Using Skype to Actively Interact With Learners
Abstract: Clear communication is key in an educational setting. At Jones International University the use of Skype has been implemented to enhance communication among the doctorate learners, amongst themselves, and their mentors. Learners are required to create a Skype account and post their account information to their classroom. Synchronous text chats, VoIP phone calls, and video conferences are scheduled to allow students to communicate with one another, their instructors, and mentors. This design principle addresses having a venue for one-on-one interaction at no cost to either party. Scheduled interactions serve as faculty office hours where students can receive personalized tutoring, group project-planning meetings among students and even social support informal chats. Although are living in the age of technology however maintaining the human component of this interaction is of utmost importance. JIU offers their students the ability to work in an online setting with f2f interaction.
Presider: Terry Howard, Camden Middle School/ University of Phoenix