Distance learning is going international. The Community College
Times reports that Skype is the latest technology to link
American students to teachers abroad. “Each Wednesday, a few
minutes before 1 a.m., Ann Toumi opens her Skype software
account at her home in Finland to begin teaching a German
language program at a community college in Minnesota,” the
article reports. The article goes on to indicate that the
delivery method works “very well.” Assisting Toumi is “lab
assistant Darin Flansburg -- who previously taught English as a
second language in Germany -- and two German exchange students.
Several aides are also available to handle any Internet and
computer problems.” Skype has proven especially helpful in
foreign language courses. The Global Teacher blog recently sang
the praises of Skype in the classroom. The great thing about
Skype is that is can be used at any time, no matter where you’re
based. It can also be used to include a number of students, as a
type of conference call and your possible stude