Skype is a synchronous communication tool that is very familiar to me. Although I have used it for group online group conferences in the MET program, I mainly use Skype to stay in touch with a good friend of mine in Newfoundland. We originally met at Laval University, so we frequently converse with each other in French at no cost using Skype. The video feature enables us to simultaneously view each other in real time, which adds a personal dynamic to our online conversations. This feature has even enabled us to give each other tours of our apartments, show off each other’s pets, etc. Skype was extremely easy to download, and I use it with ease on a regular basis.
In my school setting, I do not see myself using Skype on a day-to-day basis in the classroom; however, I can see myself recommending its use to students for group projects. I know from my own experience through the MET program that Skype has greatly helped us collaborate on group projects and was a necessity given the long distances involved. I can also see myself hosting a live chat session with students in French on a snow day. In the long run, I can see myself finding conversation partners for my students that they could chat with via Skype either at school or at home.
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