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Katrin Moeseler The Use Of Podcasting In Education

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Emerging Technology: Skype

The third blog I am writing about is dealing with the topic, "skype".
I am using skype as an every day tool, but by writing and researching it more, I though maybe I will find out some more information that I don't know yet, but which will be helpful for me in the future.
First of all, skype was developed so that people how have downloaded skype, can call each other for free. It is basically another from of a messenger that you can download for free at www.skype.com. You then install it on your computer and then you can start making calls to other people on skype. You can sent messages via skype but you can also make calls outside your skype network to any other phone in the world. In order to take full advantage of the feature you should have a web cam and a microphone. I used to get to know of skype when I moved to the U.S. Now that my family is living in Germany I can talk to them and more important while talking to them I can see them. And the best thing it does not cost anything! I think it is a great way to stay in contact with family and friends and you don't realize that you are many miles away from them.
Video conferencing is another great tool that is offered via skype. You can talk many people at the same time. I always find it kind of funny, when I call my parents and they are both in different rooms in the house using different computers and then we start a conference. Since my brother is studying in Austria we can even include the whole family and just talk to each other like we are just sitting next to each other. Beside video conferences you can also transfer files, like pictures.
But as mentioned before you can call anywhere else in the world, and usually the prices are very low. Before making a call you can check out the list of countries and the fees, so you know exactly how much you are going to pay. There are no hidden fees, which is very good since you don't have a shocking high amount in the end.
The navigation on the skype website is very user friendly and it is very easy to navigate and to install it. Also the use of skype itself and to make phone calls is extremely easy, because you you have big green button to call someone and a big red button to cancel the conversation. Since my parents are also using it and they don't usually spend a lot of time on a computer, it must be very simple and self-explaining. That way, as just mentioned this technology can be broadly used by a lot of generations.
I also heard that some people how are learning another language and in order to practice this new language they search for other people on skype from the country they are learning the language and connect with them in order to talk and chat with them to practice their language skills. This way you can save a lot of money going there, or paying for expensive lessons.
Another great thing is that you can use skype also on your ipod touch, that way if you have Internet access you can make your free calls, the same if you cellphone allows applications. That way you can download the skype application for your phone and start making calls from skype to skype for free.
Skype could also be used as a great technology for the classroom, bringing in experts that are far way but they can still contribute to the material covered in class. I also recently saw skype used on Oprah, were they had guests in the studio via skype, since they could not make into the show in person.

This is a great tutorial, if you need additional help making calls via skype.