Review of Skype

   The first module is to review a Communication Tool. For this task I chose to review Skype (http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home)


   Here is a videocast of some of my review demonstrating how to use the website:

   Before this review, my understanding was that Skype was simply a webcam-based means of online chatting, much like iChat on my Mac. As I explored the tool, however, I learned that there are many different features and uses for Skype. For one, it can be used as a phone service over a regular telephone, and would be free to call others who are also Skype members. Otherwise you can pay per minute or get a subscription; this seems most useful for international calling. They also offer text messaging services. One feature that seemed very fun (especially to share with grandparents who may live far away) was to use a Skype-based television as a webcam. The website also is an online store where you can purchase accessories to enable one to use Skype, such as webcams and videophones. The uses of Skype are explained clearly on the website using multiple help topics and discussion forums. It is free to download Skype and the website is helpful in assisting you in getting started.

   Here is a video demonstrating how to get started with Skype:

   Before using Skype, the skills that you need depend on what you plan on using it for. In order to use the video calling, you would need a computer with a webcam or a videophone, such as the ones for sale on the website. You would need to know how to set up an account, which is explained on the website. In addition to the hardware, the resources you need to use this tool would be names and contact information of those you plan on involving in your video call.

    This tool would be useful in a teaching environment that involved group discussions between people at different sites. As long as everyone had a computer with a webcam, they would be able to have a video conference without having to travel. I could see this being useful for the weekly resident teaching conferences in the department of surgery – with the residents assigned to one of many hospitals, it is often difficult for them to all travel to the medical school to meet for the conference. In this way, the residents could interact with the group and save time by not having to travel. The video chat could also be useful for a demonstration to residents or medical students. For example, to explain how to set up some piece of equipment could be difficult just using words or still photos. By using video and having the observers be able to ask questions in real-time, the learners could interact with the instructor and almost be hands-on themselves.

   One major disadvantage, unfortunately, is the need for hardware. I do not believe any computers in the medical school or hospitals have a webcam, and this would greatly (well, completely) limit the usefulness of the tool. Students could still utilize it from home, perhaps for study groups or for rehearsing presentations that they are doing as a group or alone.