using skype in the classroom€¦ · web viewd. skype toolbar - allows you to reach the most used...

Digital Linking

Digital Linking P a g e | 1

ContentsDigital Linking Using Technology.....................................................................................................................2Using Skype in Schools.................................................................................................................................... 2How do I get Skype?........................................................................................................................................ 3How to I create an account?............................................................................................................................3Understanding the Screen...............................................................................................................................4How do I Skype?.............................................................................................................................................. 6How do I test my sound is working in Skype?..................................................................................................6What Webcam should I use?...........................................................................................................................6How do I use a Webcam with Skype?..............................................................................................................7How do I set up my Contacts?.........................................................................................................................7How do I accept a contact request?................................................................................................................7How do I call a Contact?..................................................................................................................................9How do you send instant messages (IM)?.....................................................................................................11How do I send something?............................................................................................................................ 11How do I share a Screen?.............................................................................................................................. 12How do I use the translator?......................................................................................................................... 12Top Tips for Skyping from the Classroom......................................................................................................13Game Ideas.................................................................................................................................................... 13Lesson Plans.................................................................................................................................................. 14Using Green Screen....................................................................................................................................... 17Recommended App....................................................................................................................................... 17Green background......................................................................................................................................... 17Using Green Screen in School........................................................................................................................17Storyboarding................................................................................................................................................ 18Filming and Editing........................................................................................................................................ 19How to Share your Videos............................................................................................................................. 20

©TheLinkingNetwork2018 www.thelinkingnetwork.org.uk


Digital Linking Using TechnologyThere are many opportunities to use technology to link and most pupils will feel comfortable using this technology.

You can use Skype, email, using question and answer forums, sending across photographs or documents pupils have made together or mini videos made by pupils for one another. Using green screen backgrounds can enhance videos.

Skyping can range from playing charades as two groups to more serious questions. You can choose to fulfil many elements of the computing curriculum through digital linking.

Using Skype in Schools

Skype is a free piece of communication software which uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to allow you to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. This allows us to connect distant classes together easily.



How do I get Skype?It is free and easy to download. Simply go here www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/ to download it and follow the on screen instructions. It will ask you to make Bing/MSN your homepage and we would probably advise against that, so just untick the boxes.

How to I create an account?If you do not already have a Skype account you will need to create one. This is very easy! Just click on Create an account.

At the next screen you will be asked to use your phone number- we suggest using your email as you will be sent a code to that address to enter on screen.

You will be asked your name- we suggest you use your school name so your first name is St Stevens and Surname is Primary School for example.

Just follow the instructions and you are good to go!


http://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/


Understanding the Screen

A. Name

When you're signed in with a Skype Name, it is shown here.

B. Menu bar - Includes all the options that will help you get the most out of Skype.

C. Name and status - You can change your Skype status and display name if you wish.

Click the status icon (at the bottom-right of your profile picture) to change your status. Click your display name to access your profile, where you can change your profile picture, mood

message, and more.



D. Skype toolbar - Allows you to reach the most used Skype features easily. You can open Skype Home, show the dial pad to call phones and mobiles, and set up a new group.

E. Contacts

Contact list - Lists your contacts and lets you see their online status. Recent list- Lists the recent conversations you’ve had in Skype.

F. Contact summary - Displayed when you select a contact. Tells you your friend's status and mood message. To see more details about your friend, click their name and a pop-up with their full profile information is displayed.

G. Call buttons - Use these buttons to call, video call or add more people to create a group conversation.

H. Skype Translator - Enables you to translate voice calls, video calls and IMs. I. Conversation window - Displayed when you select a contact or set up a group chat. Shows your instant message conversation and call history with that contact or group.



J. Conversation box - Displayed when you select a contact or set up a group chat. Use this box to type and send your instant messages, emoticons, Mojis and SMS messages.

How do I Skype?

What you will need: Microphone (voice calling) Webcam (video calling) Speakers Someone to call!

How do I test my sound is working in Skype?

To check that your sound and microphone are working properly in Skype, you can make a test call to our friendly assistant Echo. She will prompt you to record a message, and then play it back for you – so you’ll know right away if your sound is working.

1. Search for the Echo / Sound Test Service contact.2. Call Echo and follow her instructions.

If you heard Echo’s voice and heard your recorded message, then your sound and microphone are working just fine and you are good to go.

