Introduction to Skype

Today, I used Skype in my 5th grade classroom for the very first time.
I've only started using Skype very recently to talk to friends and family around the world. I'm impressed with how easy it is; sometimes technology is more trouble than it's worth! Especially as a teacher, time and efficiency are considerations.
Nicole, our awesome tech specialist, installed a webcam on my classroom computer and I downloaded Skype for free (www.Skype.com/download). You can upload your address book to find contacts (others who have Skype accounts) or search for them seperately.
My grandparents live in Switzerland, so they were the class' first call. 5 students had questions ready for them.
It was so fun and so exciting for the kids, I can't wait to try again. I went online and found this website: http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/ . Numbers 41 on are especially interesting. I've found a site where students can connect for free with authors, and I'm investigating other classrooms to meet with. Right now I don't have a major objective in talking to other classrooms besides helping students understand that there's a whole world out there to explore. Later, I can see talking about and discussing subjects they are studying in common.
Afterwards, the students had to write in their journals about the experience. One of my favorites, from Izzy: "Early this morning I got to meet my teacher Ms. King's grandparents. It was so the best morning ever because we got to talk in the computer and we were on camera like on T.V. Another good thing was we got to talk to somebody from a whole different continent. We asked 5 questions and they answered all of them. They showed us outside and it was icy out there. Now I have an idea of what Switzerland looks like. I hope we get to do it again another time."