. Information Collection: Sharing or exchanging information on a theme in your classroom. This includes "field trips."
3. 3. Problem Solving: Solving mysteries, simulations or social action projects.

As content providers Janine Lim suggests the following formats, that students can participate in or use to connect with another classroom:

1. Presentation followed by Q&A.
2. Participation in each other’s presentations: Using the other class’
3. Hands-on interaction.
4. Bringing created objects to share and interact with. Monster Match, sharing worm farms, growing gardens, design projects.
5. Dialogue, discussion, debate. True spontaneous conversations.

Janine Lim has further details in her booklet that she has put together as well as details for how to set up a classroom collaboration. Download here.

As for Skype, well there are lots of additional ways that you can add. Check out the following resources:

1. Skype in Schools: Provides a list of classrooms wanting to connect.

2.. Epals: Another site connecting teachers for projects.

2. Global-Leap : A site for connecting teachers for projects.