ARTICLE REVIEW

'How to Use Skype in ESL/EFL Classroom'

Link of the article: http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Eaton-UsingSkype.html

This article is the continuous effort of the author’s previous work based on the topic of using Skype for literacy and language learning. (Eaton, 2009a, 2010c)

A. Citation of the Article

Title   : How to Use Skype in the ESL/EFL Classroom

      Journal: The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. XVI, No. 11, November 2010                                             

    Author : Sarah Elaine Eaton, saraheaton2001@yahoo.com, http;//www.drsaraheaton.wordpress.com, University of Calgary (Calgary, Canada)

B. Summary of the Article

This article is generally promoting on the use of Skype in ESL/EFL classroom. Skype is one of the latest inventions of voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) technology which is gradually known worldwide. This article suggesting on the use of Skype in language learning by discussing on three aspects which are 1) how Skype helps teachers and tutors in practicing the use of technology in their classrooms, 2) benefits of Skype in terms of presentations and workshops and 3) Skype as the catalyst for teachers to learn more sophisticated technology based materials for language teaching and learning. Skype is one of the effective communication tools which allow teachers to practice the use of technology in the classroom. Apart from its free application, simple features of Skype facilitate teachers to use and explore more sophisticated technology in the classroom. Teachers who are not an expert in handling computers technology could easily use this application as they can update their teaching performances by enhancing technology skills. Besides, using Skype could also boost confidence for teachers when practicing the use of technology in classroom as they can steadily lower down their ‘performance anxiety’ levels. Moreover, Skype is helpful as the effective tool in language classroom as it provides interactive language learning environment (students-teacher interaction). This application enables students to interact with other students or teachers lively through video or voice call. Students also have the opportunity to communicate with other people internationally and give chances for cross cultural exchange. By using Skype, one computer can be hooked up to a large screen and projected to a group of students. This will surely makes the learning environment become more appealing for students. Excellent features that Skype offers make the learning process even more meaningful such as by using the ‘share screen’ feature, students could help other online friends in their assignment (checking mistakes, proofread, give comments, etc). In conclusion, the use of Skype in ESL/EFL classrooms gives lots of benefit for both teachers and students. It is useful in facilitating novice teacher in using more advance technology in classroom and provide greater learning environment for students.

B. Reflection

Apart from the traditional teaching method (chalk and talk), incorporating technology based material in the classroom is essential in recent days. With the advent of technology innovation, it is necessary for teachers knowing how to use technology based material in the classroom in order to fulfill various needs of students. However, the selection of the material should be varied from time to time as the world changes everyday. Students may be familiar with common computer games or power point presentation that teachers always use in the classroom. Using computer games, music video, and email is observed as common approaches nowadays. On the other hand, the use of Skype technology in classroom is considered new especially in Malaysian educational context. Therefore, the inclusion of this new approach in teaching English to ESL students is useful to help boosting students’ interest in learning as well as providing them the new learning atmosphere. Students can experience live conversation with other teacher or students which result in greater interactive and experiential learning. This will absolutely increase the process of dialogic learning by being able to discuss certain topic in real time situations. Students can connect with other people from different schools, group, or country and share ideas on the topic of interest. Thus, the use of Skype is a new way of incorporating technology in classroom apart from common approaches that being used widely such as games or email.

Reflecting on the real scenario in Malaysian school, most teachers are not preferred to incorporate technology in their teaching. Among the popular reason is because of the incompetency in handling computer technology that brings difficulty in their classroom. I personally believe that, the inclusion of technology based material in classroom is very important as to fulfill current needs. Using Skype is one way to help teachers to build technology skills so that they can explore more sophisticated technology such as creating software for students. Skype is very much convenient for beginners because it contains simple features that do not need an expert to handle it. This simplicity makes it believable for teachers to use it in the classroom besides of the various benefits it offers. As a future teacher, I believe that Skype is a good conferencing tool that can be use in the classroom. Besides, I love the feature of ‘screen sharing’ which user can share part of the screen or the entire screen to the other user. This feature is best utilized in ESL classroom when the teacher would like to apply the concept of peer mentoring among students. Students could help their friends by checking mistakes and give commentaries regarding the assigned task. Other than that, Skype also enables sharing files and chatting features which makes the learning process become more authentic and beneficial for students. I am very much agree with the notion of this article that new kind of technology based approach should be introduced in our educational system and Skype is one of the best and useful tools which brings benefits for all. The following are previews of the Skype application.