I came in contact via Facebook with a teacher from Indonesia who regularly has teachers and students from around the world Skyping into her classroom.
I didn't think much more about it until one day she contacted me via Facebook chat asking me whether I would be happy to talk to her class in a couple of hours time via Skype. I was very happy to do this and conversation between myself and the students went well.
We've been in contact since via Facebook which is how I have these photos.
However I did reflect on how a good interaction should go. Here are my Ten Tips
1. If the class you are speaking with do not have English as their first language learn a few basic words in their language, e.g hello, good bye, good morning, good afternoon, please and thank you. If you know some phrases even better. [ You may even be a competent speaker of their language, which would be fantastic.!]
2 Find out the purpose of the virtual class. Is it for conversational English practice? If so, speak coherently, clearly and fluently, so the students can understand. Avoid colloquialisms unless you want to explain them. If the purpose is for cultural information use the "Same, Same But Different model". That is, discuss differences in the light of commonalities.
3. Be aware of the time difference between them and you. This is important if you want to have synchronous collaboration. You might was this useful. http://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
4. Expect technical glitches. Communication across the world can often have drop outs.
5. Test your equipment before the session starts- Internet connection, headset & microphone.
6. Know the contact details of the teacher you are contacting, e.g Skype address. Make sure they know yours.
7. Have a couple of means of communication open with the teacher in case one drops out, i.e. If the Skype link drops out, have email or FaceBook Chat open so you can let the other teacher know what is happening.
8. Have some topics in you head that you can talk to the students about, i.e prepare like it is a face to face classroom visit. The more global the better. I was asked about sport and trying to explain cricket [ even though Australia was playing India in a Test Series at the time] was impossible. However, English Premier League was a different matter. Although, when I answered that Chelsea was my favourite team, the class burst into laughter. I think I'll answer Liverpool or Manchester United, if asked that question again!
9. Expect to have fun and be prepared to do something out of the box. In my hook up with that class I was asked about my favourite music which is Jazz. I was then asked to sing a Jazz song. I thought maybe that "One for my baby … and one for the road" was not all that appropriate, as is my singing voice. But I did sing the Australian folksong "Waltzing Matilda" and then have to explain its meaning.
10. Listen to the students' questions, they are great. Answer thoughtfully, they will be very appreciative.
I thoroughly recommend trying linking up with a class in another country. It was a great experience. Even better do the activity with you and your students. I couldn't do that as it is summer break in Australia, but maybe next time.
