To Skype or Not to Skype What Biddeford

To Skype or Not to Skype? What Biddeford Middle School needs to know in order to make the best decisions possible regarding a popular social network and student safety.

Communication As We Know It We know that in today’s world, communicating with one another can be done in ways others than face to face, picking up the phone, or writing an “old-fashion” letter to mail. Anyone with access to the world wide web can join one of the many social networks available and connect with old friends while creating new ones. Communicating with someone across the country or in another part of the world can be done literally at the “click of a button”.

What is Skype? A part of the internet world since 2003 but fairly new to most of us here at Biddeford Middle School, Skype is an application for computers that allows people communicate other than with emails through the internet.

Who uses/can use Skype? Anybody with access to the internet whether it be through a cell phone or computer, has the ability to use Skype. Both individuals and businesses use Skype for numerous reasons. At peak times, there are 20 millions Skype users online.

Where is Skype? Skype is used virtually all over the world. Skype is a leading global internet communications company based in Luxembourg, with offices in the United States, Asia, and Europe.

When can Skype be used? Skype is available to use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are on or around a computer or cell phone with the application downloaded, you can get on Skype.

How & Why is Skype used? Skype is used to instant message, share files, have voice and video calls with other Skype users. All Skype-to-Skype communication is free. Landline and mobile calls may also take place through Skype at a low cost. Skype saves many business time and money and ahead of competition. Skype helps friends and families stay contact regardless of how far apart they may be. Skype can be used as a means of education in today’s schools.

Skype in Schools: The Positives Virtual pen pals Music lessons Skyping field trips when budgets are too low to go anywhere. Learning foreign languages from natives After-school help Guest speakers Conferencing with parents Presenting performances and projects to others

An Example of a Positive John was excited to start the science weather unit with his 5 th grade class. It was an uninteresting topic for him as a 5 th grader and he knew exactly what he was going to do to make it fun for his class this year. Unfortunately, when John received his request back from the principal for a field trip to the local news station and saw it had been denied due to budget cuts, he knew he had to think outside of the box. He decided to make a phone call to the meteorologist at the news station to explain his original plan and why it couldn’t happen. The meteorologist suggested, a virtual field trip using Skype. A couple weeks later, John’s 5 th graders got their field trip, as they say in their classroom and the meteorologist and his weather station were presented to the class through Skype.

Skype in Schools: The Negatives Viruses (Skype is a free program that allows one computer to connect to another) Anyone can use it Strangers may contact others and use false information Lack of understanding the dangers of social networking by students Lack of knowledge about Skype program by staff Skyping among students in different classrooms during academic time Gateway to cyberbullying Overuse of Skype may lead to lack of use of other technology materials and resources

An Example of a Negative Kim opened her laptop in 8 th grade Social Studies, preparing to work on her Roaring 20’s project. Since the teacher seemed busy answering other questions and Kim had most of her project completed, she decided to open up Skype and see if any of her friends in other classes were online. Before she could check her contact list, an unknown named popped up and person who described themselves as a “bored 14 year old boy from California” started instant messaging her. Kim figured it was harmless and exciting to be talking to someone across the country, in school and bored, just like her. Over the next weeks, Kim shared personal information with this person, including her address and cell phone number. By the time an adult caught her on Skype talking to someone she didn’t know, this 14 year old boy from California who was really a 43 year old pedophile from New Hampshire had enough of Kim’s information to locate her.

The Essential Question Should or shouldn’t we allow Skype to be an available application and resource to our students? Some questions and points to consider: Could it only be used by teachers and other staff for education purposes and not downloaded to student laptops. How can we ensure we as a staff are appropriately educated on the application and its positive and negatives? Can we have an assembly to promote the upsides of social networking as well as make students aware of the dangers of social networking? It should be a school-wide decision. Not made by an individual teacher or team. A letter should be sent home with students regarding our decision with Skype as well as information about the program for families to help awareness.

References & Resources http: //www. skype. com http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Skype http: //www. teachingdegree. org/2009/06/30/50 -awesome-ways-to-useskype-in-the-classroom/ http: //skype-news. tmcnet. com/ http: //www. ehow. com/list_5925719_dangers-skype_. html http: //www. flinders. edu. au/isd/policies-procedures-andguidelines/acceptable-use-of-ict/use-of-skype. cfm