Widely used for personal communication; can be used in classroom
Skype is generally intended as a personal communication tool, for you
to use on your own personal computer. This does NOT mean it cannot be
used within the classroom, but it DOES mean that HOW you are able to use
it will differ from other tools you might have access to within
classrooms here at the U of S.
PLEASE NOTE: While we CAN answer question about how YOU can use and troubleshoot Skype, it is NOT a service the U of S provides or owns or pays for so we can't guarantee how well it functions.
The
equipment in multimedia equipped classrooms is not always suitable
or connected appropriately to use for Skype or other conferencing
technologies avaialable for download on the web. Skype software is
sometimes NOT installed in the multimedia equipped classroom you may be using. Like all
the other scenarios, you have to check to ensure you have the appropriate hardware and software and conduct
testing before you can assume that everything will work as expected
Our
objective is to provide you, through training and assistance, with the
skills and knowledge to be able to use Skype on your own within your
classroom. Our staff can assist you by appointment. We have some equipment available to conduct testing and learn the requirements of
Skype use in the classroom. Contact Us.
Skype FAQ
How do I get Skype?
Why doesn't ICT or eMAP provide Skype accounts for me to use?
Why isn't Skype installed on the console computers in classrooms?
What do I need to do in order to connect my computer in a large lecture theatre?
Can I record Skype sessions?
What kind of extra hardware do I need to make my Skype session successful?
How do I get Skype?
- Ensure Skype is installed on the computer you plan to use.
If the computer you plan to use is NOT your own computer, you need to either ensure you have administrative rights to install Skype on that computer OR bring in a different/your own computer
- If you do not already have Skype installed, you can download Skype from http://www.skype.com.
- If you have not done so already, sign up for a Skype account at https://login.skype.com/account/signup-form.
Please note, you MUST have an account to use Skype; the account is provided free of charge by Skype, but DOES require you to provide your own personal information.
Why doesn't ICT or eMAP provide Skype accounts for me to use?
Because signing up for account is a legally binding transaction between an individual and the Skype organization, neither ICT nor eMAP can legally provide Skype accounts for your use.
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Why isn't Skype installed on the console computer in the multimedia-equipped classroom I'm using?
eMAP and ICT are coordinating efforts to provide and maintain a set of applications on the multimedia-equipped classrooms that DOES include Skype. If you do NOT see Skype installed, it may be for one of two reasons; either the console computer you are using is NOT maintained by eMAP (some colleges maintain their own) or the console computer is still awaiting an update to the new set of applications
In the meantime, eMAP has made provision in many major lecture theatres for you to bring in your own computer to connect to the projection and sound systems in those rooms. In this way, you can ensure that your computer works with the hardware you will be using for Skype.
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What do I need to do in order to connect my computer in a classroom that has a media console?
Depending on the room, usually you will need to locate the auxiliary cables. In some cases, these cables are locked in a drawer of the console, in some cases they are lying on top of the console. Plug the VGA cable into your VGA port on your computer. Plug the audio cable (smaller plug that looks like a headphone plug) into the headphone jack of your computer. Plug the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your computer. Ensure that you select Laptop on the touchpad or switcher located on or underneath the console. Here's a brief tutorial based on how MOST of the rooms are set up. Back to top
Can I record Skype sessions?
Yes, but... To do so requires that you locate and install additional software for Skype. There are several options available, but note that many of these pieces of software have both free and paid versions, where the free version generally restricts you in some way (time limits on recording, watermarks across the recording, etc.). These are software applications like IMCapture.
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What kind of extra hardware do I need to make my Skype session successful?
Usually, a microphone (something you can set out for your students to talk into) and a speaker (so your students can hear the presenter), and optionally a webcam. Depending on the room you are in, you may need a computer/data projector. Here are some suggestions for extra hardware for using Skype.
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