Instant+Messaging+and+Skype

Throughout this course, we have used a lot of social media and networking tools. These tools have greatly impacted my learning. I have learned more in this course than I could have ever imagined and I believe that this is because I actually had to set up my social media and networking tools as opposed to just learning about them. After exploring, investigating, and creating projects through YouTube, Google Docs, Twitter, etc. I have learned how important and relevant these are in the classroom. As a future educator, I will want to incorporate these tools into my classroom. For example, I will use Google Documents often to record grades, create charts, keep running records, etc. I will use YouTube as a way to virtually educate my students, both inside and outside of my classroom. In summary, I have learned that technology is a great, interactive, and creative way to educate students. In this day of age, it is important for me to familiarize myself with technology and learn ways to include it in my classroom. For this assignment, I explored Instant Messaging and Skype. Instant Messaging (IM) is a type of communication service that allows you to make a private chat room with another individual in order to communicate over the Internet, using text-based communication. IM allows you to keep a list of people who you interact with. The list is called a //buddy list.// In order to talk with a buddy, both parties must be online. Most IM programs have the following features:

v **Instant messages**- Allows you to send notes back and forth with someone who is online v **Chat:** Create a chat room with multiple friends, family members, or co-workers v **Web links:** Enables you to share links to websites v **Video:** Allows you to send and view videos, as well as talk face to face with friends/people on your buddy list v **Images:** Enables you to look at images stored on your buddy’s computer v **Sounds:** Plays sounds for your friends v **Files:** Enables you to share and send files directly to your friends v **Talk:** Instead of using a phone, this allows you to use the internet to communicate with friends v **Streaming content:** Allows you to stream real-time quotes, news, etc. v **Mobile Capabilities:** Enables you to send IMs from your personal cell phone For more information, visit: [|How Instant Messaging Works]

After exploring Instant Messaging, I researched Skype and quickly discovered that Skype has Instant Messaging as one of its features. In addition, I learned about something called //Skype in the Classroom.// This program encourages teachers from all around the world to communicate with one another about lessons, ideas, questions, and educational resources. //Skype in the Classroom// is a free global community that invites teachers to collaborate on classroom projects. You can create projects on your profile and then find partner classes, partner teachers, or even guest speakers! Once you have found a teacher that you would like to connect with, you can add that person as a skype contact. After doing this, you can video chat, call, and instant message the teacher! I immediately related the “Skype contact” to a “buddy” on an IM buddy list. I created a profile for //Skype in the Classroom// and plan to use it in my future. I am excited to IM with teachers and communicate about lesson plans and other educational topics. Here is the link to creating a profile: []

I would definitely use Instant Messaging and Skype in my future classroom. Likely, I would introduce Instant Messaging through Skype because I think that it is more educational. I would have my students use Skype and IM both inside and outside of the classroom.

I would use Instant Messaging through Skype inside the classroom with my students to connect with other classrooms around the world. This will help my students see the world in a new way. It will help them develop language skills because they can learn new languages from students around the world and practice it through writing (IM) and speaking (the video feature of Skype.) Also, this can help my students make real life connections and applications to in-class text. For example, if my students were reading a book about China and its culture, we could Skype with a selected Chinese classroom. The students could video chat Chinese students, as well as Instant Message them, in order to discuss specific topics. I could set up a project in which my students and students in a Chinese Classroom worked together in learning about one another’s cultural norms, traditions, etc.



I would encourage my students to use Skype Instant Messager outside of the classroom as well. I would ask that my students add each other to their contact lists so that they could help each other out with homework. In addition, I would encourage my students to use this tool to complete group projects.

Instant messaging was developed and originally used beginning in the 1990s, as the internet continued to develop and grow. "Instant Messager" programs, such as Windows Messager and AIM (AOL Instant Messager) were originally downloaded to computers as a separate program for users. As of 2010, social networking sites, like Facebook and Skype, have their own instant messaging programs. Instant messaging programs now also feature video calling features.

Contacts within your contact list can also be organized into a variety of "groups," so that users can separate work, business, family, and friends within their "buddy lists." I believe another beneficial, but often overlooked aspect of instant messaging is the "group chat" feature, where instant messagers can join a "chat room" to chat together. Instead of the members of a group having to each contact each other one on one, these group chats allow numerous people to chat together. Apple iPhones now have a similar feature, in which contacts can be added to a "group message," and all members can have a group conversation via smart phone. Clearly this is another highly useful asset to these communication technologies, as they continue to crop up in a variety of areas. When I initially looked at the list of potential technologies and resources to both research and discuss, instant messaging caught my eye right away. First of all, of all listed technologies, it is definitely one that I personally use the most. It's much more instantaneous than email, and a convenient way to communicate while working at the computer. Though text messaging is great for being "on the go," I am definitely an advocate of instant messaging while I'm working at the computer.

