Skype: How to connect no matter where you are
Skype is a video conferencing tool,which combines video and audio along with screen sharing to communicate across the globe. This tool allows for you to not only chat in real time and be seen, but also allows you to share information.
Skype has few main features, making it simple, but also capable for use in the office. The video feature allows for you to see your conferees, enhancing communication. Screen sharing is the other feature that takes Skype beyond regular video chat. Through the screen sharing function, you view media on the other person’s computer. This can allow for collaboration between chatters on documents, however this feature is limited. There is no way for both conferences to edit media and it cannot be edited in real time, a significant set back.
Skype can be a great tool to connect students who are learning across the globe. A great application could have been used for the cross education between U Albany and students abroad this semester. This would allow for students to communicate more effectively across the globe. It can also be used for students traveling abroad to communicate back to their home school, talking with students about their experiences as they are happening.
Skype is a great tool to keep in contact with people and brings video conferencing to a new level with screen sharing. Although this is a useful tool, it does have limits. Therefore, I searched to see if there was another tool that would be more useful and interactive for remote meetings and conferences. Here’s what I found.
Some may compare it to other video chatting devices such as Skype or Facetime, however this tool actually moves beyond these simple video chats to allow for true virtual collaboration. Media can be annotated, edited and shared in real time, making instant connections in real time.
Main Features
Unity has several features that make it a unique research and teaching tool, including:
- Video – video conferencing allows you to see those you are talking to and can allow 25+ participants to join the conference.
- Audio – audio feed lets you communicate to others in real time.
- Screen sharing – screens can be shared to show rich media and interact with it (see below).
- Chat – A chat option allows you to instantmessage those in the conference anonymously, increasing communication.
- Notes – a note function allows you and others to type notes during a session that c
an easily be saved reviewed later (see screen shot left).
- File Transfer – files can be easily transferred to your computer and are automatically saved to your computer, allowing for faster collaboration (downloads can be completed and reviewed before a session takes place) and review of the documents after the session with completed edits.
- Editing Function – allows for all media, video, text, photos, etc. to be edited in real time by all participants and saved as a final document for later use.
- Moderation of Sessions – Each session has a moderator that controls who can edit what and when, controlling interactions but also limiting distractions.
I was able to learn this tool fairly quickly, having been born in the technological era. Older generations who do not use Skype or other video conferencing tools may need a quick tutorial to get them started. Media sharing is very easy with the drag and drop option, allowing you to simply drag files from your desktop and drop them into the viewing area where all participants can see and interact with it.
Classroom Application
Although Unity is still being tested, it has many applications. For the classroom, this tool makes learning more student centered. Students interact with media directly. In addition, teachers can view, moderate and assess student work in a rapid assessment form. Unity is currently being tested at SUNY Potsdam. In the Biology lab, students are using cameras to document what they view in the microscope using Unity and can share it instantly with classmates. This instant feedback can help students determine if they have their microscope set-up correctly, if they are viewing an organism correctly and can gain instant help from other students on how to improve their microscope use. In addition, students can take screen shots of their work, saving it for later. Drawing the organism is no longer needed as live shots of organisms are taken.
To read more about how this application is used, visit the Solar Digital website.
Is this tool worth learning?
I think that Unity is definitely a tool of the future that is worth learning. It has really taken video conferencing and brought it to a whole new level. Being able to interact so instantly allows for meaningful learning and collaboration. Products are easily created for review including notes, screen shots, annotation of videos, photos and text documents. Therefore, learning this tool can open up a whole realm of possibilities for classroom use to get students interacting with media and technology as well as provide rapid assessment to students, improving their learning and teaching in the classroom.
A lot of people use Skype and this is not something I would think of to be brought into the classroom. You do a good job of explaining how it could be. I have never personally skyped with anyone, I just never took the time to figure it out. It seems like the way our technology is advancing it will be used more in the school and work environment.
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