This document provides an overview of Skype, including its key features and how it can be used for language learning. It discusses Skype's calling, chatting, video calling, and other communication features. It then outlines the procedures for chatting and calling on Skype. Both advantages like international communication and disadvantages like unclear voice quality are mentioned. Finally, it lists two relevant thesis about using Skype to improve English speaking skills and language play using MSN Messenger.

1. Skype Course: Multimedia for English Language Teaching: Theory and Practice Professor: 施雅純 Student: Jeff Wang Student number: 69804007

2. Introduction for SKYPE

3. Definition Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet.

4. Features a. SkypeOut: It allows Skype users to call traditional telephone numbers, including mobile telephones, for a fee. b. Subscriptions: Unlimited calling plans and fees.

6. Features c. SkypeIn: SkypeIn (beta) allows Skype users to receive calls on their computers which is dialed by regular phone subscribers to a local Skype phone number.

7. Features d. Skype Voicemail: This service allows callers to leave voice-mail messages for Skype users. This is currently a service that users have to pay for, though the company Kishkish offers a Skype voicemail service for free.

8. Features e. Skype chat: It supports group text chat with an interface similar to Windows Live Messenger. f. Skype me: Skype lets users set their status to "Skype Me,“ which indicates they are open to callers from around the world. Setting one's status to Skype Me attracts a number of callers who want to practice a foreign language (usually English).

9. Features g. Skype video calling: Skype currently only supports one-to-one video chat; more than two parties are allowed to talk, but three or more video feature is not supported, neither is making video calls to non-Skype cell phones. Hence, only audio, not video, is available for teleconferencing.

10. Features h. Skypecasts: Skypecasts are live, moderated conversations allowing groups of up to 100 people to converse, moderated by the "host" who is able to mute, eject or pass the virtual microphone to participants when they wish to speak.

12. Features i. Skype SMS: Skype 2.5 (and above) is able to send SMS (short message service) messages to mobile phone numbers.

13. Features j. Skype web toolbar: It is a browser extension which can automatically detect phone numbers on web pages. It can reformat these numbers to make them accessible to the Skype client. k. Skype Zones: Skype Zones Beta is software powered by Boingo that provides access to Skype through Skype-friendly hot spots.

14. Features l. Skype history logs: A log file is created for each contact on a user's contact list. Log files are stored locally, meaning they are not available if a user switches computers.

15. Features m. SkypeFind: It is a community-generated directory in Skype 3.1. n. Skype Prime: It is a beta feature in Skype 3.1. It allows users to call lines that charge per minute, usually for advice on a particular topic.

16. Features o. Invisible Calling: Version 3.0 adds the ability to connect and talk to other users without actually being in a conference. In this mode, the user can talk to multiple users without those users having the ability to communicate with each other.

17. Features p. PocketSkype: It is a thin version of Skype and developed specifically for PDA( Personal Digital Assistant ) devices and any mobile software. It helps people to make free, unlimited calls. PocketSkype was made to give users more choice and flexibility.

18. Features q. Portable Skype: Under Windows, Skype can be run directly from a USB memory stick without being installed on the host computer.

19. How can we use it in language learning a. We can chat in different language online like MSN. Thus, it will mainly enhance our writing and reading skills. b. We can talk online in different language through microphone. Thus, it will mainly enhance our listening and speaking skills.

20. Procedures for chatting on skype

21. Step1: Contact list

22. Step2: Chatting

23. Procedures for talking on skype

24. Step1: Contact list

25. Step2: Press the button

26. Step3: Talking

27. Advantage & Disadvantages Advantages: a. Chatting b. Talking c. Anonymous d. International

28. Advantages & Disadvantages Disadvantages: a. The text message sometimes couldn’t be receive immediately but received the next day. b. The quality of voice is sometimes too unclear to hear clearly, so this really disturb user’s language learning.

29. Relevant Thesis a. 高嘉璘 (2008) 。 應用 Skype 提升高職生英語口說能力之行動研究 。 國立花蓮教育大學碩士論文， 花蓮市。 b. 潘美岑 (2004) 。 網際網路溝通的語言遊戲─以 MSN Messenger 為例 。 國立政治大學碩士論文， 台北市。

30. Thank you for your visit sincerely ! The End