Virtual Author Visits

Nothing beats an in-person visit with an actual author, but if your school budget has been slashed or if you just want Alan to work with one class then a virtual visit might be the best option for you. With free software from Skype, a webcam and microphone, and a computer that connects to the Internet and displays on a large screen, we can beam Alan's image into your classroom for a live chat with your students. 

What is Skype?

Visit http://www.skype.com/ for all the details and to download the free software. In a nutshell, Skype allows us to turn our computers into videophones so we can chat "face-to-face"--just like the Jetsons! The software is free and the signal goes over the Internet, so it doesn't tie up a phone line and doesn't cost anything. 

What do I need?
A computer with a webcam and microphone. Most laptops have this built in nowadays, but if yours doesn't have one you can buy a webcam/microphone that connects to any computer with a USB.

An Internet connection (preferably high speed).

Free Skype software installed on your computer.

And it's not necessary, but if you can connect your computer so that it projects onto a large screen, it makes the chat more accessible to a full classroom of kids. 

How do I get Skype on my computer?
Go to http://www.skype.com/ and click where it says "download." Choose Mac or Windows. Follow all the prompts to install the software on your computer. Easy peasy. 

How do I know it will work?
We'll set up a time to test the transmission before the day of your scheduled chat to make sure everything is running smoothly. Alan will also call in a little bit early for your chat to make sure that you have a good connection. 

How do we run the visit?
Alan prefers to take advantage of the interactive nature of the technology by running these visits as informal question and answer sessions--no prepared talk. It's best if the students have read one of his books before the chat and come prepared to ask questions. Students can come up to the webcam (so Alan can see them) one at a time to ask their question, and everyone can see and hear his response on the larger screen. It saves a little time if you can determine the order kids will go in before the chat, so we don't lose time choosing kids and having them come up to the computer. 

Want to see it in action?
Click here to see a video of Alan meeting via Skype with a class in Japan. 

Cost
$100 for a class period. 

Contact
E-mail Alan or Alan's assistant Archie to discuss an author visit. 

View Alan's upcoming events calendar
Read a Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators guide to preparing for an author visit (PDF)