Online+Communication+Tool

My online communication was Skype. Awareness: I used Skype with Dr. Stansberry. I have heard a lot about Skype from friends and even on tv shows, like Oprah, but I have never used the program. I wanted to learn more about it so I can use it with my relatives and even friends I don’t get to see often. Explore/Learning/Filter: Skype was fairly easy to find, download, and get set up. I did all this a few days prior to my meeting with Dr. Stansberry; therefore, I could be somewhat familiar with the set-up. While we talked, I was still learning about Skype. I wasn’t sure how to “call” someone or add people to my list. However, I figured it out all through the learning and exploration processes. Application: I used my left and right side of my brain for this activity. My left brain was needed to figure out the set-up and application part of the program. However, my creative side came in when I began to talk, adjust my webcam, and design our conversation. Overall, I enjoyed Skype. I hope I can use it when I become a teacher. Due to budget cuts in several areas, it may be impossible for professionals (i.e. zookeepers, archaeologists, doctors etc.) to come to the classroom. It seems like it would be a great way to have the students learn about these professions via educational technology. I look forward to using this software with my students. It could even be beneficial if I have a student in long term hospitalization or even on a trip; he/she could actively communicate with the class on their condition, length of stay, and whereabouts, etc.