Kathy Perret, Instructional Coach – kperret@nwaea.org http://learningisgrowing.wordpress.com/

The Learning Journey We learn and grow and are transformed not so much by what we do but by why and

how we do it. -Sharon Salzberg

Issue 17, January 30, 2012

Do you Skype? Skype (a FREE video-conferencing tool) is becoming a great tool to stay connected with friends and family that are far away. I know my sister loves her weekly Skype sessions with her three kids in college. I hear others love the tool to stay in touch with grandkids!

Skype is also a great tool in the classroom. Classrooms around the globe are connecting with each other and learning from each other. You will find a few resources on the next page.

Suggestions if trying Skype for the first time:

Skype with the classroom across the hall before skyping across the world. This will help you become comfortable with the process.

Skype with family or friends.

Find the support of someone who has used Skype. (Kathy Perret would love to help teachers at Leeds and Whittier who are interested in pursuing this idea.)

“Today you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than YOU.” Dr. Seuss

Welcome new readers! This newsletter is something I write for my two schools: Leeds and Whittier.

It is my understanding that this newsletter will be forwarded to other schools in the district. I hope the resources shared each week are helpful.

Kathy’s Schedule: Monday, January 30, 2012 – Leeds all day. Demonstration scheduled.; Whittier PD

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 – Leeds all day. Demonstration scheduled.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 – OFF

Thursday, February 2, 2012 – Whittier all day, 2 demonstrations scheduled.

Friday, February 3, 2012 – AEA all day

The Learning Journey Issue 17, January 30, 2012

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Skype Resources for Teachers Here are a few resouces if you are interested in trying Skype in your classroom:

Skype Around the World presentation (20 minutes) - VERY GOOD! Offers ideas and how-to information! http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/12/16/k12online09/ Many resources are provided in print on website.

Authors who Skype for FREE http://educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2332&Itemid=4344

Skype an Author Network http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/

Skype in the Classroom - Meet new people, discover new cultures and connect with classes from around the world, all without leaving the classroom. http://education.skype.com/

Technology 4 Kids Skype Resources http://technology4kids.pbworks.com/w/page/25344912/Skype

50 ways to use Skype in the Classroom http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/

List of Classrooms ready to Skype http://www.skypeforeducators.com/educators.htm

Cybrary Man’s Skype Page http://cybraryman.com/skype.html (be sure to check out his other pages!)

Goal: Prepare students for their futures!

Still need inspiration?

Iowa Core includes 21st Century Skills

Each Iowa student must graduate with the 21st century skills necessary for a productive and satisfying life in a global knowledge-based environment.

http://educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2332&Itemid=4344