Blog/Journal
Reflection 4: Technology Tools and Learning: Mobile Learning, Multimedia,
Games, and Gamification
Introduction
Face-to-face, blended, and
online learning with educational technology has been optimized to assist
educators by using new technology in education.
Technology is not only fast but convenient and designed to support and
encourage vital principles for academic attainment. In addition, technology tools allow educators
to offer learners a wide variety of resources to stimulate their learning.
A technology tool of which this blog writer was not familiar with, nor previously used is Skype.
Skype is a telecommunications application that concentrates on providing
voice calls and video chat through tablets, mobile devices, computers, smartwatches, and even the Xbox console. According to History of Domain Names (2003)
Skype was created by the Swede Niklas Zennstrom and the Dane Janus Friis, who along
with others developed the backend which was also used in the music-sharing
application Kazaa. Interestingly, eBay
acquired Skype in 2005 at a whopping cost of $2.6 billion. As of September 2011, Skype had over 663
million registered users, easing its way into top ranks with both Twitter and
Facebook (Whent, 2012).
Use of Skype in Profession Education Practice
As an educator, the writer intends to make full use
educational networking sites to set up accounts and to foster highly
interactive online and blended learning sessions to stimulate cognitive, and
affective learning. In reviewing Skype
and recently signing up, it has already proven itself to be a reliable
networking resource that is not only easy to navigate, but it provides free
facilities to share ideas, lesson plans, cultural resources, experiences and will
be utilized fully to promote education worldwide
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| I am a new skype user |
Advantages
and Benefits of Skype
Skype is an easy and inexpensive mode of
communication between people worldwide.
It is especially popular to online college students due to the wide range
of activities that encourage student participation and comprehension. This
tool promotes interaction with people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds
which will help students understand cultural differences and learn about the history and social customs. In addition,
Skype offers an easy way for students and course instructors to engage in
synchronous dialogue.
Moreover, lecturers can use video conferencing to
deliver teaching session and host meetings with students while being away from
the physical classroom or blackboard collaborative online course room. Course facilitators may invite guest speakers
to chat directly to students with students connecting to Skype using video conferencing.
Skype may also be used as a tool to provide extra assistance to students who
have queries or concerns following a lecture.
Subsequently, this dynamic tool can be used to do
peer teaching and forge friendships through networking. This tool remains in
high demand and is used heavily to collaborate on classroom projects and assignments
by making free video calls and even video conferencing. Finally, lecturers can make good use of this
tool by using it for professional development by connecting with other
educators and sharing and watching presentations.
Disadvantages
of Skype
A few disadvantages of
this tool have been recognized in the form of Skype being a
network-intensive program. Although the
basic version is completely free, a high- speed network connection is required
to use this program. The amount of
bandwidth required to use the program varies depending on the type of call one
needs to make and type of features he/she need to use. High definition or (HD) video calling and
group videos require the most bandwidth (Olan, 2019).
Secondly, challenges of security present itself due
to its popularity, Skype is a target for hackers who lurk for ways to steal personal
information and passwords. Users are encouraged
to beware unknown persons attempting to become friends.
Over the years, online chatting has become a danger-zone
for children. Skype is no exception and
can be used to facilitate cyberbullying, especially if parents fail to monitor
their children's activities. We must
work together as technology tool users to ensure the program is used for wonderful
experiences such as education and training and connecting with family and
friends as it is intended to.
Although Skype offers a free account, there are
several other interactive features you must pay for if you want to use them. If
you would like to use additional features such as unlimited calls to any
country in the world, cell phone calling or SMS, you must subscribe for a
package plan, purchase Skype premium, or pay for credit. Such costs may not be feasible to all users.
Technology has an awesome ability to enhance relationships between teachers and students. If effectively integrated into
various subject areas, Skype and other tech. tools teachers and course facilitators
expand in their role as advisors, experts in the content delivered, mentors. Technology will continue to make teaching and
meaningful, enjoyable, and innovative.
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| eLearning-Access to the world |
References:
History of Domain Names. (2003). Skype internet
voice-calls. Retrieved from
eBay to buy Skype in $2.6 billion deal. (2005).
Retrieved from
Google. (2019). Google Images. eLearning photos.
Retrieved from
Olan, K. (2019). It still works. Disadvantages of
using Skype Retrieved from
Skype Photo. (2019). Skype stock photo. Retrieved
from
Whent, R. (2012). How Skype changed the world.
Retrieved from
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/skype-history_b_1283414
