Although Skype provides a plethora of positive aspects there are many problems that can arise. Quality is an important issue; the sound and picture quality can be thrown off by differences in Internet connection by the users. Also it can only be used with computer and Internet access as well as access to a mic and camera. These are parts that many people do not own, limiting the software's effectiveness. Another disadvantage is if a teacher is running a classroom through Skype there are limitations to how much of the classroom she can see. If a student has a question or is fooling around during class the teacher often times cannot respond to these situations very quickly.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Skype or Hype
Skype has entered the world of digital communication as it acts as a software which allows calls over the Internet. Its effectiveness comes in its ability to display the person you are communicating with on screen through the use of a camera. As people become tired of constant conversation on their telephones, Skype is new and original and a breathe of fresh air. Skype is a very easy to install software that is free of charge. It also works behind many firewalls that often block such programs. It also allows country to country communication to happen much more easily and cheaper than over a phone. Discussions or lessons involving many people in a classroom setting can be conducted through the use of Skype as the instructor acts as the center of attention.
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I agree, because Skype is a new technology it is not yet dependable as a teaching tool. Too many things can go wrong, greatly inhibiting the learning process. Also the limited view of the students that the teacher has will definitely make it harder for them to keep things under control. I think maybe as time goes on, using Skype in the classroom will work, however now it is just impractical.
ReplyDeleteThe positives of Skype make it seem like such a great tool, and I believe that it is for recreational purposes, not educational. When someone wants to pay attention to the screen and whom they are talking with, it's more effective, but when students are in lecture, as we all know, even with a teacher there it can be hard to give your total attention. Looking at a screen would be even more difficult especially since there is no interaction there and the students can't really speak with the professor which would help with the attention problem.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the title it was very creative. Aside from the title, I agree with the discussion about the quality of the use. In class it can be very frustating with audio and video errors.
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