Skype is a new conferencing tool that allows users to talk to one another either by video, traditional calling, or instant messaging.
It allows for more than two people to be in a conference at a time, provided video is not being used.
Skype allows for fast and instant communication with either one person or a group of people by maintaining a list of contacts.
Advantages of the tools.
Allows for quick face-to-face communication.
Maintains contact list for the user.
Includes traditional instant messaging chat.
Enables the user to utilize video chat or a simple phone conference.
Does not charge for communication between computers.
Has many features useful for video chats. (Screen sharing, arrows, etc.)
It is easy to find contacts either by first name, email, or nick name.
Efficiency
Enable face-to-face communication limiting misunderstandings.
It is instant communication.
A teacher can communicate with more than one student at a time through a conference call.
Students can type questions in, and they will be stored until you answer them.
A teacher can send out messages to students at any point.
Enhancement
Enhances communication between student and teacher.
Enhances communication between students.
Enables international communication. (Students can talk with people from any continent).
Students can conference call eachother and review assignments or work.
Effectiveness
The communication aspect is real-time and instant.
Skype can be used for both personal use and professional.
Students can share ideas or thoughts using the comment box, or send longer assignments through the messaging system.
Skype needs a reasoning to use it, otherwise it will be ineffective.
Disadvantages (limitations) of the tool
1. There is a nominal fee if you want to make a land line or mobile call
2. With so many new users to the Skype network, freezing and dropped calls may occur
3. There is no limit on how many accounts you can make, making it hard to identify others
4. There is no official way to contact customer service
5. Skype can not currently update user billing information
Application of the tool in your subject area
Skype can be a useful and interesting new tool for visual communication in the classroom. The teacher could establish a contact through an educators network in an interesting learning environment like a museum, laboratory, a historical site, or any environment relevant to the lesson. The teacher could set up a video call to that expert and have the students prepare questions for that person. The teacher would be the facilitator and provide guidance for the conversation but the students would conduct and lead the conversation. For example, a curator in a museum could show students art or historical artifacts that the students would not have been able to experience without Skype.
Communication Tool:
Group Members: Emily Hinojosa and James WagerScreenshot or logo
Brief introduction of the tool
Advantages of the tools.
1. There is a nominal fee if you want to make a land line or mobile callDisadvantages (limitations) of the tool
2. With so many new users to the Skype network, freezing and dropped calls may occur
3. There is no limit on how many accounts you can make, making it hard to identify others
4. There is no official way to contact customer service
5. Skype can not currently update user billing information
Application of the tool in your subject area
Skype can be a useful and interesting new tool for visual communication in the classroom. The teacher could establish a contact through an educators network in an interesting learning environment like a museum, laboratory, a historical site, or any environment relevant to the lesson. The teacher could set up a video call to that expert and have the students prepare questions for that person. The teacher would be the facilitator and provide guidance for the conversation but the students would conduct and lead the conversation. For example, a curator in a museum could show students art or historical artifacts that the students would not have been able to experience without Skype.Find a tutorial video on YouTube
Useful Resources
http://www.skype.com/help/guides/- A guide detailing all of the different features you can access on skype.http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/2005/08/04/whatisSkype.html?page=2- An article detailing exactly what skype is and how it can help you with easy communication.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodMDs7rEEk- An additional video showing a step by step use of skype.