With many useful free call and chat software such as Skype, we now can easily connect to others without concerning about distances between each of us and fees.
Today, my group used Skype software for discussing the idea of Digital Story’s proposal. This morning class only lasts 2 hours so we cannot finish our plan for the next meeting with our objective of the proposal – Nicole. As we have to wait for Nicole’s messages to confirm the time that we can meet up so we set a schedule for Skype activity at 8pm for the final confirmation about the general ideas we will talk to her and the time we can meet up on weekends. Our conversation via Skype was around more than 30 minutes. There are some advantages and disadvantages when using Skype for group discussion I want to point out:
- Skype’s Advantages
As I have mentioned above, this software is totally free and easy to use whenever you can connect with Wife or 3G networks. Also, it has both versions for laptop as well as smartphones. Moreover, it allows us to see each other like a “real meeting” so we can freely show our expressions, ideas and feedbacks. Skype also provides us chat function so we can share to all members the link of websites when discussing.
- Skype’s Disadvantages
The first Skype’s weak point I think is sometimes the quality of sound and video is not good due to the slow Internet connection. Secondly, the speed of application for smartphone seems to be a little bit slower than the laptop’s version. If you call someone who uses Skype via mobile phone, the connection will be steadier in comparison with the laptop. There was one member in my group who has part time job at the same time with Skype activity and she did not receive our Skype call via her mobile phone due to this problem.
In general, I think our conversation via Skype tonight is quite good and effective. We can share our ideas and the call is free that cannot happen if we use traditional phone call.
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