Modern society is defined by the technologies that they produce and use on a daily basis. The same tools that society uses to communicate in everyday life can also have meaningful applications within the classroom. It is the community’s responsibility to ensure that students are exposed to technology and the students must become proficient in using these technologies. These technologies like Skype allow the classroom to become a functioning member the global community and exchange information or ideas with other students from around the world.
To become an active member of the global community, teachers will have to use platforms that can connect them with a number of classrooms and teachers around the world. These types of platforms need to be geared towards education, but it will also have to be user friendly so students, teachers and parents can actively participate in the educational process. Skype is an Internet technology that connects people online through video calls. In 2011 Skype launched Skype in the Classroom, which is a platform that easily connects a classroom with other students, experts and explorers from around the world. (Steven 2015) No longer will students have to rely on only reading class material out of a book instead students can speak directly with the author of the book. Skype in the Classroom creates opportunities, which students can interact and engage with subject matter in a way that has never been experienced by previous generations. (Messner 2010) Imagine a classroom is learning about the ancient pyramids in Egypt and then using Skype to put them in direct contact with an archeologist who is on site working on the pyramids. Skype creates a state of interaction that facilitates critical thinking and personalizes the information through these types of connections or virtual field trips.
The Internet has become an important tool for society, but there is a segment of society that uses the Internet to harm or take advantage of the inexperienced user. Teachers have to be vigilant in when it comes to the use of technologies within the classroom. All students should receive the rules and ethics for using the classroom technologies. These rules will be enforced so that the students, teachers and parents are protected from potential harm. The responsibility will fall to the teacher to ensure the students learn how to properly use the Internet and the ethics of the Internet. (DeFranco 2011) Teachers also have to be aware of the potential harm that students can cause each other. Cyber bulling happens anytime a students is tormented threaten, mocked or humiliated by a fellow student or group of students. (Borgia 2010) There should be a zero tolerance policy that protects students from being cyber bullied at school or at home.
As the world grows and changes, the modern student must adapt and change with this growth. Technology plays an ever-increasing role in global community and it is important that students learn how to interact with this global community. Skype provides a platform for students to interact and exchange ideas with other students, teachers, experts, and other vital members of this community. Teachers also need to ensure that students learn and practice the ethical usage of the Internet, and help students avoid harmful situations. Skype is one way in which teachers can facilitate a relationship between the class and the global community.
Borgia, L. G., & Myers, J. J. (2010). Cyber Safety and Children's Literature: A Good Match for Creating Classroom Communities. Illinois Reading Council Journal, 38(3), 29-34.
DeFranco, J. F. (2011). Teaching Internet Security, Safety in Our Classrooms. Techniques: Connecting Education & Careers, 86(5), 52-55.
Messner, K. (2010). An Author in Every Classroom. School Library Journal, 56(9), 42-44.
Steven, R. (2015). Tech in the classroom. Creative Review, 35(8), 46-50.