What Webcam should I use?

Webcams are relative cheap these days and we would suggest the Microsoft LifeCam Studio which is about £45-50. It has a good camera and an excellent built in microphone. Obviously other webcams are available! (Tesco have a whole range from £14 to £149!). The main thing to consider is how good the microphone is.

How do I use a Webcam with Skype?

1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the webcam to your computer.



2. Software for your webcam should automatically install (or you may need to install it using the manufacturer-provided disc).

3. After the software has finished installing, sign in to Skype.

4. Check to see if your webcam is working:Select Tools > Options > Video Settings. If you see video, your camera is working and ready to use.

How do I set up my Contacts?

1. Go to Contacts.2. Select the add contact icon or click directly in the search text box and type the name, Skype name

or email of the person/School you want to add. Click Search Skype.

3. Select your friend from the search results and click Add to Contacts.

4. Type a quick note to introduce yourself and then click Send.

NB the person/school is added to your contact list, but will appear offline until they accept your request. After they’ve accepted your request, you can see when they’re online and make free voice and video calls with them.

How do I accept a contact request?Above your contact list, click Recent. The number inside the orange circle represents how many contact requests or instant messages you have pending.



The message from the person with a question mark as a status icon is the pending contact request.

To accept or decline the contact request, enter the chat window by clicking the contact's name. To accept the contact request, click Accept. The contact is added to your contact list, and you can

see their online status and make free calls and video calls with them.



Alternatively, you can Decline the contact if you do not know them (and this happens quite a bit!)

How do I call a Contact?

In Skype, click Contacts.

Find the person/school you want to call from your contact list. If you have lots of contacts, you can type a name in the search box to find the contact you’re looking for.



Click the contact. You’ll see their details in the main window.

If the contact has one of these status icons displayed next to their name

this means they’re on Skype and you can call them for free.

this means that the person hasn’t yet accepted your contact request.

Click the Call button to make a telephone call or the Camera to make a video call.

The screen changes colour and you’ll hear ringing until the other person answers.

At the end of the call, just click on the End call button to hang up.

Useful things you can do on a video call: Resize the screen – click and drag the corner of the video screen to make it bigger or smaller. Move it around – click and drag the video of yourself around your screen. Instant message (IM) at the same time – click the Show messages link at the top of the video to

instant message while you're on the call.



How do you send instant messages (IM)?1. In your Contacts, find the person or group you want to message. Or in your Conversations list, find

the message you want to pick up again. 2. Click on the person/group or conversation. 3. In the main window, click in the typing box.4. Type a message and click the blue send message button, or just press the Return key on your

keyboard.

If someone IMs you, your Conversations button will turn orange.

1. Click on the button. 2. You'll see a list of conversations.

Find the IM you want to reply to and click it. 3. In the main window, click in the typing box.

Type a message and click the blue send message button, or just press the Return key on your keyboard.

Useful things you can do in an instant message: Group IM – click this button to add more people to the conversation. Save a group IM – click this button to save the group in your contacts. When you need to

pick up the conversation again, just click on the group instead of adding everyone in all over again

How do I send something?You may wish to send a Word Document to the other school, for example.

1. Go to Conversation2. Choose the file type you want to send.3. You may see a paper clip icon just click on that and choose file type that you are sending

Briefcase icon = Send an existing photoPaper icon = Send a fileVideo camera icon = Send a video messageContact card icon = Share a contactSmile icon = Send an emoticon or Moji

Press the arrow at the end to send it!

Tip: To send more than one file hold down Ctrl as you select them.©TheLinkingNetwork2018 www.thelinkingnetwork.org.uk


How do I share a Screen?

This is useful to show PowerPoint to the other people etc.Start a voice or video call with a single person or a group. During the call, tap or click the plus icon in the call bar, then choose Share screen.

Use the Share your screen drop-down to choose what to share - either your full screen or a specific window, then choose Start. Select Stop sharing when you're finished.

You can select if you want to share your full screen or just a part of it. The person you are sharing your screen with can see your screen in full screen mode. You can continue talking via Skype whilst you share your screen.

How do I use the translator?Select your contact. Select the Translator icon:

on Windows desktop or Skype for Web: The Globe icon .

on Skype Preview for Windows 10: The translator icon in the message area. Turn Translator On. Use the drop-down next to your contact's name to select the language for translation while in a call or instant messaging. While on a call:

Wearing headphones is the best way to understand the translations. Make sure you speak clearly and wait for translations to appear. As you or your contact speaks, it will be translated in your headphones and the translations will

also appear on your screen.



