While Skype is a fun and free application for video chat, it can also be used effectively in the workplace or, as we discovered on Thursday, in the classroom. Skype allowed us to communicate easily (if it weren't for technical difficulties with sound) with the teacher, despite the fact that she was in another room. If Isabel was unable to make it to class for some reason, she would be able to conduct class with her laptop and an internet connection. While it obviously wouldn't be as efficient as if she were truly present, I still think it would be the best way to direct class without actually being there. The ability to pose and answer questions, as well as read the facial expressions and body language of the students, are unique to Skype compared with other modes (e.g. via telephone).
The biggest drawback of teaching a class with Skype would be the risk of technical difficulties. While the sound issue in our class was rather minor, if the screen froze or the video cut out, then much of the benefit of Skype is lost. If the sound were to cut out completely, then it would be difficult to teach the class at all. And if the internet connection was down, then it would be impossible. The negatives of Skype are more the risk of failure rather than lack of functionality.
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I agree that technical difficulties could cause teaching through Skype to be ineffective. If it was used in a large lecture hall and the video cut out, the professor may not know what happened and valuable information would not be heard by the students. However, Skype is still a useful program because it allows people to easily communicate over long distances.
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