Skype+Protocol

=Skype Discussions=

If you don't have a Skype account, go to [|http://skype.com] and set one up. Skype is a free download and works on all platforms. Before the first Skype session:
 * Send me your Skype name either through Skype or by e-mail or BETTER AFTER YOU HAVE CREATED YOUR ACCOUNT -- **add me as a contact .**
 * Some students prefer to not use their real name on Skype which is fine, but I need to know what your Skype name is in order to add you to the class conference call.
 * **Be sure to add your picture in your Skype account**. (Again, with online classes we need every opportunity to connect with one another.)
 * In order to SEE the other members' pictures during the Skype, add each class member as a contact. You will be able to hear them but you will not necessarily know who is speaking.
 * I will be making **VIDEO CALLS**. Please be sure to have you Web cam on. I highly recommend having a Web cam in order to make the conversations more personal. If you don't have a Web cam, you can still participate but we will only see your picture and hear your voice.

CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT before class begins.
 * Do the Skype Test Call and make sure you can hear and be heard. If there is too much problem with connecting to you, I will drop the call to you in order to not disadvantage the rest of the class.
 * Make sure the microphone you are using works. **BEST MICROPHONE SOLUTION** -- A simple headset with microphone built in. I use the earphones with the built-in mic that came with my iPhone and it works perfectly. Poor sound on your end distracts from the flow of the discussion and only using a computer's built-in mic may cause (painful) feedback which will distract the conversation. A headset means that if you are typing in the Skype chat window, we won't hear it which can be a distraction. A headset means that there will be less chance of an echo. Use a headset.
 * In consideration of your fellow students create a non-intrusive environment. Microphones pick up extraneous sounds (including the dog barking).
 * Be sure to log into Skype 10 minutes before the class session is to take place.
 * Approximately 10 minutes before class begins, I will open a chat window that will remain open during our class session. You can use the chat window at any time to ask questions or to communicate with the rest of the class if you suddenly have audio issues. You can use the chat window as a back channel during our voice discussion but I am usually not able to keep up with both the audio and the chat.
 * I will call everyone in the class (at the same time) and we will discuss the readings during our Skype session. You will hear me calling you and all you have to do is say, "hello."
 * Participation in the Skype discussion is important. It will be how I know you have read and thought about the assigned readings.
 * There will be an automatic 5 point deduction of the 25 points possible for each Skype session you don't take part in because of your lack of interaction with the rest of the class. You can make up the 5 points with extra readings. There is a Skype rubric in the COURSE DOCUMENTS section of Blackboard.
 * If you are unable to participate in the Skype discussion post your reflections on the class readings for the week on Blackboard

There will be discussion forum set up for each week with a discussion topic. If you are unable participate in the Skype discussion because of an emergency, you will need to reflect significantly on each article assigned. Be sure to include the name of the author when you are reflecting on the individual articles. I need to be able to tell not only you if have read the individual articles but also that you have internalized the information to form a reflection and an opinion. Be sure to note the extra articles required for full credit.
 * Blackboard Discussion alternative to Skype**

The Skype sessions are an integral part of the class and they breakdown some of the alienation of being remote from each other. Please clear your calendar for these sessions as you would attend a class in a face-to-face class session if at all possible.