Videoconferencing Tools
With free videoconferencing software, you only need an internet connection, a webcam, and some type of projection screen to make videoconferencing in the classroom possible. Many schools have laptops provided in the classroom with built-in webcams, but purchasing a separate webcam that can be attached anywhere in the classroom can range from $5 to $80 depending on the desired quality. In fact, having a non-built-in webcam can have its benefits because it can be moved to different areas of the classroom and at different angles to suit the needs of the project. Be sure that there is either a microphone built in to the computer or the purchased webcam for effective voice communication. Below are some examples of free videoconferencing software, their benefits, and steps to get started.
A scenario in which videoconferencing is useful is students who are learning about another culture in the classroom. There are many fantastic textbooks and teacher resources available, but videoconferencing with someone who is a part of that culture is as enriching of an experience that can be achieved from the comfort of a classroom. There are also many museums that provide powerful cultural learning experiences for students, but these trips cost money that is seldom available for field trips, while all of the below videoconferencing tools are absolutely free.
A scenario in which videoconferencing is useful is students who are learning about another culture in the classroom. There are many fantastic textbooks and teacher resources available, but videoconferencing with someone who is a part of that culture is as enriching of an experience that can be achieved from the comfort of a classroom. There are also many museums that provide powerful cultural learning experiences for students, but these trips cost money that is seldom available for field trips, while all of the below videoconferencing tools are absolutely free.
Skype is a videoconferencing IP owned by Microsoft that offers free videochat and instant messaging between two people anywhere in the world with an internet connection. While the free version only allows videochat between two accounts at a time, premium accounts can be purchased to allow up to ten accounts in a videoconference at a time. Skype is free, available in multiple languages, easy to use, and private which makes it safe for classroom use.

Users can choose to not be listed in the directory, have a private profile, and contact requests have to be approved before communication can be made. Skype can be accessed using multiple operating systems (Windows, iOS, OSX), tablets, or smartphones for communication on the go. Skype allows endless possibilities for students to interact, collaborate, and connect with other students around the globe without having to leave the classroom. Click the Skype icon above to create a free account today!
Google Hangouts is a feature of Google Plus, a social networking site that allows online communities to connect by video conference, email, and instant messaging. Google Hangouts is very similar to Skype in that a webcam, microphone, and internet connection are required to use videochat, but is not as widely used. Some of the individual benefits of Google Plus in comparison to Skype are that no program download is required as it is through the internet, users can videoconference with up to ten other users for free, and online communities allow opportunities for classroom connections. For example, one Hangout Community is Language Practice Community where students can practice their language skills with native speakers. National Geographic Education also has a community which provides opportunities for whole group instruction while National Geographic airs live lessons on different topics. Similar to this is a brand new community known as Connected Classrooms which airs virtual field trips for viewing in the K-12 classroom. For teacher use, the Education Community is filled with educators and educational communities sharing online opportunities through Google Hangouts to "enrich the learning experience for their students".
A note about Google Plus is that elementary teachers using this site must be vigilant in monitoring student activity if using this site as individual student work. There are many privacy settings in place to protect younger users and communities that are solely dedicated to the enrichment of elementary education, but it is ultimately the teacher's responsibility to educate students on the possible hazards of social networking. Please see the resources tab for more information about student protection on the internet. Click the Google Hangouts icon above to create a Google account or use an existing account to get started right away!
StudyRoom is a site that allows up to 12 people to videochat while also being able to collaborate simultaneously on an interactive, online whiteboard. Teachers can add their classrooms onto the site and give students log in information to access the classroom. From there, the students have virtual avatars and they can choose to sit at a table with their classmates and enter a study session. They will be able to videochat while also using the whiteboard to supplement communication and collaboration.
The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration lists thousands of different schools in areas both inside and outside the United States that have videoconferencing and their contact information. This can be used to set up educational partnerships in which videoconferencing can used to enhance the educational curriculum. See the resources tab for a sample letter to send to a school to set up and educational partnership and see the lesson plans tab to view potential units that enhanced by a videoconferencing partnership.
CESA7 (Cooperative Educational Services Agency) is similar to the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration in that it provides a directory for getting in contact with other educators who are interested in setting up videoconferencing and electronic field trips. The site allows teachers to connect with experts that are willing to videochat with students and other classrooms that are interested in establishing a collaboration partnership.