Since my earlier post about Skype for the iPhone and iPod Touch, I have had an opportunity to try out the application first hand.
After the file download & sync from iTunes, and a quick stop at an electronics store to pick up some iPod earbuds with a built in external mic, I was ready to go in short order. Since I already had a Skype account for my computer, the setup was a snap ~ join a wireless network, launch the software and log in. I took advantage of my prepaid Skype out package to make a couple of test calls – one to my wife who was cooking at the time and did not expect my call from the dining room, and a second call to a work colleague. How nice to say ‘Hello, I am calling you from my iPod Touch’!” The next day, a third test call occurred at work while standing in the same cubicle as the person who you are calling. 🙂
In each case, the iPod performed well and the voice calls were crystal clear audio. Based on the quality of the calls, my mind turned to potential classroom instructional uses of Skype (computer and/or ipod based). After a bit of internet searching, I located the following resources for Skype use in the classroom to share:
1. 50 awesome ways to use Skype in the classroom: Teaching Degree
2. Using Skype in education
3. Skype in the Classroom by ISTEvision
4. Technology Medley: Skype in the Classroom
5. Skype in the classroom: Celebrate Oklahoma Voices
6. Skype in Schools: Resources and Videos
7. School Tube: Howe High School
Vendor website: Skype
~ Mark
~ Mark's Musings ~ blog.markwcarbone.ca 
G’day Mark and thank you for linking my post on skype here. My son who works in London uses skype on his nokia phone. Would you be able to get video calls on your iPod touch. (Forgive me if that is a silly question as I dont have one)
The latest version of skype allows screen sharing as well but so far it is just for PCs not Macs. It would be fun if you skyped us sometime, but our time zones just arent very friendly for synchronous connections.
Good day! re video calls on the iPod Touch, this is not possible on the current model that I have. It may be possible on the newest model with a built in camera. That would be interesting to check out. I believe the newest version of Skype for Mac OSX now supports the screen sharing option too.
re skyping sometime, that would be fun if it is possible to coordinate at some point.
~ Mark