Thing #3 - Skype

I am already familiar with the Mac version - IChat. I bought an I Mac this spring and have tried it out on several occasions. When the libraries get the new Mac laptops, we will be able to utilize this chat feature. Nothing to download - comes preinstalled along with the webcab.

However, for a PC, I guess this is the alternative. I downloaded it onto my PC laptop and also my I Touch. I thought maybe I could chat to myself, but it doesn't seem to allow that. I am not sure how I will use it on the I touch, but I am still looking into that.

I did have some trouble at first getting it to work. I had to go into my Tools/Connections and apply the setting to use Skype for an internet call. Some of you may also have had problems with this...

I went in and added a few contacts from my Yahoo contacts list and also searched for some others. But, unfortunately nobody was online. So I have yet to make an actual call.

I can see this being used in an educational setting in a variety of ways. For one thing, you could monitor a meeting or classroom from another location. If you couldn't make the afternoon faculty meeting, you could tune into a monitor in the classroom and virtually attend. I could see this also happening with kids from home. To make it extra good, you would need to include a webcab for the computer.

Video conferencing is also a possibility. You could tune into to other people in other locations and interact with them.

Personally, I see the internet call as being a way around land lines and also cellular minutes. I am anxious to see exactly how good the quality of sound really it once I find someone to "talk" to.

By the way, I am "talleris" if you want to give me a call!