Additional Communication Tools: Phones, Skype, E-FAX

Tools and Features

Additional Course Communication Tools: E-fax, Skype, and Phones

Here are some Plan B’s for communication and transmission when the online tools aren’t quite doing it—either allowing submission, or resolution of a course concern.

Phones: We think of phones as tools for emergencies or difficulties, but the call can also be a source of welcome and connection AND retention! What if you were to set a short call w/ each learner in Week 3 or 4 to see how the course is going?

We ask that faculty provide a phone number for students to call or leave messages. Telling learners to leave name, concern, a number and a few times to return the call limits phone tag. Letting learners know they can request a phone conversation through email and asking for the same kinds of information also assists setting that type of appointment.

Using Voice-Over-Internet Telephony like Skype (and there are others…). Two to five people can meet online if each has Skype software on his/her computer. Files can also be passed, and there is a chat feature. Using Skype is a way to avoid long distance fees, though many cell plans make long-distance pretty much a non-issue: Free software download is available at Skype.com.

E-Fax: Here’s a way for you to send or receive a FAX if that is necessary via your computer. E-fax is one service that allows a free thirty-day trial – a person does need to read the user agreement—there’s a limitation on the number of pages transmitted. MyFax is another, though I didn’t see an offer for a free trial.