For students, instant messaging would be a great way for my students to connect from home. For group projects, partner research, or working online, I think that this is a neat new way that twenty-first century kids can keep in touch and communicate instantaneously. Groups could simply set a desired time when all members could get online and work on their projects, while communicating with one another. To make sure all members contributed, as a teacher I would probably ask one student to print off a copy of their online conversation. Students could also use the video chatting feature to practice presentations online with one another, especially if it's hard for them to find a time and place to get together outside of school hours.

The other highly beneficial way I believe that educators and students can use instant messaging together is to communicate outside of the classroom. As a past student, I often found myself with questions for my teachers and professors, and no way to contact them but through telephone and potentially email. Through these modes of communication, it is often hard to get a hold of a teacher, and if so, it is a time consuming and lengthy process (waiting for a returned phone call or email). Instead, as a future teacher, I could use instant messaging--by setting a certain time slot (maybe an hour to two hours per evening), when I would have my account up and online, prepared to answer my student's questions. This way, they could get instantaneous, online feedback from me, and continue to work on their homework.

[|How Instant Messaging Works from "How Stuff Works"] [|How To Use Instant Messaging] [|How To Use Skype] [|Instant Messaging In The Classroom]

--Contributed by Lauren Olson

Forms of Instant Messaging Instant messaging is a quick and easy form of communication that can be accessed freely. Some common forms of instant messaging can be acquired via:


 * [|AOL Instant Messaging]
 * [|Facebook]
 * [|Google]
 * [|Skype]



Instant Messaging in Schools Some teachers may be apprehensive about incorporating this form of technology into the classroom because they see it as an informal way of communication. Many people conform to using shorthanded communication when using technology like instant messaging or texting, which leads to out-of-school literacies and in-school literacies. This however could be a discussion topic or lesson by collaborating and learning as a group the correct forms of internet abbreviations and when it is appropriate to use them for differing audiences. Since instant messaging is such a quick form of communication it could be used for purposes like brainstorming for writing or quick writes. Discuss the differences between complete and incomplete sentences or to recognize //colloquialisms//, spelling errors, or synonyms.

Now you may be wondering what //colloquialisms// are? This form of language is kind of like slang and short handed words such as //ya'll//. However, slang and colloquial speech are NOT the same. //Colloquialism// often depends upon geography and regions. One method of distinguishing between a slangism and a colloquialism is to ask whether most native speakers know the word (and use it); if they do, it is a colloquialism.

In the picture above are some possible skills students can gain from using instant messaging effectively.

Is Instant Messaging more of a distraction than a benefit in the classroom setting? Many educators may argue that instant messaging is not beneficial in the classroom setting and causes distraction and students abuse their privileges. However, there are ways teachers can set rules when using instant messaging in the classroom. Some educators set up password-protected chat rooms for their students so they can send instant messages to one another after class about the books they are reading. Teachers need to be the dominant figure and monitor instant messaging in the classroom by stating the rules clearly to the class.

Here is an example of a negative way instant messaging can be abused. So many students today are capable of multi-tasking which is why teachers may never know whether a student is actually paying attention. In order for students to not abuse their instant messaging privileges in the classroom, only allow students certain times to have their laptops out.

Instant Messaging outside of the classroomInstant messaging can be used as a great form of communication outside of the classroom by classmates being able to stay in contact with one another or as a whole as well as communicating with the teacher more easily than email and phone call or in person. If a teacher wants students to collaborate effectively using this form of technology, they may have the students bring in a hard copy of their conversation history that they had outside of school. Also, instant messaging can be used today for language lessons. There are growing amounts of English Language Learners in today's schools; therefore, there are inevitable language barriers. Instant messaging is used by almost all kids and the younger generation which is how many students can relate. ELL students could share examples of their form of instant messaging in their language with the class and the class could analyze it as a whole.

