The third Web 2.0 tool that I would like to share is Skype. Skype is simply a software that allows individuals to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. This software was created in 2003 and has grown in popularity ever since. Skype connects colleagues working together saving them time and money, as well as connecting friends and family regardless of where they are in the world.
Skype is a tool that I was somewhat familiar with prior to creating this blog, but wanted to become comfortable with the software because of an activity that I will be doing at school. I am currently part of a committee for our Veteran’s Day assembly that we have at our elementary school each year. In fact, I work with all of our fifth grade students in preparing three vocal pieces for this assembly. To be honest, this assembly is a huge deal to our school and community. We have hundreds of veterans attend this event and we call in a speaker to come and share. This year we are planning on having Terry Johnson, candidate for state representative for Ohio. As we sat down to prepare for this assembly, the thought came to me about possibly using Skype to connect with some active service men and women and allowing them to watch our program and giving our students a chance to get to see them live in Iraq and Afghanistan. As I continued with this, I thought it would be great to make it a surprise for one of our students to find out some family members who were overseas. With all this said, we have in place the information from one of our students about her immediate family that is in Iraq and we are in the process of working with the local recruiter in setting this up for us this year.
I have contacted our technology coordinator for the district and she has agreed on getting us Internet access in the gymnasium and setting up a Skype account for the school. Needless to say, I wanted to become a little more comfortable with this software as I prepare for this awesome opportunity.
If you are interested in using Skype, you first need to go to www.skype.com. When you arrive on the site, you should click on “Get Skype” and click for Mac. This window will allow you to download the software and will walk you through the set-up. Afterwards, you will need to create an account and sign-in. Then, you will open up your Skype window that allows you to search contacts and add individuals as friends. To me, it is very similar to the iChat window. For me, I was able to find some missionary friends of my wife and I in the Philippines and others in Radford, Virginia within seconds.
Please note that Skype to Skype calls are free, while Skype to landlines and mobiles are 1.9 cents per minute if you pay as you go or .9 cents per minute if you pay monthly.
One of the great features is that up to nine different people can communicate together in a video call allowing you to collaborate with a large group anywhere.
I will later post some pictures and share my experience with Skype during the Veteran’s Day assembly afterwards. Stay tuned…
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