7-C-2 Reach out and Skype someone.
I have not had the opportunity to Skype anyone in this class yet, but I am game if anyone wants to try it. In a previous class, I used Skype a few times to collaborate with classmates. There was still the problem of getting everyone together at the right time. Once we did find a suitable time, there were a few technological issues. It was a time saver because we were able to discuss our project in a few minutes rather than through email. I liked the idea of Skype, but I don’t use it in my personal life.
As for using Skype in the classroom, I think it would help in online classes. For our group projects, it would make communication more rich and easier than waiting to read everyone’s posts.
I read about the idea of using penpals, or epals, in the Skype forum. I think this would be good in theory, but I can’t imagine regulating the conversations of so many students!
I also came across English as a Second Language classes in Skype forums, as Skype can be translated in many languages.
Online tutoring would be a more effective with Skype because students would not have to worry about typing responses. We all know how students’ keyboarding skills can be.
I also found a blog that had teachers in the UK posting ideas on howthey use Skype.
Skype is more interactive than podcasting and other forms of communication, and therefore fits with connectivism.
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Good ideas. I find a lot of potential in Skype as well, but I am not sure if we really have the infrastructure and bandwidth to make video over IP really a powerful learning tool. My previous times using this kind of tool (it was not Skype) the video and audio had some issues, so the conversation was difficult to understand. But it was an effective timesaver to coordinate a project with a group.
I recently heard about some community colleges offering courses through Second Life. Similar idea to Skype except that you see one another’s avitar and not video of the real person.
Posted April 18, 2008, 3:32 pmSherry,
Posted April 19, 2008, 5:07 amI can see the use of Skype can help internet class discussions to be richer. But going along with what you said, “It’s good in theory”, this would take the appeal of internet class. I like and I need the freedom to participate on on-line discussion at any time of the day.
Sherry,
Posted April 19, 2008, 5:09 amI can see the use of Skype can help internet class discussions to be richer. But going along with what you said, “It’s good in theory”, this would take the appeal of internet class. I like and I need the freedom to participate on on-line discussion at any time of the day.
I agree that one of the best educational uses would be in online courses. My ex-husband teaches in a library school and they have a number of satellite campuses. He has been using video conferencing for a few years now so that his students can participate in his classes. Now that Skype is free and so easy, I would imagine that this technology will open up a whole new way of teaching and learning! As I have used instant messaging in my online classes, often in my pajamas, I have mixed feelings about the webcam part!
Posted April 19, 2008, 1:57 pmI’m intrigued by your ideas about tutoring and discussion for online projects. I’m going to suggest this to our distance education person and the Angel guru on campus. I wonder how one could monitor Skype conversations for teaching foreign languages. All food for thought. Thanks.
Best,
Joan
Posted April 19, 2008, 9:11 pm