Skype Buddies are the colleagues in your class that will "Skype" you in if you need to miss class due to H1N1 or Avian flu.
You will be assigned to a team of 4 or 5 Skype Buddies. If you need to miss class due to flu, contact one of your Skype Buddies who will set up their laptop in class in such a manner that you can hear (and maybe see?) what's going on in class. Your Skype buddy will be able to have an occasional quiet conversation with you if you need something repeated or have input to offer to the class. (Note to Skype buddies who are healthy and in class: if you can, bring a headset or at least an earpiece for these quiet conversations.)
Preparation for being a Skype Buddy:
Download Skype software for your computer and install it. (Note: you and your buddies do not have to have the same type of computer for this to work.)
Open the software.
If you have an account (a Skype name), log in. If you don't have a Skype name, set one up. Be cautious about putting too much information about yourself out there. Anyone can access the Skype directory. You can set your settings so that even if they find you in the Skype directory, they can't call you.
Exchange Skype names with all your Skype Buddies on your team. Request to be recognized by each other.
If you don't have a built-in microphone on your laptop, you will need to get an external microphone or a headset with a microphone.
Familiarize yourself with Skype and its capabilities. You can read about Skype and how it works or just "mess around" with it. You should be able to:
Initiate an audio or video chat with someone (video is only available for one-to-one Skype calls and you must have a webcam hooked up; you need a microphone and speakers for audio--most laptops have this built in; you will get less feedback if both parties are able to wear headsets or at least earphones/earbuds)
Answer an invitation to an audio or video chat with someone.
Send a text message via Skype while having an audio or video chat.
Set up a conference call (a multi-person audio chat).
Participate in a conference call and learn how to use the mute button to avoid white noise in the background.
Set your preferences (and there are a lot of preferences) to settings that will make you feel comfortable, confident, and safe using Skype.
You will be assigned to a team of 4 or 5 Skype Buddies. If you need to miss class due to flu, contact one of your Skype Buddies who will set up their laptop in class in such a manner that you can hear (and maybe see?) what's going on in class. Your Skype buddy will be able to have an occasional quiet conversation with you if you need something repeated or have input to offer to the class. (Note to Skype buddies who are healthy and in class: if you can, bring a headset or at least an earpiece for these quiet conversations.)
Preparation for being a Skype Buddy:
This page was created by Theresa Overall available at http://umfresources.wikispaces.com/AllSkypeBuddyProgram