MEI've been a very satisfied user of Skype - About/Skype - Wikipedia for real-time (synchronous) personal and professional (Teaching, Learning & Training) uses since 2003. The following is some helpful information I've used over the years to become proficient in using Skype.
You can use Skype (Win, Mac, Linux) for free computer (Skype) to computer (Skype) voice/video calling and conferencing. You can have up to 25 participants (the caller plus 24 others) in an audio conference. Video conference is still 1:1 but there are work arounds to this issue, e.g., using projection. Stay up-to-date about the latest news, new developments, changes, etc. by reading Skype Blogs. So, you ask, "What is Skype and what can it do?" Well, watch this neat 2-minute video to find out.
The people at Say It Visually put together the above fun little video. It’s a neat summary of what Skype can do.
First, you need to download and install the current version of Skype on your computer. Then you can get more detailed information about how to use Skype by viewing the following two videos and clicking on the links below.
So, try a Skype-to-Skype audio call and/or a Skype video call today. It's also easy to make a Skype conference call and learn how to manage your Skype conference. Click on support/help for further information. You can also transfer files and screen share. See all the features of Skype and what it can do for you.
Find out how others are using Skype by visiting Skype Blogs; here's an example Not education as usual with Skype and author Cory Doctorow. You too can also Skype authors, teachers, librarians, guests, other classrooms, etc. into your library or classroom from 'virtually' anywhere around the world. Another great resource to use for contacting teachers in various disciplines is Twitter4Teachers Wiki. Feel free to contact me, Bill Graziadei, Ph.D., anytime to try out Skype.
Here are just a few of the many useful and fun Skype extras...
You can work on a common whiteboard/document during Skype calls using TalkAndWrite (TAW), a free Skype plugin for Windows PC users running Skype.
TalkAndWrite is a real time interaction Skype plug-in software for Windows PC users only. I'm sorry to say that this plugin is NOT available for Mac Skype users. This add-on feature allows for the interaction of up to 2 contacts for 10 minutes (free version) or 10 contacts with unlimited time (paid version); contacts work side by side on a common whiteboard/document using various whiteboard tools. All contacts must be running TalkAndWrite on their Windows PCs. You can load previously prepared TAW, Word, Powerpoint, Excel, html, pdf, etc. documents. TalkAndWrite allows partners to handwrite, draw, erase, highlight, insert text on a document while discussing data over Skype. Both can see their own and the contact’s mouse pointers, which can be used to point out items on the document. Here's a link to the online manual.
You can now record Skype calls using CallGraph, a free Skype plugin.
InnerPass is also a free collaboration Skype widget for online live document meeting; InnerPass allows you to upload and manage documents in your secured folder. Skype is integrated into the meeting room. This allows you to manage the conference calls with the meeting participants. You will need the latest version of Skype (v3.8 or greater).
Click Innerpass for Skype to view video.
SkypeCap allows you to record audio and capture video for Skype sessions on both Windows and Mac. SkypeCap is easy to use; it's free to try and relatively inexpensive to buy.
Once Skype Unyte is installed, you can start a Unyte screen and application sharing session from within your Skype chat or from the System Tray menu. You may choose to share specific software applications or your entire desktop. The viewers you invite click a link (Web URL) to join your sharing session and view your shared applications in their browser. You may invite up to four participants to join your session. As a host, you can enable remote control so that viewer can use the application as if they were open on their own desktop. See Free Screen Sharing - Show Desktop, Applications, Documents, Slide Shows.
Download Unyte | Unyte Application Sharing
Yugma is a free whiteboard/screen sharing and more Skype plugin for Windows Linux and Mac. You can download Yugma from here. My preference is to to use Yugma to enhance and extend the features of Skype. You can also get Yugma along with other add-ons at Yugma Skype Extra.
I'm available if you would like to test Skype and/or the Yugma plugin with Skype. Just Skype Me or contact me by e-mail at billg@capecod.com to arrange for a mutually convenient date/time. Then return here to test Yugma and Skype. After making arrangements with Bill Graziadei, click on 
to join the pre-arranged session.
Yuuguu, in conjunction with Skype, provides free screen sharing service with either Skype or telephone for the audio portion. Yuuguu offers several plans in addition to a FREE one. Yuuguu provides a conference call service, which is integrated with the free application for adding audio to your online meetings.
Yuuguu works on Windows, Mac OS and Linux based computers and uses an instant messenger style interface so you can instantly start a screen sharing session in just one click with your Skype, MSN/Windows Live, AIM, Google Talk, ICQ and Yahoo contacts. There are no downloads or installs required for your participants; they can view your screen through a standard web browser. The FREE plan has unlimited screeen sharing with other Yuuguu users, 100 mnutes per month of people not on Yuuguu, 5 participants in a session limit and support via online help and forums.