Instant Messaging in Higher EducationIM is seen more commonly today in higher education and universities where it may be more difficult to communicate with others more conveniently. I know at [|Miami University], faculty are being encouraged to use "Miami Chat." Miami Chat is the university's secure form of instant messaging confidential information. Setting up a Miami Chat account is easy, and directions can be found in [|IT Help]. <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Advantages of using Miami Chat:

Another common place instant messaging can be found on Miami's campus is via [|Miami University Libraries]- students can access information and ask questions easily through IMing an assistant at the front desk. This is great for students who are unable to go to the library. Another instant messaging system used at Miami can be via [|Office of Registrar]. Sometimes it is difficult to get through to their busy telephone line when your question could be something short and quick. Therefore, student can access this instant messaging Monday-Friday between the hours of 8AM-4PM and you can chat with the Registrar staff.
 * All users are consolidated onto one messaging service (instead of being spread over AIM, MSN, Google Talk, etc.)
 * All users have a standard screen name (uniqueid@muohio.edu), though the display can be customized
 * IM traffic does not go through a third party (AIM traffic going out to AOL and then back to Miami)
 * IM traffic will be encrypted, instead of being transmitted in plaintext

Benefits of IM It helps students prepare for a 21st century muti-tasking work environment (including the social use of IM while working). Many large businesses contact people amongst their staff/ team via IM. Also, instant messaging can be used for people who work from home. My sister is able to work from home, and I know they are able to stay in contact with her via IM. This also shows her online status and reassures whether she is actually online and working. Therefore, instant messaging can be useful for when weather conditions may be bad and need to stay home OR when people are sick and away from work.

IMing opens the door for more OPPORTUNITIES!!!
 * Contribute- ** Making contributions is a way to offer something of value to the new people you are connecting with. Sharing online is even considered a moral imperative by many educators; sharing contributes to the greater good. It’s one way we can pay it forward.

**Connect** with your peers and students.

Ideally, student use of IM and email should be an opportunity to talk about time management… and balance in life.


 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Opportunity to bring real-world experts into the classroom (who wouldn’t otherwise be able to visit)
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Opportunity to bring greater levels of interactivity and engagement into classroom lessons for students
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Opportunity to use real-world tools students will use outside the classroom walls and in real life
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Opportunity to contextually address and discuss Internet safety issues, appropriate use of IM technologies, etc.
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Opportunities for students to learn and practice effective digital collaboration techniques.

Added by Allison Sillin

=Skype= <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Skype is a more interactive way of learning in the classroom. Great for helping ELL students.There is a networking group provided on skype for educators all around the world to connect with each other called [|Skype in the Classroom]. This accessible site shows reliable sources and locations of classrooms all over the world that are willing to communicate in education via Skype. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">There is also something known as ** LitWorld's Annual World Read Aloud Day ** --> [|link] Skype in the classroom- an online community that encourages teachers to connect and support one another through content sharing, collaborative projects and classroom connections to bring topics to life for their students. We officially launched Skype in the classroom back in March 2011 and the site has grown steadily since. There are over 20,000 teachers using the site and our goal is to connect one million classrooms.



Recommendations when using Skype
We recommend you use a fixed line internet connection for the best quality calls. • Sometimes firewalls can block Skype, however the majority can be easily configured with Skype. Find out more [|here]. • Remember to close any applications that use the internet (especially those that might be playing music or video) and cancel any file downloads. Find out more [|here].


 * // Ninety per cent of learning is visual. //
 * // The brain processes visual information 60,000 faster than text. //
 * // Forty per cent of all nerve fibers connected to the brain are linked to the retina. //

// Visual aids in the classroom improve learning by up to 400 per cent. //

Skype is available on Facebook now.

Skype has turned classrooms into a global learning environment as cultures are colliding like never before and distance is simply no longer an obstacle. As a result, schools are expanding their classrooms to a worldwide audience, with both students and teachers saving time and money on travel costs.

Disabled Learning Opportunities
Skype makes it so much easier for children and teachers to be taught/teach with a disability. In particular, children who have impaired hearing have the opportunity to learn via Skype video calling by signing with an interpreter.

There are many examples on youtube of howteachers are incorporating Skype into their classrooms and schools. Here is an example of hands on learning via skype: [|Hands on learning with Skype]

Added by Allison Sillin

During this course we have used many forms of instant message to help us with our assignments, as well as present our projects. Personally, I am a very visual person, and I learn much better from watching and listening to videos rather than reading text from a book. Without the step-by-step tutorials on how to create a googledoc, create a video, etc, I would have a very hard time creating one. Unlike my childhood and my parent’s childhood, children today have grown up with computers and the Internet their entire lives. For many, using different forms of technology has come second nature to them and they can pick up how to use different gadgets very quickly.



Instant message is primarily a communication tool and it allows for real-time communication with people anytime, anywhere. Types of instant message are Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, and Digsby. Digsby is different from the other types of instant message because it allows you to talk to multiple people in one chatroom, while the others only allow you to talk to a single person. There are many benefits to using instant message in the classroom. For example, it promotes high levels of interactivity and engagement, world experts can participate in lessons, and it provides a new option for kids to see what they missed in class while they were absent or sick.



