Real world video-calling case studies, and tips

Image by jeff gerhard via FlickrNana Johnson, who was quoted in that fascinating New York Times article from a few days ago, has now published some wonderful follow-up advice for Video Calls with Grandparents and Grandchildren.

In conducting an informal survey among her fellow teachers she learned that...

•  Many of them use it to stay in touch with their parents, siblings, and friends. They all tell me it is easy to use, even for their parents! 
• Mike W., math teacher age 28, actually uses it to check on his grandparents. It gives him ease of mind that he’s able to see his grandparents are in good spirits or sometimes discovers something may be bothering them from his observations during their video call.
• Jonathan S, Programming and Web Development teacher age 33, says his wife who is from Columbia uses it to visit with her mother and brother. They are able to ”visit” with Jonathan’s two little girls often. If it weren’t for Skype, they wouldn’t see them more than once a year.  They do miss the hugs and kisses, but they are grateful for the opportunities to visit often using video calls.
• Val G, uses Skype to visit with her 6 siblings that live in various parts of the world, including Ireland. Her brother and his family arrived for Thanksgiving with their daughter. Val and her niece didn’t have those awkward, get to know you moments because they had been video calling regularly.

And that's not all. Make sure to read the rest of Nana's post which offers some wonderful suggestions for Video Call Fun Activities like playing long distance Copy Cat and Simon Says.