Skype

Live video communication has potential to open lots of doors

Learning rating

Community rating

Based on 10 reviews

Privacy rating

Expert evaluation by Common Sense

Grades

1–12

Subjects & Skills

Communication & Collaboration

Great for

Presentation, Productivity

Price: Free, Paid
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

Pros: It's free and allows people all over the world to connect with each other in powerful ways.

Cons: Often buggy and frustrating to use, it may require patience, and the ability to keep cool while you troubleshoot technical difficulties in front of the class.

Bottom Line: With a bit of work and a measure of patience, Skype can be an excellent classroom tool to expand students' horizons.

Skype in the Classroom is an outstanding resource that goes beyond standard chats; it features lesson plans, classrooms that are looking for learning partners, and many more educational opportunities. You can also hook up with Mystery Skype, a really fun program that brings two classrooms together to solve mysteries.

The most practical way in which most teachers use Skype is to bring far-off guest speakers into the classroom for video discussions. While many guest speakers would love to visit schools, the logistics of travel often make this difficult, if not impossible. While a video call with an expert can't completely replicate an in-person visit, it's still a great way to enrich the experience students have in your class.

Skype is a website that allows users to communicate using video and voice calls. Its basic features are free, but you can also access additional features like group video calls or SMS, either by paying as you go or by subscribing. After downloading and installing Skype, a log-in screen will appear. You can sign in using a Skype, Facebook, or Microsoft account. You can add contacts using someone's name, Skype handle, or email address.

After adding contacts, you're ready to start calling. Click on the name of the person you'd like to chat with; if there's a green light next to their name, they're already signed in and ready to receive your call. They'll answer, and you should be able to hear them as well as see them using your webcam. During your video call, you can also share screens or send files, which can be very useful in a classroom setting.

Skype is an incredible idea, and when it works, it's a world-changing free resource that's opened up communication for millions of people. But it can sometimes seem like one of those modern conveniences that's more trouble than it's worth. The program is notoriously buggy; sometimes calls get dropped for no reason, or connectivity is terrible at random times.

Because of these issues, it's difficult to predict how well a Skype session will go, but it's more likely to run smoothly if you have new, high-quality equipment. However, even at its fussiest, Skype has a great deal of potential for classroom use. Although there's nothing like face-to-face communication, Skype's video calls get close to replicating that experience.

Learning Rating

Overall Rating
Engagement

Skype can be an incredibly fun way to extend learning beyond the walls of your classroom. Although today's students may be more accustomed to digital communication, live video chats will still draw them in.

Pedagogy

Beyond bringing the outside world to your classroom, you can help students learn some of the ins and outs of video conferencing -- an important, 21st-century communication skill.

Support

Skype's FAQ is very detailed and takes the guesswork out of making a call. Skype in the Classroom, a section aimed at educators, also offers lesson plans and additional ideas for application.

Common Sense reviewer
Polly  C.
Polly C. Common Sense

Community Rating

Skype in the Classroom

I think it is a great tool to use! You do need to play with Skype first and make sure you understand how it works. There are a lot of features that it has that could be beneficial if you know how to use them. The students really enjoy Skyping with other people, but depending on the age their attention span may not be long. I would think about how long you want your Skype to be. You may need to make it on the shorter side for the younger students. Skype in the Classroom has some great resources that you can use to integrate Skype into your classroom.

Continue reading

Privacy Rating

Data Safety How safe is this product?

  • Users can interact with trusted users.
  • Users can interact with untrusted users, including strangers and/or adults.
  • Profile information must be shared for social interactions.

Data Rights What rights do I have to the data?

  • Users can create or upload content.
  • Users retain ownership of their data.
  • Processes to access or review user data are available.

Ads & Tracking Are there advertisements or tracking?

  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Traditional or contextual advertisements are displayed.
  • Personalised advertising is displayed.

Continue reading about this tool's privacy practices, including data collection, sharing, and security.

See complete evaluation

Learn more about our privacy ratings