Skype and Distance PD

From LiteracyTentWiki

Subject: [PD 3378] Re: Characteristics of Successful Online Learning Experiences
From: Vicki Trottier vicki.trottier at gmail.com
Date: Mon Jun 15 14:34:34 EDT 2009

Gina, my experiences using Skype for a group discussion weren't all that positive (participants were constantly dropped from the call and had to re-enter); I've also heard this from others. I'd be interested to hear if there are ways of improving the quality of Skype group calling. I think it's an awesome tool for one-to-one communcation.

Vicki Trottier
Getting Online Project

<snip>

During the last course I took – just this spring – we met online on Eluminate for a synchronous chat session. We had determined the conversation topics in advance and it went very, very well. I think that is fairly important- so that the teacher is prepared, somewhat, for the questions. It takes a very good teacher to manage the ongoing online conversation. Eluminate was all chat and some audio (no video) but I have wondered about using Skype for small group synchronous meetings with potential online students. I have used Skype frequently to talk to family in Hungary and friends who live in Florida and in the western US. As an online facilitator, I would like to make small group (no more than 3/session) visits on Skype available if there is a need for quick help since it offers audio and video and it is free.

I hope that offers a little to this part of today’s conversation.

Gina Lobaccaro

Subject: [PD 3379] Re: Characteristics of Successful Online Learning Experiences
From: Lobaccaro Gina (DOC) Gina.Lobaccaro at state.de.us
Date: Mon Jun 15 14:57:07 EDT 2009

Thanks for the feedback Vicki. I was actually including myself as one of the three in the group.... So I was thinking small group. Perhaps I should do some practicing with some friends online before I try to do it as a (VERY) small group activity... but I will keep it in mind as a 1:1 tool when a student has an immediate problem.... Of course there is always the telephone!

)

Gina

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