2. General information Can be used on all operating systems including
mobiles.
Users sign in to have their own account – free.
Free over net or credit can be bought.
Communication – Skype:Skype or can be to a
landline paid.
Make sure you have a good connection, and best
to use with video. Test to make sure everything
works smoothly. Headphone and camera: sound
and vision.
Free – account, Skype to Skype calls and
messaging.
Paid – mobiles and landlines at low rates, text
3. Alternatives to Skype
Google
https://www.google.com/tools/dlpage/hang
outplugin
Jitsi https://jitsi.org/
VoxOx http://www.voxox.com/
Goober http://www.goober.com/
Ekiga http://ekiga.org/
ooVoo http://www.oovoo.com/home.aspx
Review of all the above
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fed-up-with-skype-
here-are-6-of-the-best-free-alternatives/
4. Features (Relevant for
teaching)
One on one video
Instant messaging
Send files
Screen sharing
Recording the lesson (with student's permission)
5. One on One Video
Test and adjust the screen angle to get the best
fit.
Consider what's in the background
Smile! You are on camera! Consider appearance
Talk to the camera, not the screen
Allow for any delay
Use the camera to demonstrate
6. Instant messaging
Click share button and select instant messaging.
Use typing
for you or the student to set/complete some
exercises
to message if there is a problem
Prepare rubrics and paste. Same with links.
7. Send Files
Outside class time use dropbox, e-mail or Skype
contacts. Click on the '+' sign of the contact to
open this option. They can also use this to send
info to you.
Edmodo and other such programs useful tools.
In class (during video) select the '+' button in
the window, and select the file you need.
8. Screen sharing
Make sure connection is good. Choose '+' button
and choose 'share screen', then confirm with
start. Voice connection remains.
To choose a specific window, click on arrow in
left hand corner 'share window'., then click start.
Choose 'stop sharing' when this is needed.
Only one person can share at one time, but can
change whenever they want.
9. Recording
Have book recordings downloaded on your
(and/or student's) computer
Different options you can source. One widely
used is http://voipcallrecording.com/
10. Remember
Make sure student and teacher both have all
necessary materials for the lesson e.g. course
book and relevant materials.
Agree on times for submission of homework
when this is required.