Skype is a service that allows users to communicate with peers by voice, video, and instant messaging over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free of charge, and it has become a popular tool to use when speaking with individuals in different countries. It has also become a popular tool to use in businesses when videoconferencing. Skype has also begun to be infused into classrooms all over the country. Using Skype allows students to connect with other cultures and travel to places far from their classroom. After reading an article about all of the ways Skype can be implemented into a classroom, I’ve decided it is something that I want to use in my future classroom. It can be integrated into every subject, and it provides students with an alternative way of learning. For example, after reading a book the teacher could arrange to have the students Skype with the author of the book and ask them questions. Classrooms can also connect with a classroom from across the country, or across the globe. It is also a very effective way to include students that may be absent from school for an extended amount of time.



Added By Emily Bosl

Skype, as stated above, provides us as teachers and our students with many opportunities. Along with some of the posts above, it can be a great tool to include discussions with classrooms from another country and get them involved with your classroom. We are all familiar with Flat Stanley, this could be a great tool to see where you are sending him and what they do during the day. By doing this, students can gain more because they can see how students in other ocuntries, or other states perform their day and how it differs from theirs. The students can see more through this than they can in a letter. Another way that Skype is an important tool for us, is a reason that just came to my attention. I was told that they are trying to provide a tutoring service this summer where students from Tallawanda would be tutored by a Miami Student through skype. This allows those who don't live on campus over the summer, still work with these students and help them. This shows me that there are still more ways that skype can help in the classroom. Through this, depending on the school districts, it could help those students who are absent from school. They could skype in to see what is going on in class that day, so that they aren't far behind on the lesson when they return. Skype provides us with many opportunities, and we will find more as we continue through with our teaching.

Added by Leigh Volpi


 * Skype used for Special Cases in the Classroom, by Jessica Kantor**__

When I was in fourth grade, we had a student in our class who was in a severe car accident and had to have several surgeries throughout the year. Most of the time, she was not able to attend school. She was either bedridden at home or in the hospital. In order to help her keep up, my teacher would visit her a few times a week at home or in the hospital and work with her on class material. Luckily, we had a kind teacher who was willing to use her own personal time to help the student. If this had not been the case, she really would have been out of luck. If we had Skype at this time, it would have been very helpful in cases like this. When students have to be hospitalized or stay at home for varying medical conditions, they can still "attend" class online.

Students could Skype the class from a home computer. This way, they could watch the teacher as the lesson was being taught live. They could ask questions verbally, or by typing them into the instant messaging feature of Skype. The teacher could even agree on a sound that the student could make with the keyboard, such as a beep or other alert, to let her know when the student had a question. It would be almost as good as being present in the actual classroom!



Students could also use Skype to talk to absent group members - even if a student was simply sick for a day of work, they could still be involved in the classroom that day as long as they had access to a computer at home. Technically, they could be working on the group project from their bed at home.

Overall, Skype would be a tremendous help if it was used by teachers to aid students who cannot attend class for any reason. Using Instant Messaging and Skype In The Classroom Kristin Davis What is Instant Messaging? Instant messaging (IM) is defined as communicating typed messages to computer users using the Internet. IMs work very similarly to an email, but IMs are typically shorter and resemble more of a conversation style rather than notes. In addition to this, IMs are usually between two people, whereas emails can be between a single person and a group of individuals.

What is Skype? There is a chance that you may have heard of AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), Yahoo Instant Messenger, or Google Talk. These are some of the more popular instant messenger providers. A more recent form of IM is Skype. Skype allows two individuals to not only communicate through typed messages, but to also see one another via webcams. Another one of the unique benefits to Skype is that the user has the ability to make phone calls to people via their computer. With all of the wonderful technology coming out each year it opens the door for teachers to integrate these things into their lesson plans as learning tools. With Skype alone the possibilities are endless. This form of instant messaging truly allows the classroom to become borderless. How could Skype be used in the classroom? Similarly to the previous post, students can communicate with others around the world. Let’s say a second grade classroom is learning about the country of Italy. The teacher could introduce the lesson by allowing the students to Skype other second graders living in Italy. Not only would it be neat, but it would also get the students excited about the upcoming unit. In a high school French class, American students could Skype French speaking teenagers to practice speaking the words they have learned. This would also allow the English-speaking students to hear the difference between the languages as it is taught to them versus conversation. This would greatly help students in this particular area. What are some other examples? > I really enjoyed reading and comparing the ideas from the previous post with my own. As you can see with the previous post and my post, the possibilities of implementing Skype into the classroom are endless. When it comes to the lesson, the ways in which teachers use this form of instant messaging is as unique as each teacher is.
 * Skype the author or illustrator of a book that was read in class
 * Allowing an hour or so each night of “Skype hours” that would work similarly to office hours
 * Skype parent-teacher conferences