Advances in technology have contributed to many profound changes in our lifestyles but none is more exciting as the way it has transformed our ability to interact and connect with one another.
The constant need for social communication devices has dictated its evolution from the primitive telephone device that was first invented by Alexander Bell into portable radios, smartphones, tablets, and mobile computers equipped with the more sophisticated Skype technology.
As we all know, Skype is the most popular video / audio telephony software that enables one to make a video call from a computer and / or smartphone device. Skype is fully integrated in that it includes a chat function, file-sharing, screen sharing, with group video calling capabilities. Its versatility has made it the most preferred telephony software for personal and business communication uses.
Recently, more innovative functions such as foreign language training and business conference meetings are being utilized by avid Skype users. As an ESL trainer and language teacher, I've discovered Skype to be an indispensable way of conducting remote classes from the comfort of my private space to any part of the world that is connected by the internet.
And for students and foreign language enthusiasts, SKYPERS can now indulge in video conversations with one another to further hone their speaking skills. This type of technologically assisted learning / training is fast becoming popular as it enables easy interaction and social networking in real-time without leaving the private confines of one's comfort zone.
Skypers are Skype buddies or groups of friends who share a common passion for using Skype technology to achieve a particular goal. Never has this been more relevant for the training of ESL (English as Second Language) learners.
Welcome to our community blog, the English Skypers! Add ENGLISH SKYPERS to your Skype contacts so you can join us in our group. Follow us here.
As we all know, Skype is the most popular video / audio telephony software that enables one to make a video call from a computer and / or smartphone device. Skype is fully integrated in that it includes a chat function, file-sharing, screen sharing, with group video calling capabilities. Its versatility has made it the most preferred telephony software for personal and business communication uses.
Recently, more innovative functions such as foreign language training and business conference meetings are being utilized by avid Skype users. As an ESL trainer and language teacher, I've discovered Skype to be an indispensable way of conducting remote classes from the comfort of my private space to any part of the world that is connected by the internet.
And for students and foreign language enthusiasts, SKYPERS can now indulge in video conversations with one another to further hone their speaking skills. This type of technologically assisted learning / training is fast becoming popular as it enables easy interaction and social networking in real-time without leaving the private confines of one's comfort zone.
Skypers are Skype buddies or groups of friends who share a common passion for using Skype technology to achieve a particular goal. Never has this been more relevant for the training of ESL (English as Second Language) learners.
Welcome to our community blog, the English Skypers! Add ENGLISH SKYPERS to your Skype contacts so you can join us in our group. Follow us here.
Comments
LADY ANNE: Most learners are keen on having a good audio connection so they can hear the pronunciation parts clearly. Video helps in identifying the instantaneous reactions of learners if the subject matter being taught is interesting to them.
CAMEL: If a group of English learners converse among themselves, there is definitely a need for a moderator to monitor and see how the conversation is going about. If certain corrections are needed, he/she may intervene to introduce the corrections via IM/chat function for every participant to see and take note of.
Thank you both for your comments.
So far SKYPE remains unbeatable for me. I owe overcoming my fear in talking to SKYPE.
Some of my friends have invited me for a group conference but I always find it more effective for me to practise my spoken English with a few learners. Group conferences don't give us opportunity to talk a lot as you will have to give way for others to talk. I have no patience to wait for my turn. Haha, this only proves that I am a talkative skyper.
Thanks Robinoz for your perceptive comment. Skype face to face gives both parties a feeling of dynamic interactivity. The resulting action is real-time for both barring of course any interruption in connection. Instructors immediately can sense if their mentoring has any effect on students.
Technology has made this possible and may even push the boundaries to greater levels. We only have to wait and see what technology will bring in the future.
Technology is amazing and improving daily. As you say, Skype is excellent for learners of languages, but they need to have their private space where they can work uninterrupted by other people or noises.
I've been learning Vietnamese by audio tape and what I have found is that some of the expressions by the Vietnamese speaker are not recognised by Vietnamese people with whom I have contact where I live. Skype or face to face sessions would help immeasurably.