Last week we had a great time sharing and learning about Mystery Calls or Mystery Skype as it is more commonly known. If you are not already familiar with Mystery Skype, it is when two schools connect via video conferencing software (Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Blackboard Collaborate) and ask each other questions trying to determine the location of the other class. In addition to being great for map and geography skills and developing higher order thinking skills and 21st century communication and collaboration abilities, Mystery Calls are SO MUCH FUN!
If you missed our live session, we hope you take the time to listen to the recording. We start off with our usual review of Blackboard Collaborate, the goals of TLP-C and how to post a comment in this blog (ACPS teachers: remember that we ask that you post at least 3 comments on the blog at some point throughout the year). If you just want to get to the stuff about Mystery Calls, skip ahead to minute 12.
Recording of TLP-C Mystery Calls February 20th
We started off talking about logistics. You’ll need access to video conferencing software of some kind (Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Blackboard Collaborate), a computer with Internet access, speakers, microphone and a webcam. It is especially nice to have a LCD projector so kids can see the other class well. In addition, you will want access to student computers or tablets, atlases or write-on maps, and paper to record questions and answers.
We also discussed how to organize your class for the call. Most classes assign roles to different students like Mapper, Communicator, Logical Reasoner and Question Keeper. This link gives a description for each role (good for printing out so students can have their role right in front of them). If possible, organizing a practice call will really prepare your students well. It will also let them learn their roles better. Also, try to establish the procedure with the other class so that you both agree about Yes/No questions and if more than one guess is allowed.
There are many great sites and blog posts out there with more ideas about how to conduct a Mystery Skype/Call so definitely check these out below. Twitter is also a great way to find other classes. #mysteryskype #GeoDetectives #5thchat And listen to the recording for more tips and ideas!
http://mysteryskypes1213.weebly.com/index.html
http://globalclassroom2013-14.wikispaces.com/Mystery+Location
http://mysterystate.wikispaces.com/
One of the best parts about the call was the sharing of ideas that happened in the chat. Teachers commented how they might use Mystery Calls for writing celebrations or to interview a field expert like a historian. And a few folks jumped on the mike to share their own experiences. Listen to former ACPS teacher Gretchen Malik describe her Technology Club’s Mystery Call with Alaska.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the live session. Whether you were there live or just listened to the recording, leave us a comment below about Mystery Calls. Our next TLP-C session is on Thursday, March 20th. We will be discussing the importance of Digital Citizenship and sharing some awesome resources for tackling this topic with your students.
Kyle, what a great presentation and amazing idea. Thank you for sharing with us. Mystery calls can really spark creativity and language skills as well as higher level thinking skills. I also love how it can incorporate cooperative learning and team work.
I love this idea! I think it could easily be used in any K-12 classroom. Thanks for sharing.
Kyle,
I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to use FaceTime as part of a mystery call. My class and I called a friend in French who taught us how to do our morning calendar routine in French. The students LOVED it. They were so engaged and fascinated by the idea that they could collaborate and talk with someone across the Atlantic. I used FaceTime and it was very easy and successful. While we didn’t Skype with another class, it was still a great opportunity for students to speak with a fluent French speaker and hear more about French culture. Thank you Kyle for encouraging me to try this!
I really enjoyed this presentation on mystery calls. It was helpful to hear about some of the “preteaching” that would help make communicating with others go more smoothly. I really like the idea of having students have specific roles such as communicator, or question keeper. Also to have another adult in the room to help out.