Tool #9: Sharing Information through Jing and Skype

I have witnessed professors in college and grad school utilize programs where they use technology to explain specific lessons without having to actually be in front of the classroom. I have even been assigned homework where I would have to listen to the professor explain something as I viewed a close up of them explaining the lesson hands on with paper and pencil and even step by step from the computer screen. I have always thought that to be such a cool and convenient way to teach. Being introduced to Jing is so needed for both teachers and students and is such an innovative way to get students excited about participating and learning. I would use Jing in the classroom to have students read stories aloud on the computer in order for both them and the teacher to monitor reading skills such as fluency and the use of strategies when breaking words apart. As other teachers who have already fell in love with Jing and like to refer to it as a verb, I would definitely find myself doing the same, asking students to 'Jing' a story or even a math problem for others to view and comprehend. Having Screencast allows students to share feedback with projects that they have created and it is a home to store all videos, images and pictures. Any projects created with Jing, Photostory, or downloaded videos can be stored with Sreencast and aimed for others to view and discuss. This is a great collaboration tool for projects in and out of the classroom.
Skype is a great way for quick and easy collaboration and communication. It provides a variety of ways to communicate with anyone and is the closest thing to being face to face. Skype can be used for team meetings, parent conferences, and even student conferences in discussing so many different educational ideas and concerns. Students can communicate with other students from different cultures across the world without being limited to just reading about the culture. They now have the opportunity to rid of the old fashion pen-pal style of communicating with foreign students but can communicate with them live. I love that it is free and can be used on devices such as your mobile phone, computer, and even the T.V. With Skype, lack of communication should be a thing of the past. I think kids will definitely enjoy the video calling and it would motivate a system of open communication amongst teachers and students.