Skype is a Web 2.0 tool that can be downloaded for free to computers with Windows, Mac, or

Linux operating systems. This software application allows individuals to participate in video chats and

internet calls around the world. They can connect through one or two way audio and video feeds or

through instant messaging between Skype users. This program also works with many different

mobile devices (such as cell phones and iPads), allowing individuals to use it whenever or

wherever they want. Such technology can be used to connect individuals around the world through direct

communication channels. Thus Skype creates an effective means of collaboration between

students, enabling them to work together to complete class projects and assignments. In

addition, as students video chat about collaborative projects, they can simultaneously send

multiple files to group members. This feature allows students to collectively revise and modify

rough drafts, resulting in a finished product. Using this Web 2.0 tool, the group of students can

effectively complete an assignment without ever meeting face-to-face.

Creating an Account:

1. Follow the link provided: http://www.skype.com/en/

2. You will then see the following page:

3. Now click “join us” in the top right hand corner.

4. Next, click the “Create an account” tab that is highlighted in blue.

5. Fill out the required information in the boxes below.

6. Next, select “I agree-- Continue” to specify that you have read the terms and conditions.

7. You will then see the following page:

8. Finally, press Download Skype for Windows.

To make add to your contact list:

1. Go to your start key at the bottom left-hand corner of your screen and select “Skype.”

2. Then select “contacts.”

3. At the bottom, left of the screen click the following icon: 4. Then fill in the following information:

5. Next, click “Add” to send a contact request.6. Or you can find contacts through Facebook.7. Simply click: Search address book.

8. Then type in your Facebook username and password into the boxes below.

9. Then Skype will provide a list of your friends on Facebook who have Skype Accounts.10. Click the names of individuals that you would like to send a contact request.11. To do this, simply click “Add” beside each name.12. Your request has been sent.

To send an Instant Message: 1. Log onto Skype.2. Select a contact from the contact list.3. Then, begin typing your message in the text box provided at the bottom of the screen.

To make a video call:

1. Sign in to Skype.

2. Make sure your microphone is working properly, by clicking the following icon:

3. The check your microphone volume, speakers, and webcam quality as shown below.

4. Then select a contact from your contact list that you would like to call. 5. Next, scroll to the top of your screen to the “call” tab.6. Select “video call” from the drop-down menu.

7. Skype will then call the selected contact as shown below.

8. To end your video call, click the “end call” icon. 9. During your video call, you can:

Mute the microphone Turn the video on/off or switch between the front and rear cameras (if your phone

is equipped with a front camera)

Send and receive instant messages

https://education.skype.com/

To send files to a contact:

1. Simply drag and drop a file to a selected contact in your contact list (on the left hand side of screen).

2. Or you a chat with others and send each individual the same file. To do this, click “Conversation” tab at the top of the screen.

3. Then select “Send” from the drop down box provided.

4. Next, tap “Files” and select the "Send File to All Participants" button. Your files have been sent.

Using Skype in the Classroom:

1. Follow the link provided: https://education.skype.com/

2. You will then see the following page:

3. After choosing your subject you will be taken to a page consisting of many options,

which will look like this:

4. Even after creating a Skype account, you will still be asked to create a profile as a “Skype

in the Classroom” user on the following page after you sign in:

5. After you fill out the requested information above, you are then eligible to browse the

Skype lessons that are available in any given subject of your choice.

6. Provided below is an example of a result you will find after choosing a subject and a

lesson that is appealing to you and your class:

7. From there you simply register for the lesson (which will let the owner of the lesson

know that you want your class to participate) and your part is done. It’s that simple!

The Pros and Cons of Skype in the Classroom:

When discussing the pros and cons of using Skype in the classroom for educational

purposes, it seems that there are several pros and hardly any mentioned cons due to the way

today’s generation has been raised. You just cannot get past the fact that these children have

been handling technology since their earliest days, which could be why some children are able

to learn more quickly and easily using technology. Internet connectivity in educational settings

provides opportunities for interactive exchange and collaboration between students living on

the other side of town or the other side of the planet. These real‐time discussions using free

software like “Skype” can expand the walls of the traditional classroom and engage students to

write, share, and communicate with an authentic audience that would have typically been

inaccessible. Educators interested in helping motivate students to develop both traditional as

well as 21st Century literary skills in the classroom should also use audio conferencing

technologies like Skype to involve their students in collaborative exchanges with global

partners.

Skype doesn’t just help inside the classroom; it is also very beneficial when the students

and/or the teacher are not in the classroom. A teacher can set-up a conference call for his/her

entire class if the school isn’t open so that the students can receive new information (given in

spoken detail) if needed. This is also where it can become very useful for parent/teacher

communication. A Skype conference call can be arranged if a parent is unable attend

parent/teacher conferences, or if a busy parent is simply in need of new or continuous

information on their child. This also leads to the ability of a student to receive after school

tutoring at home from their teacher, which is great one-on-one time for a student in need. So,

you see, Skype can help our children to expand their minds to the many possibilities that the

educational world has to offer.