Hi there,
When I first heard about Skype I was skeptical. Free, really? Nothing is free, not even a free lunch, according to Economics 2010! Plus, do I really need to download another program to my laptop? Given that I am not the most technologically-advanced mother on the block the less adventurous I am with my laptop the better we all (especially my IT hubby) like it!
And then a girlfriend told me she uses Skype all the time. Her hubby travels a lot and Skype is one way their children can see their dad in real time. I saw Skype in action and while at first I thought the image was a little creepy it got me thinking...
What it is: Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. The technology has also become popular for its additional features which include instant messaging, file transfer, and video conferencing. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a nominal fee using a debit-based user account system.
In the classroom: I would use Skype to network with other instructors who use the technology, to connect students with experts in the subject being studied and as a presentation tool. I envision Skype being useful for distance education students who are visual learners. Instructors could demonstrate in real time while the student watches, takes notes and learns by seeing and doing.
Advantages:
• Connect students who are learning similar and related content.
• Allow students to see what other students are presenting.
• Give students who are absent a chance to participate.
• Allow teams of students to meet virtually.
• Become the teacher as facilitator.
Limitations:
• Connectivity may be limited in some communities.
• There may be cases of low audio quality.
• There may be cases of low visual quality
Try it:
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home
Reference: Marotta. M. (2010). Technology Professional Development Wiki. Skype in Education. Retrieved from: http://technologypd.pbworks.com/Skype-in-Education
When I first heard about Skype I was skeptical. Free, really? Nothing is free, not even a free lunch, according to Economics 2010! Plus, do I really need to download another program to my laptop? Given that I am not the most technologically-advanced mother on the block the less adventurous I am with my laptop the better we all (especially my IT hubby) like it!
And then a girlfriend told me she uses Skype all the time. Her hubby travels a lot and Skype is one way their children can see their dad in real time. I saw Skype in action and while at first I thought the image was a little creepy it got me thinking...
What it is: Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. The technology has also become popular for its additional features which include instant messaging, file transfer, and video conferencing. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a nominal fee using a debit-based user account system.
In the classroom: I would use Skype to network with other instructors who use the technology, to connect students with experts in the subject being studied and as a presentation tool. I envision Skype being useful for distance education students who are visual learners. Instructors could demonstrate in real time while the student watches, takes notes and learns by seeing and doing.
Advantages:
• Connect students who are learning similar and related content.
• Allow students to see what other students are presenting.
• Give students who are absent a chance to participate.
• Allow teams of students to meet virtually.
• Become the teacher as facilitator.
Limitations:
• Connectivity may be limited in some communities.
• There may be cases of low audio quality.
• There may be cases of low visual quality
Try it:
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home
Reference: Marotta. M. (2010). Technology Professional Development Wiki. Skype in Education. Retrieved from: http://technologypd.pbworks.com/Skype-in-Education
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