Skype

Skype

Definition

Skype is a sophisticated software that gives the possibility to make voice, video and chat calls on the internet. It helps to open a new way to learn English because with Skype students can learn from other students, connect with new cultures and increase their knowledge in infinite ways. It has around 663 millions of users in the world, so it is a multicultural experience that people can join for free.

History

Skype was founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis. Originally it was created to talk peer to peer, but it expanded its services. In October 2005, E bay bought Skype, and the company increased its services in the whole world. In 2009, EBay sold most of the company to an investor group. After that, the company has expanded its uses and services including cellphones, Sony psp devices and computers.

Uses

It works by VoIP; it means that you have to use a computer to communicate with a person that uses a cellphone with Skype services. There are many uses that we can find with Skype; for example, if you are a father and your son has an internet connection, you can see what your son does while he is studying at the same time. This software has a forum option to send files to a native speaker for free, so that a person can teach and correct all documents and recordings that you make with the possibility to choose who is going to correct your document or record, if a native or foreign speaker.

Features

Skype is a tool that provides text messaging; it permits to transfer files with two users at same time and gives the opportunity to change points of views and interact with foreign writers. However, this is not the only service that Skype provides, it also has video calling, conference calling, and voice chat, so it makes an environment more satisfactory for the student or the person who wants to learn a foreign language.

Advantages

Skype has two options to download, one of those options is free and it offers a basic package which includes Skype to Skype calls, one to one video calls, instant messaging and file sharing; the other one is a premium package that offers you group video calling, live chat customer support and all services of the basic package. This tool is easy to use because the software provides the sources to find the correct way to use Skype if the user has any inconvenience; the web page guides the user step by step to find the answer or the way to use it.

As you can see, this program permits at the same time to interchange opinions, academic resources by written, oral or video media, and gives the opportunity to know other cultures without traveling to other country. However, there are some requirements to enjoy this useful software: it requires a set of headphones, a webcam and internet connection. The user does not need much knowledge about computers and web connection.

Uses for students of languages

This communication software permits unlimited calls and video around the whole world. If you are a foreign language student, the software allows to have  face to face with other student who lives in other country, discuss points of view, compare ideas, or just compare and check activities. The software allows you to send files and recordings to other users; it is useful because it creates a learner community and it gives the option to change ideas or just to test the learning level.

Experiences

With Skype, students can learn other language with other students; teachers and parents can benefit with this software because they can see the process of learning of the boy while he is working and also because the program can be installed in a cellphone, Iphone or a psp for a low prize. Recent investigations say that if you are in a foreign environment with other language you probably can learn the other language easier; Skype permits that opportunity creating communities with other universities; it just depends on the interest of the learner.

http://www.skype.com/intl/es/home/

Written by

Santiago Arroyave