For my technology-related blogging topic this week, I wanted to share my thoughts on Skype. I happen to love this online service, as it allows me to keep in touch with family, living over 3,000 miles away (not to mention the service is free!). Ever since moving to the East Coast, my husband and I make it a weekly "date" to catch up with family and friends using Skype's online voice calls service. Similar to AOL Instant Messenger, Skype boasts a chat service as well as video/voice calls. I've given my parents a tour of my new house, shared a couple of my favorite recipes, and met my sister's new dog, all through the completely free, Internet application known as Skype. Skype lovers unite! :)
I cannot wait to use Skype on a professional level. I can foresee my fellow librarians and I conferencing over Skype calls or perhaps providing reference service to library users via Skype (putting a face to a name/chat ID goes a long way from the customer service perspective). The opportunities are endless!
My daughter set it up on my old computer. Now she's off to college and I guess it's MY turn to figure out how to do it. It doesn't look too hard! At least with my new computer I don't have to set up sound and video separately as they come installed!
ReplyDeleteErin, I couldn't agree more. Skype is the bomb! I too have relatives far away and we have Skype dates to keep us connected. Recently, I skyped work while home on my maternity leave. It was a helpful way to communicate with my substitute.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback guys!
ReplyDeleteValerie--I think you'll really like Skype once you get it set up (it's pretty straightforward). Definitely the ability to "see" someone's face rather than just hear their voice makes living far away a little easier!
Michelle--what a great way to stay connected to your sub! I have a friend that taught HS through an organization called California Virtual Academy and while I'm not sure if she used Skype, I can definitely see the advantages in having virtual office hours! :)
Norway librarians have been using Skype for prof. devt. for several years
ReplyDeleteI think it would be neat to have a Skype librarian who could provide reference assistance virtually (perhaps as part of a virtual library experience). If that opportunity is out there, sign me up! :)
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