Thing 15-Skype

I have just begun to use Skype consistently in my job.  My team of colleagues are other technology integration coaches housed on campuses throughout the district.  We are able to meet in person about one time per month, but we communicate every day, multiple times per day, using Group Me.  We are constantly brainstorming technology problems teachers encounter.  Once each week, we meet in a Skype environment to discuss big issues that may occur, or to prepare for upcoming technology integrations.

We also use Skype as a training environment.  Being new in my role, I sometimes need training that is not necessary for all the learning technology coaches (LTC).  Recently, I had a teacher ask me for strategies for adding oral accommodations for students in her class.  After a bit of research and a couple of Group Me conversations, I determined that there were 2 tools that may help meet this need.  One of them was online and fairly easy to figure out.  The other was an add-in to One Note, both programs which are out of my comfort zone.  One of the LTCs provided me individualized Skype training which I was able to pass on.

Finally, this week, I was able to connect with one of my classmates in this distance learning class.  Teri and I had met at New Student Orientation a year ago, and enjoyed a conversation to share our HBU educational experience, discuss these class activities, and make a plan for our upcoming book study.  I enjoy the convenience of receiving my education at home, but found this face to face time to be quite motivating.  As I ponder the mishaps of previous group assignments, I'm thinking that a couple of Skype chats with our upcoming book group members might be in order.

Until a month or so ago, I may not have recognized the value Skype can have for educators, however this year, it has truly become my lifeline.