We had our first Skype video conference with students in New Zealand. Four Australian students interviewed four students in New Zealand about being leaders in their schools. The Aussie students are using the interviews as part of our school’s weekly radio show. We recorded the audio of the conference and captured the video. Seeing the students face to face makes such a difference to the interpersonal connections you form.
I learnt a lot in this first “official” Skype Conference so here is a list of things I would change for next time:
- I was relying on the wireless network but according to my techie if I had of used a Ethernet cable the bandwidth would have been better and the sound more reliable
- We had four students interview four students – for such a formal interview as the one the students had scripted for the radio show this was awkward. Next time I would only have two at a time so that the students can all fit on the screen and generate more of a personal conversation.
- We wrote the script and shared it with the New Zealand students on Google Docs. This worked beautifully. All parties had access to the script and last minute changes but we didn’t have time for our NZ students to script in any answers to our questions. Next time we would collaborate more on the writing.
This is only the beginning of our relationship with New Zealand and just the first of many Skype conferences. It is a fantastic way to flatten the classroom walls and connect students to their peers all over the world. If you would like to connect with us please let me know. 
