Using Skype for English teaching and learning

Using Skype for English teaching and learning

Anyone else than me waiting for them to get on with it and invent the teleport? (I always did wonder who 'them' were, by the way...) Wouldn't it be great if you could just take your class of 24 pupils, stand in that little lit circle and instantly be transferred to any English speaking country of your choice? That would certainly put the whole matter of communicative English teaching in a completely different light... But until then, we will simply have to content ourselves with whatever technology is out there - and there is actually quite a lot out there today. Software like Skype allows you to have a conversation with your best friend in New Zealand, just as easily as if you were sitting in the same room. This means that your class of ESL learners may quite easily have the opportunity to interact with native English speakers in another country. Because what makes them learn to communicate in English is when they are actually put in a situation where they need to communicate in English.

So what is Skype and how can I get it?

Skype is a widely spread communications software with audio and text chat functions as well as video/web cam facilities. It also allows you to share screens and send/receive files. Skype can also be used to make calls to landline and mobile telephones worldwide. You download the basic version for free via www.skype.com and it works on both PC (Windows and Linux) and Mac computers. If you get the Premium version (which is not for free), you are able to include more participants in video calls and group screen sharing. To be able to use the audio and video functions, you will need a headset or mic/speakers and a web cam (as well as any software needed to make these facilities work).

How can I as a teacher use Skype - and why?

There are several reasons and ways for teachers to use Skype - both in and out of the classroom. You may 'meet' with other ESL teachers and exchange ideas, inspire each other and discuss issues or news within the field. Through this type of network you may come in contact with other teachers who might be interested in a cultural or language exchange between the pupils in your respective classes or schools (more about this in the next section). Further, you are able to communicate with absent pupils (due to illness or perhaps vacation). This might be handy if a pupil is absent for a longer period of time, e.g. in order to go through a task, answer some questions, show something visual (which cannot be done over the phone) or simply see how he/she is going (in case of illness). The same goes for parents; if, for some reason, you wish to have a chat with the parents of a pupil and they are unable to come to the school to see you 'in real life', you are able to have a video conversation with them on Skype.

How can my pupils use Skype - and how would it improve their English skills?

Online video call programs like Skype provide you with the opportunity to set up sessions with native English speakers (or indeed other ESL learners from other countries, if you wish) in your ESL classroom in Sweden. A video call session with native English speakers would give your ESL pupils 'real' opportunities to practice their speaking/listening/communicative skills in English with proficient speakers. 'Communicative skills' is heavily emphasised in the new English syllabus (Lgr11), but it might also be difficult to teach in a 'non-authentic' environment such a classroom in Sweden, with a Swedish speaking teacher and Swedish speaking pupils. Therefore, it is important to organise situations where the pupils actually need to communicate using English. When engaged in conversation with someone, the speaker immediately receives feedback from the interlocutor on whether his/her production is understandable or not ('negotiation of meaning'). This type of spontaneous and immediate feedback does not occur when, for instance, corresponding via letters or emails (and this does not practice oral language skills). The more the pupils get to participate in conversations in English (with proficient speakers) the more likely it seems that they will develop fluency in English speech. Outside the classroom, the pupils may use Skype in order to discuss group assignments or help each other with the studies - or, as mentioned above, to talk to their teacher.

Is there anything I should consider before and when using Skype?

It might be wise to check your connection before even considering using Skype at your school computer facilities. If there are a lot of computers on the same internet network and the speed in no more than 2 mb/s, you are likely to get issues with the connection. Also, make sure to check whether you are in fact allowed to use Skype on your school computers - and what you are allowed, and not allowed, to use it for. The next thing goes without saying if you are an experienced teacher: When using Skype in class, make sure to plan your sessions carefully together with your pupils so that everyone is clear about why you are using it and how everyone can contribute in order to gain all the benefits from it. Finally, Skype might not always be the ideal software to use for all types of group conferences or conversations. There are a lot of other software out there that might be better to use in some situations. Keep your eyes and ears open, because more and more programs are coming along as we speak...