Skype as a teaching Tool

I have been using Skype for several years now as a teaching tool. I
tutor English to people in other countries who wish to learn spoken
English. Skype started out in Europe and then Asia before it hit the US
in a big way. I use the video sparingly as it tends to drop the
connection due to bandwidth issues.

Currently I am tutoring a High School in Indonesia with the
blessing of the school administration and going live into the classroom
of these students. In Indonesia they are very excited to talk with an
American and of course are very proud that our President Obama went to
school in their country. The area where I am teaching is in Central
Java in the coastal city of PEKALONGAN Indonesia. As fate would have it
I am the first native speaker of English anyone in this area had ever
talked with. As a result what has happened in this school is very
exciting. Students are clamoring to learn English, teachers are
excited, parents excited and the whole school administration is
clamoring for me to talk with 17 other classes each with upwards of 40
students.

No one has a computer at home and all this must be done at the school
during school hours. I am overwhelmed by the excitement this has caused
and am something of a celebrity in this town. Due to time differences
there is a 12 hour time gap so their days are my nights. I am talking
to them from 10 pm to midnight here in the central time zone where I
live near Memphis TN. This is by far the most uplifting and exciting
experience I have ever had especially when you see how the technology
has been used to excite students to learn.

Skype is a wonderful tool if used in the right way. I have seen these
students via the Video and they are hearing my voice in their classroom
some 10,000 miles away. What I need now is some help. Skype users who
will donate an hour or two of their time to just talk with these
students. The only requirement is your ability to speak your native
English language.

Skype is emerging technology and is not perfect. But it's free. I
applaud Oprah for for getting involved and helping to spread the word.
I am interested in using technology for the good. What I am doing here
in Indonesia is a good thing.

It would thrill the school there to be on the Oprah show via Skype. I
am so thrilled to be involved in helping this group. If you would like
more info skype me.

Thanks

jbwarnken