I’m a HUGE fan of Skype when traveling.
Growing up on Saturday afternoons, I used to curl up on the couch next to my dad and watch TV. He was a science fiction fanatic, so I watched my share of Star Trek episodes and movies like Tron and Blade Runner. I loved seeing ‘the future’ in movies; people having face to face conversations light years away, being magically transported from one place to another, flying cars, and computers that were alive. I’ll have to wait for Scotty’s transporter device, but video chatting between computers is here! Thanks Skype.
Out of all the telephone and computer providers of video chatting, Skype is my favorite! Skype’s main claim to fame is that it allows you to make calls from one computer to another, anywhere in the world, totally free of charge. With all of the traveling we do throughout the year, Skype has been our technological advanced angel. We can be in Tenerife and have a video chat through Skype with Charles’ 1st grade class. Things have definitely changed since I was his age! Imagine being clear across the world and chatting with your classmates face to face AND it’s FREE! So cool. These video chats happen weekly with Charles’ teachers and classmates. He is able to share his traveling experiences with the entire class, feel connected and catch up on classroom happenings with a few clicks of the mouse pad. Being his travel teacher, Skype makes keeping up with the lessons and connecting with his classmate a breeze! LOVE it.
It is multi-layered as well. You can use the video chat like us or if you are in a towel straight from the shower, use the instant messaging or phone call option. If you are like Betsi (our other traveling nanny) and don’t want to rack up those texting and calling charges on your phone, call or text through Skype! You can easily switch from instant messaging, to a phone call and then to video chat with a simple click of the button.
This is such a great tool to use while traveling. Navigating through the site is so easy as well, even a six year old can do it….no, really, Charles is a Skype-pro. And did I mention it’s FREE?!? Go to Skype’s website and start skypin’ it up! Give your grandparents kisses, show your classmates your new book, and tell your friends you wish they were here face to face!
Photo by Betsi Ewing
Read Full Post »
