Skype: Authentic Language Practice

Details

Activity Description

In this activity, students communicate with a sister class for authentic language practice.

Preparation

1. Be sure the site is not blocked at your school.
2. Get a Skype account and create a profile.
3. Download Skype on the computer you will be using.
4. Visit the Teachers link to connect with other teachers using Skype and/or collaborate with another teacher at your school.
5. Have students write questions and practice their questions before communicating via Skype.
6. Review vocabulary and grammar required for answering questions asked by students in the sister class.

How-To

1. Connect to Skype at the appropriate time to meet with the other class or expert.
2. Have students ask their questions while online with the other class.

Teacher Tips

• Watch the videos on the Skype in the Classroom Web site to familiarize yourself with Skype. (These videos come from YouTube so they may be blocked at your school.)
• Before using Skype in the ESL classroom, be sure to test that everything works. When working with another class, be sure to decide on a time you will meet online and who will initiate contact. Also, have students prepare and practice their questions in advance and review vocabulary and grammar necessary for answering questions.

Program Areas

• ESL: English as a Second Language

Levels

• Beginning Literacy
• Beginning Low
• Beginning High
• Intermediate Low
• Intermediate High
• Advanced
• All Levels

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