Skype Beta: Adds Multiple Video Connections

One of the major draw backs to Skype is that it only allows you to video chat with one user at a time, you can audio chat with multiple users, but up until now video chat was limited. Skype Beta 5.0 will allow you to connect with up to five users for a true multipoint video conference.

Broadcast in HD using Skype Beta for Windows

Skype has released their Beta for Windows only and you can now broadcast in HD. I tested it this morning and the quality is phenomenal. I was using a Logitech 9000 webcam that broadcast in 720p.

Click here to download the beta:
http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/beta/

A Webcam for Every Classroom

The paradigm shift has started. This week at ACFT elementary school each teacher received a Logitech Web cam to start making connections across the hall and around the world.

Why did we make the shift?

• Opportunity: The old system only allows specific content with specific equipment. Web cams allow the teacher to make connections that only limit their imagination to any one with an Internet connection.
• Money: Connections are not dependant on expensive carts at each end but inexpensive web cams that are available to the masses.
• Multi- Dimensional: Distance learning carts have one job. Make connections. Web cams do so much more: record movies, take pictures, record spelling list, creative avatars, send video email, make video calls, etc...

Web 2.o makes it all happen.

• Skype: The work horse behind our whole initiative. Each teacher received a Skype account with instructions on how to use Skype and its built in extras such as whiteboard to make connections more engaging.
• MeBeam: Keeping it simple. No user names no passwords create a unique room and invite your guest.
• USTREAM.TV: Broadcast your classroom live and record it for others who cannot be there. Great for after school activities and sports.
• DimDim: The most features of all the Web 2.0 sites, even has the ability to share the desktop. This is a WebEx clone if you have ever used it.

The vision is that web cams will inspire teachers to make the work more engaging by giving them authentic audience, a clear and compelling product, and novelty & variety according to Schlechty's design qualities.

Distance Learning 2.0 (How to get started)

What do you need to engage your students with collaborative partners next door or around the world? Start small think big and don't spend a lot of money.

Web 2.0 sites: See slideshow for hyperlinks

• Skype: The standard for free voip service and videos calls
• ooVoo: Multi user connectivity
• DimDim: Open Source version of WebEx. Share the desktop chat with a group. Most Functional of all applications.
• MeBeam: Easiest of all to use. You dont even need an account

Collaboration Sites: See slideshow for hyperlinks

• CILC: Colaboration site for teacher student projects
• Beyond the classroom: Ning site where you can join like minded teachers

Distance Learning 2.0

In the past Distance Learning has conjured up thoughts of expensive carts, hard to work equipment and one way content providers. This model has worked exceedingly well in the past and there will always be a place for it. However, with free Internet conferencing software such as Skype and webcams that can be purchased for less than fifty dollars the future of distance learning resides at a micro level. Teachers willing to collaborate with classrooms inside the district, state, country and world will give their students an authentic audience to make the work they do more genuine.

The two biggest obstacles to face in Micro Distance Learning are who and what. To both of these obstacles I would say start small and stick with the familiar. Do you have a fellow teacher friend that would be willing to be a risk taker and collaborate on a common topic? Send them an email with an idea and tell them to download Skype from there you can conference together by talking.

Distance Learning 2.0 Example: Two first grade classes from Houston and Ft. Worth, Texas will be using Skype and a built in extension called Whiteboard to play “pictionary” using terms they have learned in class.

Please leave a comment if you are interested in connecting with a classroom in Texas.

Skype (click to download)
Skype whiteboard extention (click to download)