I have used Skype and "things like Skype" with my students for various purposes. There was one year my partner and I created what we called, "FUTURE FRIDAYS". We would have, many of who were people we knew, come in and talk about their occupations with our students. It was 1-2 Fridays a month, during our social studies block. We alternated between college-based careers and community college/trade careers.
One month we Skyped with my partner's father who is a coach at a college in California. IT WAS SO AWESOME! That was my first experience with video chatting back around 2007 or 2008.
Since then, our school librarian and tech specialist are ALWAYS finding awesome video chat opportunities for the students to participate in. Almost every year I have my students participate in "READ AROUND THE PLANET". In this, each participating class creates a presentation and shares it with another and then time is allotted at the end for Q&A either on the presentation or the students who are video chatting. I've had the opportunity to share with school in the MidWest, across Houston, and my last pair up was unsuccessful but they were in Canada! The students love it!
On a personal note, I use Skype to video chat with friends and family in other states, as well as, friends overseas. I even used Google Hangout to make final edits to my last group presentation.
Some difficulties I find, especially in the educational setting, are connectivity issues. Particularly with speed, buffering, and audio. Scheduling chats across time zones can be a little difficult to when tied to a bell-to-bell schedule.
Overall, I LOVE video chatting and all the wonderful ways it allows me, my students and experiences to connect.
p.s. I just had Skyped with Kate Jeter! We all have to help each other! Thanks Kate!
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