Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls over the internet as well as send instant messages and files. It was developed by Estonian programmers in 2002 and gained popularity for its additional features beyond calling. Skype has been used successfully by educators to facilitate online classes and collaborations between students in different locations through features like screen sharing, whiteboarding, and video conferencing. Teachers report that using Skype helps broaden students' global perspectives by allowing them to connect with people in other countries.

1. Emerging Technology John D. Seltenright

3. Features Skype comprises many features ranging from: white board collaborations meetings to on-line video games.

4. Features As an e-learning tool, Skypeoffers users a vast library of applications which can enhance on-line delivery. Yugma SE The Pando Extra Enables any Skype user to instantly host or join an online meeting with up to 20 other Skype users to share and collaborate on projects in real-time. Individuals, teams or groups now have an easy way to exchange information, brainstorm, manage deliverables and review or edit documents while using Skype. With Yugma, you can instantly share your desktop and ideas with anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Adds enhanced file transfer functionality . Drag and drop files and folders to send to Skype contacts and/or email addresses at the same time View the videos online or off and then share them with friends. Generate URLs for files/folders you want to share over the Web Anytime transfers - Send to and receive from offline contacts or contacts away from their computers.

5. Feedback from Educators SKYPE (using a webcam) has been one of the technology tools that my classes use to collaborate with classes in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil three days a week. They discuss their cultures, politics, their dreams. I teach high school English in a high poverty urban school. Our look at communications has centered around the use of SKYPE and online translation tools. Our theme for the year is Global Connections: Crossing the Language Barriers. If you are striving for ways to authenticate learning, it is great. My students talk to people we know who visit far away places such as India, China, and Kenya. When students can connect with other people from across America or from other countries, it broadens their view of the world and their own place in the global community. Using SKYPE is certainly a 21st century skill.

6. Feedback from Educators I love Skype! I work with 360 third through fifth graders at a magnet school for math, science and technology. We're located in north county San Diego and in the past, our technology focus has been almost nonexistent. This year we've stepped it up. We've used Skype several times. Most notably to video conference with a marine biologist in third grade for our ocean environment unit.

8. Skype. In Skype webpage. Retrieved from https://www.skype.com Skype Logo. In Skype webpage. Retrieved from https://extras.skype.com//i/logos/skype_logo.png Yugma SE. In Skype webpage. Retrieved from https://extras.skype.com/1463 Moulton, J. (2009, April 22). Re: Use Skype with students [Online forum content] Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/search/node/skype