Extending your Classroom with VoIP

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

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

Search for contacts

1. Create a Skype account         
   • Getting Started (Mac)
   • Get a Skype Name Tutorial (Windows)
2. From the Skype Help 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. Search for Skype contacts
4. Add multiple callers to create a conference call
   • Make a Conference Call (Mac)
   • Make a Conference Call (Windows)
   • During a regular call, you can add callers
5. Make a Video Call with a WebCam
   • Video Calling (Mac - most newer macs have a built-in i-Sight camera ) 
   • Video Calling (Windows - most Windows computers require a USB webcam)
   • More answers about Video Calls
6. Start a Chat Session
   • Chat and Group Chat (Mac)
   • Chat and Group Chat (Windows)
7. Share Files
   • Sending Files (Mac)
   • Sending Files (Windows)

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!)

Skype Safety and Privacy

Setting your privacy settings

• Ensure that your privacy options are set so that you only receive calls or chat messages from people on your contact list (i.e. people who you know and have chosen to add) or people who you've shared your details with.
• It's possible to have someone on your contact list but not share your details with them, so this option is even more private.
• View the Setting privacy options for use in the classroom demonstration for a walk through of how to do this.

Important note about "Skype Me" status

• Your status is a very important aspect of using Skype - it lets other users know whether or not you can or want to accept calls.
• While using Skype in school you should never set your status to Skype Me - this overrides your privacy settings mentioned above and allows anyone to call or message you.
• View the Setting your online status demonstration to see how to do this and what each state means.

Setting Your Online Status Video Tutorial

• Using Skype in School - Buckinghamshire Grid for Learning