Top Tips for Skyping from the Classroom

Have a practice before doing it with the pupils! Unless you have a brilliant microphone you will need to get near to it to be heard. But not too near! 2 hands width away from the microphone prevents distortion Don’t all shout at once – you won’t be heard! Prepare and rehearse what you are going to do! It makes you look professional! Slow down your speech and avoid use of language specific to your part of the country unless they

explain what the term(s) means. Decide what outcomes you want to achieve and plan the Skype session including the questions,

what you want to discuss and show before you start. Allocate pupils different job roles for during the Skype session such as webcam operator,

microphone manager, speaker, photographer, film session, IM writers, live bloggers, data recorders When it is your turn to talk, make sure you know what you are going to talk about. Try to explain

rather than give a one or two word answer. Minimise too much movement of objects or people as this can cause blurring. Listen attentively when you are not the speaker, as you might know the answer to the question

being asked by the other class. Don’t sit friends near each other as they will tend to distract each other when not the speaker. Sit where you can see and hear the conversation but where it is also easy to get up and go to the

microphone. Use IM to send a quick message to check the other class is ready before calling. Allocate pupils to be in charge of the IM conversation during the video conference and provide

them clear guidelines of their role Decide which teacher is in charge so that the other one is supporting and your voices don't

overlap.

Game Ideas

Charades Team A and B from each class and then do charades of animals, sports.

Red or Green - every child as A5 red and A5 green sheet of card. Teacher in one class asked a question that gives a red or green choice e.g. do you prefer sunny days or snowy days? If you like snowy days best, hold up green. If you like sunny days best, hold up red. Every child makes their choice and the other class can see over Skype. Teachers can add up and see if the split is the same. Have to be choices all children will have a preference for.



Lesson Plans

See next sheets


Lesson Plan: Curiosity QuestionsThis is a core lesson for the Linking process, asking ‘Who are we?’Learning objectives Key questions Teaching and learning activities Resources

To ask interesting questions

What do you want to find out about your School’s Linking partners?

What makes a question interesting?

Success criteriaThoughtful questions to send to our linking partners that will elicit interesting answers.

Work cooperatively in a small group.

VocabularyCurious, interesting/open questions, curiosity

Starter: Show children the title ‘Curiosity Questions’. What does curious mean? Show the definition ‘Eager to know or learn something’

Main Activity:

Explain together we are going to think of questions to ask the children - this is your opportunity to find out more about our link partners as individuals as they will each be answering via e-mail. You are going to work in groups of 3 / 4 so we need some ground rules for our group work –

1. Anyone can scribe2. BUT ideas must be shared first and listened to by all3. Everyone needs to be involved in sharing ideas4. We can disagree BUT we do it respectfully

Set the children off to begin writing curiosity questions in their group. (e.g. What do you like to do to relax? What books do you like to read?)

Mini- PlenaryStop the class after a few minutes and introduce the idea of closed vs open questions – these will give us different answers/ information that really tells us about that person/ answers we couldn’t guess. Can anyone think of any closed questions? E.g. How old are you? If you have any of those don’t worry but put a single line through them. Can anyone give an example of an ‘open’ question? Take ideas then set the children off again.

Plenary Ask the groups to circle their 3 best ‘open’ questions. Each group share a question (no repeats) until there are 8 diverse and ‘open’ questions. These will be the questions we will send/film.

As a further activity collect any specific or ‘closed’ questions that the children would like to know the answers to. E.g. What is your headteacher called? What equipment is there in your playground?

Large sheets of paper Felt tips

Possible assessment opportunities

Pupils can identify and think of questions that will elicit interesting answers/information

Pupils can work cooperatively in a small group

Spiritual, moral, social, culturalCultural -Understanding of differenceSocial- working on a collaborative group task

Additional notes for teachersSensitivity, awareness and understanding your class and community is essential before exploring any activities relating to identity

Lesson Plan: Using Video


Learning objectives Key questions Teaching and learning activities Resources

To ask questions for an audience

What makes a good performance?

