Make the most of Skype – free internet calls and great value calls via kwout

Skype is an internet phone, a video phone and a screen sharing app (with beta version) that sits on your computer and is free. Now technically it is not a Web 2.0 app because you have to download it but it is the tool that is most entrenched in the market.

With Skype you can phone any other computer that is running it and talk as long as you want for free. Video chat is also included when you call computer to computer. Skype also allows you to to call a land line but it will cost you (pre-paid) a very minor fee (2.4 cents a minute). And of course that means you can make calls worldwide for that price.

An added bonus with Skype is the ability to make conference calls via voice or video. And to round out the features Skype also includes an instant messaging service with the added bonus of being able to text message someone’s cell phone from your computer.

For the brave you can also get a cell phone that is Skype enabled which will let you use it on your cell phone to save money.

How can Skype help in Education?

• Set up a conference call with distance students
• leave your Skype enabled for times when you want to be at home but available to your students
• Record your calls/interviews (yes Skype does that too and remember to get the interviewees permission as well) with important people and play it back for students

As always you can voice your ideas as a comment on this post at the top and keep an eye out here for more information on tools like Skype that are fully fledged Web 2.0 (all online) and are just as good as Skype.