Utilizing Skype in Student Ministries

early computer

Last year I was an interim Freshman Bible Teacher at a local high school. Our students were reading through a book, and I thought it would be awesome to finish out the project by doing a Skype Q&A with the book’s author. The classroom has a smart board in it (which is basically a 6-foot iPad on the wall). That never panned out, but my dream… wouldn’t… die. Are you inspired yet? 😉

Years ago I flew in an incredible apologist to come and speak in my High School Ministry. After paying for the flight, hotel, food and honorarium it got a bit expensive. It was worth it, but it was expensive. I wanted to bring him back right away.

And then it hit me… why not Skype him in?

No flights. No meals. No time away from his family.

We have the technology available (laptop, strong internet connection, mics). SO WHY NOT?

And it’s working out. It looks like we’ll lock him in at about 1/4th the cost! He’ll have to do some prep and do two 30-minute Skype sessions, so I want to honor his time with an honorarium… but he’ll get to speak from his house, with all his resources right there in his lap, his family down the hall, while getting piped into our youth room hundreds of miles away.

Is anyone else utilizing this kind of technology in a ministry setting? It seems like such a win-win!

iPhone

iphone3g

It took a few months of convincing, but Lindsay finally approved an iPhone purchase today! She’s the financially responsible one (see my student loan balance for proof).

Stoked to have everything I need in one device.

I’ve actually never really messed with one, so I’m learning about this thing as I go.

So I have no idea what apps to add.

So far I’ve got Twitterfon, Facebook, MySpace, Twitterific, Pandora, Zippo, Midomi, and Google.

What else do I need? Let me know what you’re using out there!

I’m on Tokbox

I just set up a free account with Tokbox.

Tokbox allows you to set up free video chats with other Tokbox users- all you need is a webcam (and maybe some headphones). Lindsay will use it to keep in touch with her sister in Ohio, and I’m sure I’ll find a few reasons to jump on there too. I’ve seen quite a few bloggers/pastors using it to connect face-to-face.

CLICK HERE and check it out.