Success criteriaClear presentation of questions to camera

Capture and download video

Vocabularyvideo, camera, download, record, play back, delete, expression, pronunciation

Starter: What will make a good performance/presentation of the questions? Scribe simple success criteria e.g. clear pronunciation, loud voice, expression, smiling, looking at the camera. Scribe this somewhere the children can see throughout the lesson.

Main Activity: Each group will get a camera – in pairs you will have a go at filming and presenting the questions. Each pair will get a question to read.

Show children the controls on the flip cameras. Record, stop, playback, delete

Show some ‘bad’ footage to elicit that they must:Remember to

Keep it steady Keep your subjects in the middle of the screen

Give out the questions (from the previous lesson) allow children time to practice with their partner.

Each question will be filmed by two different pairs BUT only the best filmed and presented will be included in the video we share

Children go to the specified place with their group to film their question.

When all the groups have filmed demonstrate how to download the video to their specified folder.

Plenary Remind children of the success criteria identified in the starter. Show a selection of videos. After each one children thumb up/middle/down for the success criteria.

N.B Before the lesson create a folder for each group to store the videos

Questions on strips of paper video cameras/ digital cameras with

video function (1 for each group) Extender USB cables if necessary USB cables (if you are using digital

cameras) Computers/ netbooks A quiet place and adult (supervision)

for the children to complete their filming

Possible assessment opportunities

Pupils can capture video

Pupils can download video to a specified folder

Pupils can identify effective performances/presentations

Spiritual, moral, social, culturalSocial- working on a collaborative group task

Additional notes for teachersSensitivity, awareness and understanding your class and community is essential before exploring any activities relating to identity



Using Green ScreenGreen screen technology allows you to superimpose any background, whether it is a still image or film on to any foreground.

This is an example- you can see that the actor is standing on a green sheet but when the technology is applied she is up a mountain!

Recommended AppWe think the Doink Green screen app for iDevices is perfect for this as it only costs £2.99 and is well worth the investment. It is easy to use and setting up a green background can be cheap as well. Obviously this only works on Apple devices but there is software for Android and PCs as well.

Green backgroundYou don’t have to have a green background, but blue or green seem to the best to use. We use green cloth or bedsheets from a well known Scandinavian store that cost about £7 and have also painted our wall with some green paint that cost about £20. It may be that you already have a suitable wall in school.

Using Green Screen in SchoolThe children can talk about their favourite book or place using a photograph of it as a background.They could present a news item about their school or school trips with videos and pictures.The pupils could do a historical play using different backdrops to create the atmosphere and add a sense of realism.


https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/green-screen-by-do-ink/id730091131?mt=8


StoryboardingWhatever you film it’s always a good idea to storyboard it! This is a bit like planning an essay but using pictures and short description of what you want to happen- you don’t have to be a brilliant artist, it’s just meant as a guide!

Here is an example:



And the resulting shots are here

The usefulness of storyboards becomes apparent when you are trying to edit your final video!

Filming and Editing

Filming is so easy now and most schools will have some form of digital video camera. We would recommend the iPad if available as it has a good quality camera and microphone built in and is easy to use.

The most common mistakes we find with pupils is that they try to film everything in one take and it looks a bit of a mess! Using a storyboard they can shoot one scene at a time and if it goes wrong (which it will!) then they can reshoot and reshoot till it’s perfect. Another issue is camera shake and movement- it’s best to use a tripod wherever possible and you can pick these up cheaply online.Finally get the pupils to practice and practice until they have got it! Ask them to speak slowly and use their normal accent- we are not American! Another top tip is to have a practice and tell the pupil that the camera is not on but actually record it! It’s usually the best take when they are relaxed.



When it comes to editing the video if you are using iPads use iMovie. This is simple to use and you can create video very quickly.

You just drag your storyboarded scenes on to a time line.

If you are using a PC then Windows Movie maker is very good although it has recently been discontinued but there are lots of free editors available online.

How to Share your VideosWhen you have created your masterpiece you may want to share it with the wider world and you can do this easily and for free. We suggest that you use Vimeo.com free service .This allows you to upload up to 500mb a week ( which is about 30-40 mins of broadcast quality video) You can password protect videos so that only selected viewer can see it and it is very secure!

Video to help with Digital LinkingPlease click here for a link to a video which will help you with digital linking.


https://thelinkingnetwork.org.uk/resource/digital-linking/

using skype in the classroom€¦ · web viewd. skype toolbar - allows you to reach the most used...

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