got skype?. connect with skype! oh, if i’d only had skype…

Got Skype

?

Connect With Skype!

Oh, if I’d only had Skype…

Getting Startedhttp://skype.com

Download Skype

Skype Download Steps

Adding Contacts

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Prior to Beginning Call1

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Test Call

You will then see this screen & hear a request to record your voice for testing sound. After you say something, do NOT click End Call. Wait about 20 sec. to hear playback.

Video Check

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The video snapshot will display next to your name.

Start a Call

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To end call, you will be able to click on a red “End Call” button.

Skype Features

• Very user friendly• Skype to Skype calls 24/7• Video calls• Group chats (up to 150 people!)• Great HELP resources• Just for fun- add video to your

greeting http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/hello/

Obstacles

• Time Zones• School schedules• Blocked in some schools• Finding subject experts who use

Skype• Lack of online registries

Ideas for Skype• Interview author or field expert• Cultural exchanges• Skype class while on maternity leave• Connect with ill student at home• Student away on family trip• Debate practice• Reader’s theater• Foreign language practice/application• Teacher to teacher• Professional development• Group meetings• Aiding the disabled

Retiring Soon?

Do’s and Don’ts (Learned the Hard Way)

• Confirm arrangements with receiving party one or two days prior to call

• Discuss topic, sub-topics to cover• Close with or without questions? (prepare extras just in case)• Determine which party will place call• Add party as a contact and do a test call• Adjust video viewing area and microphone prior

to call• Have students in place prior to making call• Prepare students for 2-3 second delays and

possible blurry reception when conversing• HAVE FUN!

Resources

• http://skype.com • http://skypeinschools.pbwiki.com/• Logitech webcams

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/webcams/&cl=us,en

• http://annickpress.blogspot.com/2008/08/skype-tutorials-for-teachers-authors.html

• http://skype.com/prices/#free• Skype blog: http://share.skype.com/sites/en/• Camtasia:

http://www.techsmith.com/download/camtasiatrial.asp