Thing 6

Looking on the Webware 100 winners website, I found a Web 2.0 tool called Skype. It is an instant messaging program that you download onto your computer. You can talk to people via webcam, audio call, or instant message. Recently, there has been a new feature added where you can have a webcam conversation with more than one other person. This is a good way to keep in touch with friends and such. One thing that I love about it is there are games you can play with the person you are talking to. This is a good way to interact with family and friends that you may not get to see very often.

I think the profile for Skype should have an "About Me" section and things like that. It would take it to the next level. There is a status update bar, and you can add a profile picture. You can set it to public, contacts only, or private. This way, you have a choice of showing the world who you are or not.

With this tool, you can screen share with any of your contacts. This is a great way to share information and show someone what exactly is going on your computer screen. The viewer can see every move the mouse takes as you change screens and open browers. There is also a feature where you can take a snap shot of the other person or their screen. The photos are saved to your computer and can be shared instantly with whoever you are talking to and other people.

I can't see this being used in a school setting, but I can see this being used between a teacher and student that needs help with homework when they are at home. It is one more way that a student or parent can talk to a teacher in their every day busy lives. I think this tool could be beneficial to students in a library setting as well. Students who need help with research could contact a librarian anywhere they are and ask them for help. With screen share, the student and librarian can see what is on eachother's screen. This will help the understanding of both the student and librarian as being directed to the right information.