Skype's Classroom revolution: grassroots to global
Skype asked us to help them create a marketing microsite to 'hero' pioneer teachers who were using the service to create novel learning experiences the brand had never imagined.
Made by Many responded with a service idea: why not create a platform to make it easier for these future-facing teachers to meet, collaborate and generally do what they were already doing - but more, and better?!
From directory to platform
Over the next 7 years, Skype in the Classroom grew from being a simple directory for a handful of pioneering teachers into an almighty network of millions of teachers, students and parents in more than 200 countries and territories, with a platform of services making finding virtual field trips and guest speakers easier for time-poor teachers.
Pioneering teachers as advocates
Early adopters became passionate ambassadors, prompting behaviour change in other teachers & helping us to reach a mainstream audience of millions. Pioneers empowered newcomers & helped us reach scale.
Mystery Skype: a gateway to engagement
A popular guessing game, "Mystery Skype," helped introduce new teachers & classrooms to the platform. Its success even featured in this Super Bowl ad below.
Data-driven decisions
As the service grew, data insights guided further development. Made by Many ran the project internally, allowing for rapid iterations and continuous improvement.
An emergent service platform
Made by Many created and ran the internal product team for Skype for the next 7 years, as we made many thousands of iterations, new tools & features for teachers, partners, students & parents to enjoy.
SITC’s legacy endures
In 2015, the service transitioned to Microsoft, becoming a core part of Microsoft in Education and reaching altogether new scale.
Project Impact
200
Countries and territories
200
Countries and territories
Made by Many took us on a magical journey, inspired by the way teachers were hacking Skype to connect their classrooms. Together we grew it into an everyday learning tool that's become a million times more successful than we could possibly have imagined, and became the ultimate manifestation of Skype's soul.
Gary Bramall
Global Senior Brand Director at Microsoft
Made by Many took us on a magical journey, inspired by the way teachers were hacking Skype to connect their classrooms. Together we grew it into an everyday learning tool that's become a million times more successful than we could possibly have imagined, and became the ultimate manifestation of Skype's soul.
Gary Bramall
Global Senior Brand Director at Microsoft
