Abstract
A number of challenging projects have been introduced during the 1st term of classes at Pepperdine University in association with its Education Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (EDOL) program. Many of the projects require collaboration between the students in order to complete deliverables. The challenges team collaborations present are similar to those encountered in the workplace where teams gather to communicate and share concepts, define problems, complete research, develop project drafts, and complete their final presentation products.
Fortunately, within the context of the E-learning Theory and Practice, EDOL 755-20, Dr. Kathleen Plinske set the cohorts up for success by introducing the opportunity to research, learn and explore the opportunities of a web-based multifunctional communication platform called Skype. The results of the exploration yielded the realization that “for little input users can receive a substantial amount of output” that is powerful and expressive. James Paul Gee refers to this as the Amplification of Input Principle. (2011)
Introduction
Skype is presently available within the commercial consumer web-based communications media domain. The telecommunication program since being founded in 2003 has experienced a high level of success in offering a unique internet multifunctional (video-conferencing) communication software and operating platform. (Limited) Since 1995 the use of Skype has expanded to that of approximately 27,000,000 viewers/users at any one time. Largely due to this success Skype became a subsidiary of Microsoft.
It is clear why Dr. Plinske suggested the EDOL cohort’s research and utilize the capability this media. Skype as a learning tool can improve efficiency and the effectiveness of deliverables through improved communications between cohorts while they are in pursuit of their doctoral programs. (Engadget)
Assessment of Skype as a tool
Skype is a proven powerful collaborative team media tool supporting the sharing of information and data between team members. This occurs when utilizing the program functionalities to the fullest extent. These functionalities include real-time video, voice and user graphics interface. A unique attribute of Skype is the ability to review graphic information, e.g. PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, CAD documentation and drawings, or publication graphics while at the same time support transmission of voice and video. These capabilities allow Skype to support team collaboration in ways that are extremely productive. Skype teleconference meetings offer the advantages of being able to meet virtually any time, anywhere, and in any place with the members of a collaborating team where internet connectivity is available. This capability was demonstrated repeatedly as EDOL cohort team members collaborated in completing projects for various classes.
Potential applications for e-learning
Potential applications for Skype as applied to e-learning are immense and only limited by bandwidth and communication developer imaginations. Skype has provided open access to its software and operating platform so as to allow third-party developers to continually expand and grow the diverse uses and applications of its product. Uses currently under-development include the ability to use Skype on your mobile communication device. Once perfected Skype mobility (currently available in beta test markets only) will allow collaborative teams to meet virtually anywhere at any time.
The program has demonstrated it is powerful enough to be used to support general communications, training and learning in a number of venues as a virtual classroom with its voice, graphic, and text messaging functionality. In addition the application has the ability to support (depending on bandwidth) multimedia communications between two or more parties.
Skype can be exploited from the standpoint of establishing primary viewing and communication portals for large audiences. Within this context, Skype can be used to conduct large group meetings or assemblies. This implementation allows communications to be shared with hundreds of people at the same time in much the same way that other broadcast media can be viewed by large groups of viewers without high degrees of transmission latency making it very effective.
Concerns or reservations about using the tool
As a product that was essentially developed for use as an Internet-based telephony, Skype has been slow to perfect encryption, infiltration and pinned against the surveillance of its operating software and system platform. In numerous international markets it has bee discovered that certain nations are censoring Skype communications. Specific events of such have occurred in China. As a result, there are concerns about the use of Skype as a collaborative tool in either education or the workplace as a secure multimedia telecommunications web-based system. This is lightly the reason why during my employment with General Electric and with the U.S. Army Skype was blocked from access and use.
Examples of how others use the tool for e-learning
Another educational and commercial venue that utilizes Skype's multimedia functionality is the internet gaming industry. In particular, Skype has developed a number of interactive support functionalities in association with the PlayStation gaming system. I have found these interfaces to offer unique and effective gaming features within PlayStation's graphic and voice communications functions. In fact, Skype's highly functional and adaptive software offers other product developers the ability to create significantly enhanced virtual-reality gaming products.
Conclusion
Over the course of my pursuit of the doctoral program, I would anticipate the significant use of Skype as a collaborative team tool in the learning process. Finally, I should note that it is highly recommended first time users of Skype take the time to thoroughly explore the functionality of the program and view the information that is posted on the internet as application learning tools or "fast facts". Once Skype has solved its encryption issues allowing its use in corporations and government agencies that maintain high-security infiltration filters, Skype's use as a training and learning tool will expand rapidly in the future.
References
Engadget. (2011, January). Skype hits new record of 27 million simultaneous users in wake of i0S video chat release. Retrieved from http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/skype-hits-new-record-of-27-million-simultaneous-users-in-wake-o/
James Paul Gee. (2011). Video games and learning: Teaching and participatory culture in the digital age: Technology, education--connections : the TEC series. New York: Teachers College Press.
Limited, S. (2011, November). Skype Limited-history. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype_Limited#History
Skype. (2011, November). Skype-client applications and device, mobile usage and development. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype
Skype. (2011, November). Skype-usage and traffic. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype
Thanks for your thorough reflection on Skype!
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