Skype vs Oovoo for Video Conferencing

When reviewing an article about how cell phone preferences are changing from Blackberry to iPhone and Android in Washington DC, I noted that there was an increasing demand for the use of Skype and Oovoo video conferencing apps.  The article noted that Blackberry is great for text-based messaging, but many of us prefer audio and video.  The article sparked my interest to compare Skype (which I have used for years) with Oovoo.  A brief comparison of what the two apps have in common is noted below. Both:

• Have a free version
• Allow video conferencing
• Can be used with Macs, PCs, the iPad, and mobile phones

That is about where the similarities end. The free version of Oovoo also allows users to record and send video messages to friends with video calls or emails.  With Oovoo, you can send files up to 5 MB in size. You can also embed a video chat room in a website and do 6-way HD video conferencing with the free version.

Using Skype, you now can do desktop sharing (such as I use with http://join.me) with one person with the free version.  Oovoo allows that feature only with their premium version. 

Like Skype, Oovoo has the potential to enhance the teaching/learning experience when working online.  There was a comment by a voice music teacher for a blog comparing the two apps, noting that her students preferred Oovoo. I will have to experiment with the stability of a 6-way video conferencing call.  It certainly opens new opportunities for web conferencing.

iPad 2

OMG - love the iPad2!!  Have had it for only 1 week.  Plan to have grad students in one of my courses this fall to use it to see what they discover (Yes, Debbie - I picked up on your lead with the RN-BSN students).

The front facing camera works really well with Skype.  It will be a great way to have virtual office hours this fall semester.

The Emerging Technologies for Online Learning Conference emailed the conference program book and attendance list.  Rather than print it, I saved it to the Dropbox and then opened it in iBooks.  I won't have to print anything and will have the program book the entire conference. 

Please share your experiences and apps with an iPad (1st or 2nd generation).

Humanitarian Efforts in the Light of Crisis

My thoughts and prayers go to all of the people affected by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant malfunctions in Japan!   I am impressed with the humanitarian responses by Google and Skype.  Google has a crisis response website at http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html  It includes amazing resources ranging from how to make a donation, how to find people, and the planned blackout times.  Skype (http://www.skype.com/) is offering free wifi access for Japan using Skype Access.  While it will take years for the areas that were hardest hit to recover, hopefully, the acts of kindness will help heal some of the pain and suffering of individuals who were impacted from the tragedy.

SKYPE for the Classroom

SKYPE has unveiled an app designed for the classroom.  You can read more about it at http://education.skype.com/about.  It is still in beta format.  It will be interesting to discover how teachers are able to use the application in the teaching/learning process.