For example, idroo allows both teacher and student to draw and write on a virtual whiteboard in real-time while continuing to communicate via audio conference. USEFUL APPS – Skype offers many free apps, several of which can be useful when Skype teaching. Note that unless you have paid for Skype Premium, you will not be able to use screen share and your webcam at the same time. To turn it off, repeat this sequence in reverse order. To turn on screen share mode, turn off you webcam by clicking on the camera icon, click on “Call” in the top menu of Skype and then select “share screens…”. This is useful for presentations and visual explanations but note that watching videos together in this mode can be problematic due to the data transfer speed (i.e. SCREEN SHARE – With this interesting function you can share your computer’s desktop with students so that they see exactly what you see. Remember that large files can take a while to download so you may want to send big files to students in advance or via email. Once downloaded, the file can be opened quickly by clicking on the “open” button next to it in the chat box. To receive the file, the other person will have to click on “accept file” and download it to their computer. When you let go of the left mouse button, the file will automatically be sent to the recipient. Once this is done, a small icon will appear to the right – a bin for deleted and a pencil for edited messages.įILE SHARING – To share a file (PDF, MP3, video, etc.) just drag and drop it from your desktop or folder into the space directly above the typing field in the Skype chat box. If you have made a spelling mistake or wish to amend or delete a message, simply right click on it in the chat box and select either “Edit Message” or “Remove Message”. Secret function: Few users know that it is also possible to edit/remove messages you have typed in the Skype chat box. IM is also good for scheduling classes, staying in touch between sessions and sending files. Over time, these records build into a collection of typical mistakes made by the given student and can then be analysed to find key areas for additional study. Notes and comments of this type can be copy-pasted at the end of each Skype lesson and printed for the student’s reference. “I must to go to work at 10am (–>no TO after must, phrasal vb)”. Remember to include the student’s mistake and the correction after it, e.g. ![]() This is a useful tool for correcting students’ errors without having to constantly interrupt them and break up the flow of an interesting conversation. INSTANT MESSAGING – The IM or chat box can be used to send instant messages between student and teacher. Calls without video can also be made using the green call button, but where possible it is advisable to turn your webcams on as non-verbal communication aids understanding in the virtual classroom. It is always worth checking your Skype setup before starting an online English lesson. If you have problems with either your video or sound, click on the settings tab (graph icon) and select the correct setup for your machine. Click on the contact you wish to call, making sure that he or she is online (see icon), then simply click on the green video call button to start a conference call with video and audio. VIDEO CONFERENCING – When you log in to Skype, you will see a list of contacts on the left-hand side of the application. ![]() It is also worth keeping lists of useful websites and other online teaching resources that can be shared quickly and easily via IM and email. In order to teach effectively via Skype, you will also need materials in electronic format (Word, PDF, etc.) that can be easily sent to students. ![]() Some users prefer a Skype headset – headphone and microphone in one. Visual and audio quality can be improved by using an external HD webcam with built-in microphone and headphones. You will need a computer or tablet, a fast internet connection (not 3G), a webcam with microphone and the latest version of Skype. ![]() So why not take things one step further and use Skype to learn and teach English online? GETTING STARTED ON SKYPE Many students and teachers are already confident Skype users and feel comfortable communicating via video conference and exchanging instant messages. In 2011, Microsoft bought Skype for $8.5 billion and today its user base numbers over 663 million people. Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere.
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