Skype Video Calling Technology for Classrooms

Communications software company Skype has announced an initiative to provide U.S. teachers the technology resources they need to enable learning experiences that transcend the physical boundaries of the classroom.

Through a new partnership with DonorsChoose.org, Skype will donate $250,000 to teachers requesting technology materials to enable Skype video calling in their classrooms. Many teachers have requested materials such as laptops, netbooks, and webcams to help them connect with other classrooms, experts and teachers through video calling, says Skype.

This partnership is the latest initiative from Skype to reach its goal of connecting one million classrooms across the globe through Skype in the classroom, a free online community that helps teachers use Skype to enrich educational experiences for students.

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“We realize that to achieve our goal of connecting one million classrooms across the globe, we need to partner with like-minded organizations that serve teachers,” said Tony Bates, president of the Skype Division at Microsoft,

“The partnership with DonorsChoose.org is a natural fit because, much like Skype, DonorsChoose.org uses an innovative model to help make a meaningful difference for thousands of teachers and students.”

Starting Wednesday, March 21, Skype will give a $25 USD DonorsChoose.org Gift Card to each new teacher who registers for Skype in the classroom. The teacher can then apply the value of the gift card to any classroom project at DonorsChoose.org or one they create themselves, if an eligible U.S. public schoolteacher.

Go to DonorsChoose.org and look for “Double Your Impact” projects that have the Skype logo and make a donation. Skype will then provide a 50% match on these projects.

Skype in the classroom is a free global community that invites teachers to use Skype to connect their students with other students from around the world to collaborate on classroom projects, as well as share ideas and inspiration around specific teaching needs.

For more information on this partnership or to register for Skype in the classroom, you can visit http://education.skype.com or http://www.donorschoose.org.

Photo courtesy: Skype