Educators around the world will participate in Microsoft’s annual two-day Skype-a-Thon, where thousands of students will attempt to travel three million virtual miles. Starting on November 29 and going through November 30, the event connects classrooms in over 47 countries to showcase how technology can be used to enhance the learning experience and promote global citizenship.
Some of the magical moments last year included an inspiring performance on a sitar, an Irish step dance, and an exotic visit by wallabies and blue-tongued lizards. Here’s a lookback at all the highlights:
For this year’s global Skype-a-Thon, educators can choose from thousands of activities including speaking with an expert guest speaker on a topic their class is studying.
Skype in the Classroom also offers virtual field trips that spark imagination, from learning about sea turtles to exploring cultural perspectives in Western American art – and nearly everything in between. Educators can choose to take their class on a virtual trip anywhere across the world, even to Antarctica!
They can also connect with classrooms in other countries with Mystery Skype, a global guessing game that teaches kids geography, promotes cultural understanding and broadens perspectives.
Skype-a-Thon this year will again see Anthony Salcito, vice president of Worldwide Education attempt a marathon call event, where he will connect with classrooms across the world back-to-back for 48 hours.
Here are some interesting lessons from educators across the world that you can sign up for:
1. Singing and Skype: Travel around the world by the language of music with a sing-a-long to simple folk or children songs representing your culture.
2. Exploring with an explorer! :Hear about exciting tales of expeditions and adventures from a “real life explorer”, who will introduce geography concepts such as climate change, navigation and wildlife.
3. Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting: Classrooms can match up with a journalist or Pulitzer Center expert to discuss reporting tips as well as how they capture objective stories through interviews, research, writing, photography, film and other technology.
Follow us at Skypeathon.com throughout the event and on Twitter via #skypeathon to see all the action throughout the 48 hours.
