If you have a computer or mobile device, you have probably heard of Skype. This free and easy software application has connected people with one another all over the world. In addition to making calls with other people, you can also instant message and share files. This is the perfect application to use for both personal as well as professional uses. In addition to making calls, texting and sharing those files, you can use Skype for a ton of fun uses. Here are just a few:
Fun ways to use Skype
Meetings, Collaborations and Presentations:
Because you can add up to 25 people to a Skype call, you can have that conference call or presentation without leaving your house or hotel room. If you stay seated, you can even Skype in your pajamas. I’ve Skype’d in to Girl Scout leader meetings a few times when I didn’t have a sitter. Take collaboration to another level. Share screens and create together. Send photos and files of any size and keep the ideas flowing.
I’ve spent time on Skype collaborating with one of my blogging BFF’s, Janel. She’s marvelous. It’s been a great way to keep connected with one another!
Learn a New Language:
Can you imagine learning a new language from someone who is a native of the country you would like to learn? With Skype, you can take classes or one on one training from anywhere in the world.
Long Distance Dating:
Do you have a significant other not living nearby? With Skype, you can say goodbye to those text messages and phone calls and have actual face to face time with your honey. With super low rates and no peak times you really can call home the moment you start to miss it…or your honey the moment you start to miss him/her.
Mystery Skype:
This mystery game invented by teachers is a way to get kids to have fun while learning. By using Skype, your classroom will connect with another classroom and by asking questions, you will try to figure out where the other classroom is located.
Learn to play an instrument:
Don’t have a convenient place nearby that will get you the instrumental instruction you are looking for? Not able to drive? Just don’t want to head out? No worries. This one’s very exciting in our house, because we are starting to look for Acoustic Guitar lessons for my husband and son to take together, via Skype. It’s what works best for our family schedule right now. But who would have thought you could take lessons from anyone, anywhere, in real time, and see one another? Amazing!
If you want to take Skype on the road, you can download the free Skype Qik app.
You can have a lot of fun using this app because with the touch of one button, you can take and share videos with your friends. You can create groups from your contact list and send messages to them privately. With Qik Fliks you can pre-record up to 12 short videos and then share them at a later time. You’ll also be “in” with the kids- lots of middle and high school aged kids are using Qik these days. Who knew I’d be hip at this old age of 40? Get Qik from the Windows Phone Store, Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
I did a two week #SkypeChallenge last month. While it had a great concept, it kind of bombed. I think I jumped the gun. I thought doing a sort-of Fitness Scavenger Hunt using Qik would help keep me motivated (it did) and maybe help motivate others (I don’t think people were ready to try the app yet). I still love the idea, and am still playing around with Qik! It’s a really fun way to send a quick message to someone- I’ve sent my husband several quick videos of the kids at an event if he was at work or we were split up in different directions that day. It’s a way to share things quickly and not a lot of download time. If anyone would like to do a Scavenger Hunt with me using Skype Qik (or Skype) please let me know! I can always use another motivator and way to be held accountable!!
How are YOU going to use Skype (or Qik) this week?
Thanks to Microsoft for teaching me the ins and outs of Skype and Skype Qik and to the kids who use Skype Qik in town who were shocked that I knew how to use it for inspiring this post. The Skype webinar was part of my participation in the #MicrosoftBloggers program. Opinions are my own.
nicole dziedzic says
I love Skye, I have family all over, and use it the most to talk with my sister, niece, and nephew who live in Texas, great service to stay connected with family.
Danielle @ We Have It All says
I don’t know why, but Skype has NEVER worked for me??
Kecia says
I have a Skype account, but I haven’t used it in years! I was in a long distance relationship 11 years ago, and it was a great way to video chat.
shelly peterson says
I have never used Skype before. My Mom who lives across the country wants to start skyping with me, that way she can see the grand kids and great grand kids.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I have used Skype a few times. But I haven’t used for about 2 years.
Debbie Denny says
I am just learning Skype. It was so wonderful for my son to see his wife and kids when he was in Afghanistan.
PuffyButters says
I just taught my 80 year old father how to Skype. He lives across the country. It was fun seeing him!
Brett says
That’s awesome!! Go you- and your dad!
Aimee Smith says
Mystery Skype sounds like so much fun! We use Skype all the time to keep in touch with family members who are far away.
Shell says
I use it daily to chat with friends. Text chat, though, so we can continue our work and get to the chat when we have time!
Pam says
My daughter took a college course through Skype. It was a cool way to do online learning!
Jeanine says
I haven’t used Skype for a long time this is really cool to know! I had no idea there was more beyond messaging lol!
Christie says
Wow, I didn’t know you could do so much with Skype! I definitely love keeping in touch with long distance family
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
I didn’t use Skype for the longest time, just sticking to my old school Yahoo. But everyone started to turn away from that because of all the bots. The video capability was so much better on Skype as well as the calling. I ended up using Skype as a business phone a few years ago when I was doing some marketing for a VA firm. It was so much better to pay the small fee than have to use my cell phone and give out my personal number.
Estelle Erasmus says
I actually have Skype on my phone. With relatives in Australia it’s a must-have.
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
I have always been a huge fan of Skype! It’s a great way to connect with people far away!
Jenny Temcio says
Sadly, I never use Skype! I will have to download it one my phone!
Marcie W. says
I enjoy letting my kids Skype with my inlaws and feel it is a great way to keep in touch! I know they appreciate the ability of actually SEEING their grandchildren as much as possible too.
Megan @mnmspecial says
We use Skype to talk to my parents/grandparents. My husband also used it to show me the house he bought before we moved in. I love the school mystery thing. I’ll have to ask my daughter’s teacher if they do that.
Debbie L. says
I’m not a Skyper – my family tells me I need to get on board! Maybe 2015 will be the year.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
I was on Skype yesterday with a news station! 🙂 It’s so cool what tech can do these days.
Jess C says
Living abroad away from my family I depend on Skype to keep in touch! Don’t know what I’d do without it:)
Julie Wood says
I have Skype Connected on my computer to help me keep in contact with my daughter who is in another state. I like that it is free and I also connect with my brother. It sure is a great way to stay in contact with family.
Susan Smith says
I use Skype to talk to my parents. They love being able to see our faces. My husband uses Skype at work for conferences.
ellen beck says
I have never ever Skyped. One of these days I might learn and I know its a good service I just have never llearned how.
Tammy Woodall says
I have heard of Skype before, but I’ve never done it personally. It looks like a cool way to communicate without leaving home.
David Fultner says
Learning music on skype sounds like a great idea.
Crystal says
My kindergartener and her class are doing a pen pal program with other classes. Doing it via Skype would be so much fun for them!
Betsy Mitchell says
I used to always use Skype but haven’t recently. I need to get back on and check out the new features!
Amy Desrosiers says
I have only Skyped once with my husband when he was away on business. I feel weird doing it, but these fun ways to Skype do sounds intriguing.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Skype is a great way to get a little extra connection with the family when I’m travelling. I didn’t know there was an app, though!
Myrah - Coupon Mamacita says
I love using Skype when I’m at conferences. It’s so much nicer to see my family’s faces than just hearing them on the phone.