Journal 8

The 1,000-Mile Microphone Cable
By Glen Bull

Connecting classrooms through a program called Skype with a $20 microphone can connect computers from all over the world. The SkypeOut program will allow a computer to connect to any phone within the United States and Canada for only $30 and the calls are unlimited for an entire year. With Skype a person can set up a conference call with up to 10 people if need be. If a teacher wants, the class can have an over the phone interview with a person on the opposite side of the country using this technology. The MX Skype Recorder can also be used when conducting the interview so the class can record it. This can allow the class to have a reference for future work or future classes can also use this recorded resource tool. Another program in the Skype family is, StoryCorps which encourages people to record interviews of people that lived years ago. There is an example in the article of an interview done with a man born in 1905; he was 101 at the time of the interview. He was able to give a link to the past and his interview was digitally recorded and will be saved forever giving people a look into events past.

How would you use this technology in the classroom?
Well from a history prospective this technology can be highly valuable in the classroom. Being able to interview a Vietnam veteran when the class is studying about the war is an excellent tool.

Do you think that the schools should sponsor this technology?
I think they should. Maybe not for each class, but have a couple in the media center or computer lab for community use.