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Saved by Jeremy Brueck
on September 2, 2009 at 3:01:24 pm
 

Extending your Classroom with VoIP

 

Adapted from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/superkimbo/3381384109/

 

  1. VoIP Overview
    1. What is VoIP?
    2. Why is VoIP Important?
    3. Educational Benefits of VoIP
  2. Types of VoIP Services
    1. ATA
    2. IP Phones
    3. PC-to-PC
  3. Skype Basics
  4. Instructional Uses of Skype

 

 

VoIP Overview

 

What is VoIP?

Voice over IP, more commonly referred to as VoIP, is a method of taking analog audio signals, like the kind you hear when you talk on the telephone, and turning them into digital data. This digital data can be transmitted over the internet. Computer-based VoIP service is the most common among VoIP users. In many cases, this type of VoIP service can be used for free. This is because software-based VoIP normally involves PC-to-PC communication over the Internet.

 

Why is VoIP Important?

VoIP can turn a standard internet connection into a way to place free phone calls. The practical benefit of this is that by using the internet to make voice calls, you are bypassing the telephone company and its charges. VoIP is a revolutionary emerging technology that is causing people in business, inductry and education to rethink the use of traditional phone systems and communication methods.

 

Educational Benefits of VoIP

"Internet connectivity in educational settings provides opportunities for interactive exchange and collaboration between students living on other sides of town or the other side of the planet. These synchronous, real-time discussions using free software like “Skype” can tangibly expand the walls of the traditional classroom and engage students to write, share, and communicate with an authentic audience inaccessible just a few years ago. Educators interested in helping motivate students to develop both traditional as well as twenty-first century literacy skills in the classroom can and should use audio conferencing technologies like Skype to literally plug their students into collaborative exchanges with global partners on a variety of projects."  - Wesley Fryer from http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/skype-in-the-classroom.html

 

 

 

Types of VoIP Services

 

ATA

An ATA, or analog telephone adapter, is one of the simplest ways to use VoIP. The user simply plugs the cable from their regular phone that would normally go in the wall socket into the ATA device and then connects the ATA device to a computer. Once the connections are made, you are ready to place a VoIP call.

 

IP Phones

IP phones connect directly to your internet router or switch. These phones have all the necessary hardware and software to make VoIP calls installed right on them. IP phones are highly specialized phones that look a lot like regular phones, with a handset, cradle and keypad. Instead of having the normal RJ-11 phone connector, IP phone have an 8P8C (8 position 8 conductor) ethernet connector. In many cases an IP PBX (Private branch exchange) is combines with the IP phones to enable communication via an internet network. 

 

PC-to-PC

Computer-to-computer communication is one of the simplest ways to make VoIP calls. In many cases, you don't even have to pay for long distance calls. To get started you will need a computer with a soundcard, VoIP software, microphone, speakers and an internet cnnection. You will be most successful if you have a hi-speed internet connection such as a cable modem or DSL. There is usually no charge for PC-to-PC calls, except for your normal internet service fee.

 

Skype

 

iChat

 

TinyChat

 

Others

 

 

Skype Basics

free pc to pc calls

free audio calls (can conference up to 25 people)

free video calls (just one to one)

group chat rooms

instant message

Search for contacts

 

  1. Create a Skype account         
  2. From thHelp Menu, select "Getting Started" to:
    • Check that sound works with a test call
    • Find friends and add contacts
    • Make a free call to another computer 

      (Making a Call )

    • Learn how to call regular phones FOR A FEE!
  3. Add multiple callers to create a conference call
  4. Make a Video Call with a WebCam
  5. Start a Chat Session
  6. Share Files

 

Instructional Uses of Skype

Teaching over Skype can definitely be a powerful experience for all involved. The illusion of borders and separators is almost completely dissolved - a great example of global connectedness. Skype (and similar technologies) certainly afford us as educators with tools to transform the way teaching looks and feels.

http://thinkinginmind.blogspot.com/2009/01/teaching-over-skype.html

 

50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom

 

Using skype in the classroom

 

Using Skype in the Classroom (or just learning how to use it!)

 

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