Challenge #9 - Skype

Free. Calls. Anywhere. (Internet calls, that is.)

Skype can make staying in touch with friends, family members, or colleagues more enjoyable and more affordable. Skype allows you to talk, IM, or video conference...for free. Families with members serving in the armed forces overseas have probably already heard of Skype and are using it on a regular basis. Not only does Skype allow you to place a call to another Skype member (for free), but if you have a web camera, you can also see the person you're talking to! And did I mention it's FREE?!

Skype Explained Visually



To use Skype, you'll need to download the application from their website. You'll also need to tell your family and friends to do the same. Simply search for friends who are registered with Skype, and add them to your contact list. You don't have to buy a fancy microphone, as most computers come with a built-in mic. If you're computer has a built in web cam, great! If not, there are some fairly inexpensive ones out there, and adding one will allow you to add video to your conversation.

Example: While my husband and I were on vacation, we left the kids with the grandparents. We hooked the grandparents up with a Skype account, and were able to visit with our kids face-to-face on our laptop while sipping pina coladas by the pool (us -- not the kids.) We not only heard each other's voices, but saw each other's faces, showed off the shells we found, and identified Kool-Aid mustaches via Skype. Pretty handy. And pretty priceless. (Well, FREE.)

Our Challenge to You:

• Download Skype here. Click on the green download box to do so. Install per instructions.
  
• Access Skype in your Applications folder. Accept the user terms.
• Create an account.
• Search people by entering their names in the prompt box at the top, and clicking "Search for Skype Name." Or from the menu bar across the top, choose Contacts > Search for People on Skype.
• If you find the correct person, add him/her as a contact.
• Click on a person in your contacts list to IM them or call them.
• "Call" someone! If you don't know where to start, call others doing the challenges. NOTE: The person you're calling has to be logged in to Skype, so set it up ahead of time. (You can set Skype to open at login so that you're always logged in for calls.)
• If you both have web cams, click on the little blue video icon to see yourself and the person you're talking to.
  

Points of Discussion for Your Blog:

• Frau D uses Skype in her classes (projected on the big screen) to speak with native German-speaking people across the globe. How could YOU use Skype in the classroom?
• Will Skype change your personal communication methods at all?
• Was this challenge difficult for you? If so, what were the road blocks?

Take It a Step Farther: (Optional)

• Skype allows you to group chat or place conference calls, so you can communicate with multiple Sype friends at one time.
• Try sending a file. Click on and upload the file to send.
• You can also share your screen by clicking on the share button .
• For a fee you can also place calls from your computer to a land line or mobile phone.