Track 3: Skype for Business
Skype for Business is a synchronous communications tool. It allows individuals or groups to connect at distance in real-time. Participants can instant message, make audio or video calls, view each other's computer screens, and even co-edit files like Word documents or PowerPoint slides. SfB could be used for synchronous lectures at distance, remote student presentations, or virtual office hours.
What Skype for Business Is Not
It's important to know that Skype for Business is not the same thing as the Skype you may be familiar with using in your personal life. Your regular Skype username will not work with Skype for Business, and you will not be able to message or call people using their Skype identities.
Skype for Business is an enterprise system in use at the University. You, and anyone else at the University, may sign in with UP email and password to use Skype for Business.
Your Tasks
- Download and Install Skype for Business: if it's not already installed, download SfB to your computer
- Practice Adding a contact and changing your status
- Host a meeting or call: Set up a meeting or arrange a time to call a colleague or student. Try presenting your screen. I am available for practice calls as well, just send me an email with a few days notice and I will be available to meet on Skype.
Downloading Skype for Business
While it's possible to join a meeting from a web browser, for a consistent experience it is highly recommended that you download and sign in to the Skype for Business app. If you plan to use SfB with colleagues or students, it would also be best if they download and sign in to SfB as well.
Luckily, Skype for Business is available as a free download for both Mac and PC computers.
Windows
Skype for Business on Windows is included as part of the Office 2016 software suite. If you do not already have Office 2016 installed, you can find instructions on how to do so here:
Windows: Install Office 2016 Instructions
Mac
Skype for Business is available as a free standalone download for UP users.
Skype for Business Mac Download Instructional Video
Mobile Phones
Skype for Business is available for iPhone and Android devices. Just search your mobile phone App store for "Skype for Business". Note that mobile apps do not have full functionality for presenting meetings, but can do audio and video calls or instant messages.
Using Skype for Business
You can use SfB to instant message, make audio/video calls, or host an online meeting. The two main approaches you can take are:
- Schedule an online meeting and invite others to join
- Add people as Contacts and call or message them directly
Mac - Introduction to SfB Contacts, Status, Chat
Mac - Schedule and Host an Online Meeting
Windows - Skype for Business - Learning the Basics
Alternatively, Lynda.com has an excellent learning course on Skype for Business 2016 for Windows. You don't need to watch the whole thing, but I would recommend watching the videos on Managing Contacts, Making Calls, and Meet Now to get started.
You may access the course at the link below and sign in with your UP credentials.