Skype
From LIS 460 Summer 2007
Skype is similar to an instant messaging service such as AIM, however it uses voice to voice communication instead of typing. Skype was developed in the spring of 2003 and was purchased by the eBay company in 2005. Skype has become one of the fastest growing methods of online communication - growing from 1,000,000 users in 2004 to currently over 9 million users (Jaanus. Nine million online. Skype Blogs. Retrieved on 2007-07-24).
Skype allows users to call each other via the internet and have a conversation with up to 5 people on one call. The service is entirely free for making Skype calls from computer to computer, and Skype also offers a low rate for making phone calls from computer to cell phone or land lines, long distance or local. However, Skype charges a per-minute fee as opposed to the growing trend of phone companies that offer a flat rate fee for local and long distance calling. In this aspect, Skype may be more expensive than using a phone service, however it is ideal for keeping in touch abroad or at long distances so long as both users connect via the internet. Users can make unlimited calls for an unlimited amount of time.
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How to use Skype
Users have to download the Skype software onto their computer and register for a unique user name. Once users have estabished Skype accounts, they can search for other users on Skype. All a user needs is a microphone and speakers on their computer to conduct a Skype call. However, users can opt to use a headset to prevent sound feedback, and Skype also has a webcam feature where the users can communicate visually as well through a webcam. Skype users can conference call by selecting up 4 other users to call at one time.
Conversations on Skype can be recorded using software such as Audacity or other recording software, and saved for further reference or shared among the callers.
Skype in Schools
Skype can be used in schools in many different capacities. Students can use Skype in the classroom to have a conversation with students all over the world. Instead of having a pen pal, they can have a Skype pal! Students can use Skype to supplement language learning by speaking with students that speak other languages, or it can be used as a cultural learning tool. Students can speak to students across the country or across the world, learning about different cultures through people who live there.
Students can also use Skype to communicate with classmates outside of class. Students can be working on a project together while talking on Skype. This allows students to communicate while collaborating. Because you can use other computer applications while talking on Skype, users can be working on their computer while talking with group members. This works better than instant messaging for communicating while working on a project because an instant messanger box requires the user to type out their communication, and thus stops whatever it is the user is also working on at the same time. Skype would be ideal for group projects because there can be up to 5 people included on on Skype call.
Skype also could be used by students to conduct phone interviews for projects or podcasts for the classroom. The librarian could arrange to have students interview authors or experts on topics they are researching to aide research. Students can record the conversations and incorporate either the conversation into a presentation or use the conversation to supplement research in a project.
Teachers can use Skype to communicate with other teachers outside of school, to collaborate on ideas or for professional development. Librarians can Skype with other librarians in different schools to discuss new developments in technology and how they are incorporating the use in their libraries. Because Skype is as easy to use as making a phone call, even teachers who have a resistance to using technology can incorporate this into their classroom environment. Teachers need to be educated on how Skype can be used in the classroom because despite Skype'uss high user rate, most teachers haven't heard of Skype, let alone know how to use it in their classroom.
Why use Skype rather than instant messaging
- Skype allows users to talk while doing other work on the computer, instant messaging requires users to stop what they are doing to respond to the IM.
- Communcation happens in real time, rather than waiting for typed responses
- Closest form of internet communcation to face-to-face communication, especially with a webcam.
- Instant messaging loses meaning due to lack of intonation and inflection, where Skype reflects the users true meaning through intonation and inflection.
