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Mystery Skype calls connect your classroom to the world

By: Katrina Keene
This article discussed how schools now have the opportunity to connect to classrooms across the
world which in the past was not possible. The article made mention of Skype Classroom which is
free and allow teachers access to other educators who want link up with other classrooms.
Educators can search by lesson, subject, age group or by teacher (Keene, 2015). This
immediately made me think of one of my technology growth goals of helping teachers integrate
technology into their classrooms. I am going to give the teachers a survey that will focus on
using technology in the classroom. The survey will also ask about the different types of
technology or social media they use in the classroom. The results of the survey will be used to
create a professional development plan which is part of the ISTE standard 3a for administrators.
The results for the survey will also be used to determine who the skilled personnel are with using
technology, determine if teachers need professional development focused on how to integrate
technology in the classroom, and determine if teachers need the professional development on
using certain digital tools and resources.
As part of role as an instructional coach and according to ISTE standard 2d for coaches I am
responsible for coaching and modeling how teachers can implement technology enhanced
experiences in their classrooms. These technology enhanced experiences should emphasize
creativity and higher order thinking skills. Based on the article, one way I can do this is by
modeling for teachers the use of Mystery Skypes. Mystery Skypes allows for teachers to connect
and share ideas with other classrooms. Every student in the classroom is engaged by searching
for clues as they try to solve a mystery (Keene, 2015).
According to Keene, Mystery Skype is an educational game, invented by teachers, played by
two classrooms on Skype. Students have to guess the location of the other classroom by asking
each other questions (Keene, 2015). Using Mystery Skype in the classroom will help to build on
students higher order thinking skills because students will have to ask questions. Its the teachers
role to help the student come up with a variety of questions at different levels. One way I would
way model this technology tool for teachers is by having them practice using Mystery Skype
with each other. They would be divided by content area or grade level and would have to create a
variety of questions using the different levels of Blooms Taxonomy. They would then ask each
other their questions to get a hands one experience the questions can be used to figure out the
location of the other classroom.
Finally using Mystery Skype would be great for my school since we are a social justice school
and one of our learner expectations which we integrate into the curriculum is focused on being a
diversity and being a collaborator. This technology resource aligns with the Essential Condition
of Curriculum Framework as well as the curriculum at my school. Mystery Skype is not only
suitable for all age groups but it can be used to teach subjects like geography, history, languages,
mathematics, and science. Teachers can also connect with classrooms not only in other states but
also in other countries. This will allow for communication and collaboration as well as allow
students to develop a cultural understanding and global awareness when speaking with other
cultures which is part of ISTE standard 2a for students.

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Works Cited
Keene, K. (2015, June 16). Mystery Skype calls connect your classroom to the world.
Retrieved from eSchoolNews :
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/06/16/myster-sykpe-calls-307/2/