Can't use Skype - anyone else have this issue?

I just got a grant for a tablet and other tech stuff to do Skype in my classroom.

Then I found out I am not allowed to use Skype at school. They said it poses too much of a security risk. It stays open on the task bar, etc. Therefore we are not allowed to use it.

Does anyone have suggestions for me? I know there are others besides Skype, but I imagine they would have the same problems.

How has your district dealt with security issues?

If not Skype, can you make suggestions for using a tablet with my 4th grade students? I realize I can do video podcast NOT in real time, but do not need a tablet for that. I need reasons to keep the tablet....

Thanks

Patti

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Permalink Reply by Matt Bury on January 22, 2012 at 12:05pm

Re: proxy servers, WiFi configurations, LAN connections, etc. There's a lot of differences between general purpose computers, i.e. desktops and laptops, and consumer electronic devices, i.e. phones, media players and tablets, which aren't meant to be PC/Mac replacements. Consumer electronics are made for "bare bones", minimal functionality and you're expected to do anything complicated by connecting them to a PC/Mac. If you want general purpose computing, use a general purpose computer.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Casal on January 22, 2012 at 3:01pm

Just ask your tech department if your network uses a proxy. Ask it just like that and if your tech department is the least bit knowledgable they'll know what you are asking for.

You can also check your PC to see if it's using a proxy. Under Internet Options look for Connections and LAN Settings. That is where you configure Windows proxy. On the Mac it's System Preferences, Network, click on your network and choose Advance and then the Proxies tab.

If your computer systems connect via a proxy you'll need a tablet that can configure proxies. Kindle/Kindle Fire and the Nook do not support that. iPad does support proxy configurations. Not sure about other Android devices...

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Permalink Reply by Patti Yohe on February 1, 2012 at 7:31pm

Ok, just got the Transformer Prime 64 GB. It seems really fast. I can't wait to use it with my class. Now I am looking for apps. I also ordered the dock and Bose speakers. Thanks to everyone for the advice.

Peke

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Permalink Reply by J Aleta Villanueva on February 4, 2012 at 8:01pm

Hi.

I'm based in the Philippines and have tried WizIQ virtual classroom over the summer to run projects with gradeschoolers. I preferred WizIQ over Skype as it has more flexibility in terms of content delivery and actual class facilitation. The vc is bandwidth dependent and its features include: mediaplayer, whiteboard, screencasting, ppt, live webstreaming and chat. The best part is, you have the option to have your live classes recorded and make it available to whomever you choose. It's a wonderful tool I equally use with college and grad level students :) WizIQ has an app for iPad. Haven't tried that cuz tablets are quite expensive for us here. Anyways, check this out: http://www.wiziq.com/ipad/

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Permalink Reply by Michael Mitchell on February 5, 2012 at 8:50am

What's the "risk", Patti? I used it in my G7 classes a couple of years ago when communicating with one of our students who went off on a six-month excursion with her family to New Zealand. We checked in with her every couple of weeks. It was terrific. The kids loved it, she still felt part of the class community, she sent work in on our blog and wiki, etc. No "security" issues. I find that a bit silly in this day and age. Now, as a VP, I've encouraged technology in whatever form available. One of our G7 classes has been Skyping quite regularly this year. The future is now.

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Permalink Reply by Matt Bury on February 5, 2012 at 1:44pm

Hi Michael,

The EU, Canada, some states in the US, among other countries, and a variety of education boards are developing policies that will impact strongly on the use and abuse of commercial social networking services.

If organisations build educational strategies and frameworks on systems and services without doing their homework, they risk being legislated out of existence: https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=DC-PR008%282012%29&Language...