Skype is a great tool to use for communicating with others online via a video conference. Because it is so easy to use and well-known, it has become extremely popular and has even been considered for use in the classroom. But just like everything else, there are pros and cons to using Skype in the classroom. It is safe to say that enough people know how to use Skype, so there would not have to be much of a support team to keep Skype running during class, should something go wrong with it. In addition to usability, it is pretty easy to setup, and Skype accounts are free. So, schools would not have any costs associated with using Skype, outside of equipment costs.
However, Skype is not all that practical in a classroom setting, if the school does not have the right equipment. One cannot just flip a computer screen around, which has a camera attached to it, and expect a classroom of students to easily communicate with the teacher. Most screens are too small, and even with a projector, there is only one microphone attached to the computer, which is only good for a few feet from the computer. Additionally, it is not necessary to use Skype unless the teacher is a reasonable distance from the classroom. Otherwise, using Skype would just create unnecessary communication difficulties.
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I agree that Skype is easy to use and access from a variety of locations. However, it is difficult for the professor to control the classroom discussion and watch his or her students without actually being in the room with them. While Skype makes communication across distances easier, it is not the same as teaching in person.
ReplyDeleteOne good point is that Skype is indeed free, making the debate not one of budget but rather of practicality. However, it is hard to use efficiently and is truly a different experience than having a teacher in the classroom. The only practical reason to use the program to teach would have to be out of convenience if the teacher is unable to be in the classroom.
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