Thing 9: Collaboration

There are many ways to utilize Skype and Padlet in the classroom/library. 

Here are some ways to use Skype in the classroom/library: 

• meet and talk with authors or illustrators
• meet with other classrooms- in the district, country, or world
• have virtual field trips
• meet with parents for a virtual conference

Here are some ways to use Padlet in the classroom/library:

• book suggestions
• professional development ideas
• book reviews
• questions about the lesson

I think that using these tools in the classroom/library will increase student learning and engagement. Some students may not like asking questions aloud during a lesson, can ask their question using Padlet. They get their question answered without the possible embarrassment of asking aloud. This tool gives students a voice that they may not feel that they have at school. Skype gives students and teachers the chance to meet author, illustrators, and people from all over the world. Many of our students do not have the opportunity to visit places outside of their neighborhoods. By using Skype, we can open the world up for our students.