Connecting Classrooms

Last week, a colleague and I hosted an afterschool session on Read Around the Planet and other collaborative opportunities.  We were joined by teachers from two districts, specifically literacy coaches, ELA teachers and a librarian.  What a powerful group of minds - as a result, we are going to attempt a regional collaboration of classrooms for the Spring. 

In the meantime, I thought I would share these resources that we have been using to connect classrooms via video-conferencing.

• Skype in Schools: I have been using Skype for a while now and I know that many districts are concerned with access but it has been a powerful connector.  In addition to this site, which gives ideas on integrating Skype, be sure to check out this resource to have authors Skype into the classroom.

• TWICE: A Michigan based site for video-conferencing, it offers many opportunities for educators to connect and use video-conferencing technology to connect and collaborate.  Most of these connections require use of a polycom (which for the readers in my WNY region usually also means participating in Distance Learning through BOCES)  Consider signing up and searching for collaboration ideas.

• Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC): A personal favorite because of the wealth of resources and variety of connection options (including Skype) - create an account and have topics for collaboration come to you or post your own.

Happy connecting!