Skype

Skype:

As you may all be aware Skype is an application that can be downloaded onto ones PC, MAC, Smartphone  Tablet, etc. Using Skype one can make phone calls to other Skype users, land lines or mobile phones over the internet. But not only can one call using Skype it is also possible to use a webcam to view the person you are talking to in live. Most features on Skype are free and only a few need to be purchased. For these reasons Skype has become incredibly popular all around the world. Skype is a very powerful yet simple to use application and as the internet gets faster more and more features are added to it.

         Recently there have been many discussions on how teachers can use Skype to teach many students wherever they may be as long as they all have an internet connection. Let us discuss a few important points in order to come to a conclusion.

1. Is your own computer reliable, and is the internet reliable where you live? Same goes for your student, of course. I have had no problems with technology, I must say, except for just after Christmas when there was a major Skype outage for a couple of days. Still, that's just one of those things. I don't think you should rely on Skype teaching for your income, however, as things can and do go wrong.

2.One must need to be a lot more organised when teaching with Skype. One must also need email in advance the material you intend to use. If one where to set homework one must do so very soon after the lesson in order to give the student time to complete it before the next lesson. One must have everything within easy reach during the lesson, so you do not have to leave your seat as you can't continue the lesson if you are at the other side of the room searching for things.

These are a few of the things we need to think about when we discuss the possibility of using Skype to teach.
Let me know what else you think needs to be discussed and thought about when it comes to teaching over Skype.