Microsoft has just sent out an invite to educators around the world to participate in their Skype-a-Thon, an event aimed at connecting classrooms around the world and showcasing how technology can be used to enhance the learning experience.
Participating classrooms can register on the Skype-a-Thon or Microsoft Education website and schedule a Skype activity such as Mystery Skype (which randomly calls another classroom located anywhere in the world), Talk with a Guest Speaker (to video-chat with a special educator or guest speaker on a variety of topics), or Virtual Field Trip (which allows classrooms to view a live broadcast of an event or presentation).
As a special incentive to participate, 10 classrooms will be featured in a Global Skype-a-Thon highlights video and the program appears to be completely free.
Microsoft has a history of using educational programs to promote its Skype service and recently featured it on an episode of ABC’s Born to Explore which involved a real classroom going on a virtual field trip to an archaeological dig.
