Response: Tools Ch. 15-19

Response:  Tools Ch. 15-19
I looked at SKYPE.  It was easy to sign up and simple to operate calling from SKYPE user to SKYPE user.  I wasn't sure at first how to start instant messaging-it was hidden.  I had to drag my curser along the bottom and discover the other menu.  It is nice to be able to view past conversations of instant messaging. The conversations can be saved up to 30 days. The picture of the person I was talking with was clear when calling if there was plenty of light.  I didn't see the person's words as they were typing but a small pencil indicated they were.
The voice was clear but slightly delayed.
Adding contacts was easy.  You need to know they SKYPE name and email address.
SKYPE allows video conferencing up to 25 people at a time.  Emergency call can't be made using this.  Nice if using in the classroom no prank calls.
This can be set up on Portland Public School computers.
This could be effective in talking with another class in another part of the building, another school, or anywhere in the world where SKYPE is available.  It could be a fun problem solving exercise or for working on projects.
The market share has increased yearly, so it looks like SKYPE will be around for some time.
There are complaints about customer service-not being able to get a hold of after many emails.  Seems like much of this has to due with billing when using the SKYPE to nonSKYPE calling.  Money was being taken out of a person's account without permission/inappropriate billing and over charging.  If someone forgets their password it was hard to get it emailed to them.  People had trouble deleting their account.
Other complaints were calls dropping off or cut off and voices fading away.  Another was security concerning the money aspect-phone number being hacked and person getting charged.
I didn't give them money info.  I would only use SKYPE to SKYPE interaction.