SKYPE ME!Learning to use Skype

So what is Skype?

Skype is free service that allows you to connect with people through voice or video calls all over the world. Skype also provides very affordable rates for calling land lines and cell phones all over the world directly from your computer.

Voice over IP what?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks.

Its free – Traditional landlines incur a charge for local usage and additional charges for long distance. Since the internet is not charged on a location basis then voice transmission cannot be charged in a similar manner.

So what? How can I use Skype?

TeachersSkype can allow teachers to collaborate with

schools across the globe for free. Teachers and their students can use Skype to video conference with other classrooms and through screen sharing; collaborate directly on each computer’s desktop revealing a myriad of education opportunities.

So what? How can I use Skype?

ParentsParents can use Skype to communicate with

sojourning teens as well as the child away at college face to face without having to waste gas or using a calling card.

So what? How can I use Skype?

CoachesWith the new NCAA rule preventing coaches

from visiting campuses during spring evaluation period, Skype has already proven an effective way to circumnavigate the distance between coach and potential athlete allowing for interactive face to face time from the comfort of each respective school.

So what? How can I use Skype?

AdministratorsSkype is the perfect medium for business

collaboration. Now with screen sharing and video conferencing, staff and administrators can conference, collaborate, and create relevant solutions without having to deal with the hassle of scheduling conflicts and long drawn out e-mail chains.

Alright I’m sold. How do I start?

It couldn’t be easier to start Skyping. Your tablets already come equipped with everything you need. For your desktop computers however you only need the following:A webcam – For video conferencing.A USB microphone – You only need this if

you don’t have a webcam and you don’t want to video conference.

Great! Now how do I turn it on?

Simply go to the Skype homepage and download the latest version of Skype. It’s easy. All you have to do is follow the on screen prompts, but here are some specifics.

Great! Now how do I turn it on?

Click on the Install Latest Skype button on the homepage.

Select where to install skype and if you are using firefox click the options button in the bottom left corner and select install firefox plugin.

Create a user name and password.

Great! Now how do I turn it on?

Skype will then ask you to configure your microphone and camera.

There will be tests for audio and video that Skype walks you through step by step.

When Skype opens a test call will be waiting to verify that your camera, microphone, and speakers work.

Now you are ready to start Skyping!