We’ve been trying out a new way to move our staff forward with adoption of new technologies that they can apply to learning. We’ve called it ‘Maximise your Mondays’ and run a session for 45mins at the end of a school day. It’s been running for only a few weeks and we haven’t had big turn ups but it’s not going to stop us making a go of shifting our school. Last week Skype was the topic for discussion. Four staff came along and all were surprised at how easy it was to use. Over the weekend I was contacted by two of them who were trying things out; one of them was using a webcam and had already been in contact with people in the U.S.A and South Africa.
I’ve just been reading about how Skype is launching an unlimited international calling plan (PC to landlines)- this is going to excite some of these people. One of them has family in New Zealand and friends in other countries – some of whom don’t have internet access. The fact that she will be able to ring them from her PC to their landline for $12.95 a month will still save her a considerable amount of money. If you want to make calls in from your PC to landlines in Australia only it’s $5.95. Looking at my phone bill, it could be a smart way to go for me too!!
Lucacept - intercepting the Web 
I’m beginning to think I’m getting confused. You have Maximise Your Mondays and then who has Walk-in Wednesdays. Excellent work all of you — these activities will start to make a difference. What worked well for me was always have some food and let it be known there is food (doesn’t have to be much — it’s just a hook).
Hi Sue,
Anne and Jess have Walk- in Wednesdays! Anything that might move people along is worth trying. We do supply food – chocky bikkies – but I have to admit I forgot them at tonight’s session!
Hi Jenny,
It’s amazing what a drawcard Skype is when people first start using it. As you say, the simplicity of it really surprises people and they then develop the confidence and interest in trying out other tools.
I find that iGoogle has a similar effect, although it’s not nearly as functional socially.
Hi Jenny,
I love Skype, think it is a great tool. It is so easy to connect to others and I have found it to be a great classroom tool. We are able to connect our classrooms for conversations, something that in the past has not been possible for free! This coming week I have 4th grade students who will be interviewed by an elementary school in the midwest a great opportunity for children to see the uses of the tools in education.