Skype is a WONDERFUL tool
I have used SKYPE in my on ground classes to talk to friends I have in Australia and the United Kingdom. They had discussions with my students about the socialized medicine challenges and what they thought American medicine was like.
I found this to be a terrific tool for further discussion. I realize that for Skype conferencing money is needed. But for individual tutoring and problem solving I love it!!
Has anyone else used it with success stories?
Kenneth,
I love Adobe Connect. It has "saved me" many a time in the online environment. I also let students us Adobe Connect to meet in groups and do oral presentations. It works great.
Kenneth,
Skype, Adobe Connect, and other software that allow for a simulated F2F environment is excellent. You can use them for synchronous discussions with students or guest speaker as well (as you noted). AND, if you can record the guest speakers, do and then they become learning objects you can use over and over again. Thanks!
Amos,
In using both Adobe Connect and Skype, both are usable tools but from a cost perspective Adobe Connect works best for students because no additional costs. Functionally, the technology varies.
Kenneth
As a supplemental learning guide, I have used Skype as an additional tool in working with my brick and mortar students. The real-time “face-to-face†contact provides a wonderful opportunity to help students who need just a little extra help. You can also use whiteboard plug-ins for Skype though up to now I haven’t felt the need to bring my classroom into Skype. For a small cost, video conferencing can be added to a Skype account. My future plans include using Skype to bring in guest speakers, speaking to online students as well.
Kenneth Terrell
Amos,
I too use Adobe Connect for everything it seems like and love it. I do online office hours, synchronous meetings, recorded tutorials, etc. I also use it for student presentations, so it is quite comprehensive.
Ben,
we currently use Adobe Connect for our courses. I have used Skype for personal and some professional communications, which do you prefer the most and seem to get the best results from?
Erin,
I have had varying experiences with online office hours. I have found it many times depends on the students and how they want to communicate. Thanks for your input.
I hold my office hours via Skype. Students seem to be wary to do face-to-face web conferencing with me, but the chat function in Skype is great. The only annoying thing is having to become contacts before you can chat. I wish our LMS had a better chat function, one similar to Facebook, where you can easily see who is online and then just click them to instantly chat.
It seems as if my students are embarrassed to contact me directly and much prefer more passive forms of communication, like email. Skype is great, though!
Patricia,
What a good option. There are always exceptions that you can make and this is a good one. Thanks for sharing.
I've used Skype to give an oral exam to a student who wasn't doing well with written exams. She knew the material but was second guessing the multiple choice questions too much. I wouldn't advertise this option, but it is good for students that may have a particular challenge with written exams.
I especially like that I confirmed her identity through the webcam feature, and once we were through the introductions we turned the webcams off to eliminate the sound delay you get with webcam.
Sue,
Yes, it's good to try using the technology in different environments. Keep trying new things. Thanks!
We've used Skype to develop online content, but it would be interesting to use it in the classroom. It's certainly something to look into!
Ben,
Skype, Adobe Connect, and other software that allow you to connect with the students are awesome. When we can make the students feel like the individual they are and not a number out there some place in space, the learning is improved. Thanks!
I have never used Skype for my classes, but what I great idea! It is probably the next best thing to in-seat classes.
Alice,
SKYPE has been used very effectively in the online environment. I haven't personally used it that often as we have Adobe Connect and can hold virtual office hours and see our students, etc. Good question though.
Love success stories.
