== Telephony, Skype, VOIP ==
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=== What are they? ===
Internet telephony tools work like normal telephones but use the internet rather than phone lines to make connections.  As such they are often free and thus a cheaper option than traditional phones for long distance phone calls or conference calls.  Most systems need a user to connect with a speakers and a headphone although it is now possible to buy handsets that are equivalent to a traditional phone.
These tools function essentially like traditional phones, but make certain functions such as calls to groups and recording calls more straight forward.  Some of these tools also allow a video feed in addition to voice communication.
The [http://www.educause.edu/ Educause Learning Initiative’s] (ELI’s) 7 Things You Should Know About... series contains a useful guide to [http://connect.educause.edu/Library/ELI/7ThingsYouShouldKnowAbout/45746 Skype].  

=== How can I use them with my students? ===
At the very least these tools can serve as a virtually free alternative to the standard phone network for keeping in touch with students and colleagues irrespective of geographic location. Other uses include

 * Keeping in touch - tutorial groups can get together outside of term time; supervision of graduate students can be continued when they return home.
 * As these tools are Internet-based, they are particularly powerful used in conjunction with other online applications, for example you can use instant messaging to exchange files while you talk, or converse through internet telephony while you explore Second Life.
 * Language learning - talk to someone who is learning the same language as you or with a native speaker.
 * Group work – students can use these to discuss assignments.
 * Wider Networking. Researchers and students can get together with those at distant universities.
 * Conferencing during lectures. You can use it to bring experts into a lecture, saving on time, costs of travel etc.

=== Examples ===
''We are still researching examples and case studies for this topic. If you would like to contribute any (whether from your own teaching or from other sources), please [mailto:phoebe@conted.ox.ac.uk contact us].''

=== Where can I get them? ===
 
The most well known tool in this area is [http://www.skype.com/ Skype]  however there are other tools in this area, including [http://www.google.com/talk/intl/en-GB/index.html#utm_campaign=en_GB&utm_source=en_GB-ha-emea-uk-google&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=internet%20telephone Google Talk ] and there is a useful list on Wikipedia of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_commercial_voice_over_IP_network_providers VOIP providers].

=== What else do I need to know? ===
These tools need any PC with audio, an Internet link, a microphone (and USB video camera/webcam if you want video).  While these are increasingly standard not all students will have these.

Note VOIP stands for voice over IP.

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