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Module 5
Synchronous Communication Tools

by Jerrod Pickering
October 06, 2008

  Skype (Audio) Skype (Text) Google Talk
Summary Synchronous tool that utilizes microphones to talk to others utilizing the internet Another portion of Skype that allows texting or more commonly known as instant messaging Another Google program that works as an instant messaging program.
Benefactors Anyone, whether for business or pleasure.  I use this daily to talk to my brother in El Salvador Anyone who has a computer that wants to communicate with others Anyone who has a computer that wants to communicate with others
Higher Order Thinking Skills Allows the free flow exchange of ideas in real time If more than one conversation is taking place at once; multi-tasking skills are a must. If more than one conversation is taking place at once; multi-tasking skills are a must.
Advantages Used worldwide, Easy to set up, integrates with other program, allows calls to and from land lines and cell phones If you already have Skype, then you do not need any additional software. Software comes from a popular name and you do not have to create a seperate login name if you are already a Google program user.
Disadvantages It costs money to call land lines and cell phones. Just like any other IM software, you can get lost if too many people are in the conversation. I thought it was hard trying to find other users.
Supporting Distance Education It is nice to talk to people and hear their voice. Sometimes voice is not always an option and texting is a nice alternative. Sometimes voice is not always an option and texting is a nice alternative.
Personal Reaction I have found out that if an internet connection is poor, this tool does not work well at all. This is great add on for Skype because if you get kicked off the voice because of bandwidth issues, you can pick up the conversation through text. I love Google, but this was not a very user friendly product to me, but it is still in its beta form and I look to see it beefed up in the future.

 

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