2017 Skypeathon (MIE)
In this episode of the Microsoft Innovative Educators: Spotlight Series Podcast, we take a look at this years Hack the Classroom event with California educator Tammy Dunbar and learn how you can prepare your students for the 2017 Skype-a-Thon from Paul Watkins and Gina Ruffcorn.. \xa0This year, classrooms from across the world will be connecting to each other through millions of miles of Skype video calls to celebrate this year's theme \u201cOpen Hearts, Open Minds\u201d on November 28-29. There are several ways that you can participate in this years Skype-a-thon. \xa0\xa0To register your class, please visit www.Skypeathon.com. \xa0During the event, the world will be following the Twitter hashtag #Skypeathon to share their experiences. \xa0We hope you and your students join us as the world unites for a fantastic global activity. In this episode, we discuss 4 ways that your classroom can participate in this years Skype-a-Thon: \xa0 Virtual Speakers \xa0 By using Skype, you can bring in experts from all industries to speak with your students. \xa0This is a great way for classrooms of all subjects and grade levels to have authentic learning experiences with industry leaders and professionals. Click for more information. \xa0 Mystery Skype \xa0 A Mystery Skype is an opportunity for your students to connect with students from around the world. \xa0By playing a game, similar to \u201c20 Questions\u201d students ask yes or no questions to find the location of their guests. \xa0This is a great way to bring in critical thinking and collaboration skills into your classroom. For more information: www.mysteryskype.com \xa0 Virtual Field Trips \xa0 One of the best ways to bring the world into your classroom is by connecting with museums from around the world through Virtual Field Trips. \xa0Click for more information. Follow our Podcast iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/MIEAudio YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/MIEVideo Show Notes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/MIESpotlight The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast Follow our Host Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury About our Guests Tammy Dunbar Tammy Brecht Dunbar, M.Ed., S.T.E.M., is a 5th grade teacher in Manteca (CA) Unified (USA) and a pre-service technology instructor at Teachers College of San Joaquin. Tammy believes the most important 21st Century tool in any classroom is the attitude of the teacher. \u201cTeachers need to be comfortable tackling the challenges of using technology in front of their students and modeling how to overcome obstacles,\u201d says Tammy. Tammy agrees with Bill Goodwyn, CEO of Discovery Education: \u201cThe motherboard and the memory chip will never replace the passion and inspiration of a real-life teacher. Technology doesn\u2019t teach. Teachers teach.\u201d Paul Watkins Paul Watkins is a teacher at Microsoft Showcase School Ysgol Bae Baglan (pronounced Us-gol Bi Bag-lan) in Port Talbot, Wales. An IT/Computing teacher of 12 years, Paul is currently the acting leader of digital learning where he focuses on staff development, innovative teaching and digital competency. He is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, MIE Master Trainer, Microsoft Certified Educator and a Skype Master Teacher. Paul also sits on the Welsh Government\u2019s National Digital Learning Council Twitter: @Lanny_Watkins Gina Ruffcorn131 Gina Ruffcorn is a Skype in the Classroom Guide, Skype Master Teacher Founding Member, Skype Master Teacher Mentor, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and GoNoodle Event Squad Member. She has also have been honored with ambassadorships from GoNoodle, SpellingCity and PenPal Schools. She has a Bachelors Degree from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake Iowa and a Masters degree in literacy and 21st century technologies from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. She teaches in a 5th grade self-contained classroom at West Harrison Community School in Mondamin, Iowa. \xa0She\u2019s also the Technology Integrationist for her school district. \xa0 Twitter: @gruffcorn13 Classroom Twitter: \xa0@MsRsfunkyfives Join the Conversation Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on our live chat, on social media, and in our comments section. \xa0 This weeks question is: Question: How will your classroom be participating in this years Skype-a-Thon? Please share your stories in the comments section below. Explore these Resources In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: Skypeathon.com Microsoft EDU on Twitter Follow #Skypeathon on Twitter Visit Microsoft Education today! Microsoft Education Blog: Tammy Dunbar Tech Tip of the Week Did you know that Social Media can be more than just a place to show off what you had for lunch today? \xa0If you would like to learn more about how to be innovative in your classroom, join us each month for the Microsoft TweetMeets every first and third Tuesday of the month. Join our PLN Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week. Let\u2019s Work Together Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury Email: info@teachercast.net Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes Check Out More TeacherCast Programming TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp) TeacherCast App Spotlight (http://www.teachercast.net/appspotlight) Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today) The TechEducator Podcast (http://www.techeducatorpodcast.com) Ask The Tech Coach (http://www.AskTheTechCoach.com) View LIVE Professional Development from TeacherCast Join us LIVE every Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST: http://www.TeacherCast.tv Need a Presenter? Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!