Skype for Business is part of the Office 365 suite and is designed specifically for business with features such as online meetings, content sharing, instant messaging, screen sharing, voice and video calls and recording... [ view full abstract ]
Skype for Business is part of the Office 365 suite and is designed specifically for business with features such as online meetings, content sharing, instant messaging, screen sharing, voice and video calls and recording capabilities. As a web conferencing tool it is frequently used for online meetings with participants in different locations. However, the software is equally effective when employed in face to face sessions.
This paper documents the advantages that the software affords when training employees in a large financial services organisation and highlights the untapped potential of the software for teaching in higher education. While the use of web conferencing to facilitate interactive learning for students studying at a distance is common, its suitability for face to face teaching is rarely considered.
This paper describes in particular how the screen sharing, instant messaging and web cam features could enhance the teaching of students in online and face to face contexts. The ease of use of the software ensures that it is accessible to teachers and learners with limited technical skills. An invitation to learners to join a Skype training/teaching session can be issued via Outlook and with a few clicks and minimal technical expertise the invitees can join the meeting. The teacher can then share his or her screen with the students and students can share their screens with the wider group. Importantly though, this does not have to occur in a virtual setting but can also be implemented in a face-to-face classroom or computer lab context. By sharing the screen, teachers make it easy for each learner to follow a process or a presentation seamlessly on their own screens, while at the same time being present in the classroom to ask questions and participate in classroom activities.
The screen sharing feature enhances the inclusivity of the classroom ensuring that diverse cohorts of students can participate equally in teaching sessions. In addition, allowing students to share their screens with the group provides opportunities for formative peer and teacher feedback and can encourage interaction and communication.
Key words- Skype for business, screen sharing, formative feedback, peer and teacher feedback.
