Skype+protocol

=Skype Discussions=

**Skype Protocol** If you don't have a Skype account, go to [|http://skype.com] and set one up. Skype is a free download and works on all platforms. Before the first Skype session:
 * Send me your Skype name either through Skype or by e-mail or BETTER AFTER YOU HAVE CREATED YOUR ACCOUNT -- **add me as a contact .**
 * Some students prefer to not use their real name on Skype which is fine, but I need to know what your Skype name is in order to add you to the class conference call.
 * Be sure to put your picture in your Skype account. (Again, with online classes we need every opportunity to connect with one another.)
 * In order to SEE the other members' pictures during the Skype, add each class member as a contact. You will be able to hear them but you will not necessarily know who is speaking.
 * I will be making VIDEO CALLS. Please be sure to have you Web cam on. I highly recommend having a Web cam in order to make the conversations more personal. If you don't have a Web cam, you can still participate but we will only see your picture and hear your voice.
 * Group video chats are with 10 people or fewer. If we have more than 10 people in a Skype session then we can **hear** each other and we can see a picture of the other people (assuming they have uploaded a picture to Skype -- **this is a must**) and we will be able to converse as if we were on a phone.
 * You will **not** be able to see your own picture/video during a Skype session. You will be able to see everyone else.

VIDEO CALL TIPS (Skype is really easy -- it takes care of most issues automatically)
 * If we are able to do video group calls (because there are ten or fewer in the session) be sure you are using the latest version of Skype.
 * Here is where you can get downloads []
 * Make sure your webcam is working properly.
 * Find the icons listed below. Pay particular attention to the **mute** icon. If your dog starts barking, hit the mute button. You will still be able to hear us but we won't hear Bowser's meltdown.


 * CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT before class begins. **
 * Do the Skype Test Call and make sure you can hear and be heard. If there is too much problem with connecting to you, I will drop the call to you in order to not disadvantage the rest of the class.
 * Make sure the microphone you are using works. **MICROPHONE SOLUTION** -- A simple headset with microphone built in. I use the earbuds with the built-in mic that came with my iPhone and it works perfectly. Poor sound on your end distracts from the flow of the discussion and may cause feedback which will distract the conversation.
 * **A headset means that if you are typing in the Skype chat window, we won't hear it** which can be a distraction.
 * A headset means that there will be less chance of an echo. **If my voice is echoing that means the problem is on your end -- most likely because you are not using a headset!**
 * In consideration of your fellow students create a non-intrusive environment. Microphones pick up extraneous sounds (including the dog barking).
 * Be sure to log into Skype 10 minutes before the class session is to take place.
 * Approximately 10 minutes before class begins, I will open a chat window that will remain open during our class session. You can use the chat window at any time to ask questions or to communicate with the rest of the class if you suddenly have audio issues.
 * I will call each member of the class (at the same time) and we will discuss the readings during our Skype session. You will hear me calling you and all you have to do is say, "hello."
 * Participation in the Skype discussion is important. It will be how I know you have read and thought about the assigned readings.
 * There is a Skype rubric in the RUBRICS section of Blackboard. As you notice, there is a descending scale of points that are lost depending upon your active involvement in the Skype sessions.
 * If you are unable to participate in the Skype discussion post your reflections on the class readings for the week on Blackboard

**Blackboard Discussion alternative to Skype** There will be discussion forum set up for each week with a discussion topic. If you are unable participate in the Skype discussion because of an emergency, you will need to reflect significantly on each article assigned. Be sure to include the name of the author when you are reflecting on the individual articles. I need to be able to tell not only you if have read the individual articles but also that you have internalized the information to form a reflection and an opinion. Be sure to note the extra articles required for full credit.

The Skype sessions are not voluntary and are an integral part of the class. Options for readings/reflections due as a result of not participating in a Skype discussion are only for emergency purposes; otherwise you are to clear your calendar for these sessions as you would attend a class in a face-to-face class session