Since its first public release in April 2003, Skype has experienced rapid growth, both in popularity and in software development. Skype is a user-friendly Voice over Internet Protocol software. The Skype service allows users to make voice calls anywhere in the world for free (PC-PC).

Among professional online trainers, Skype is perhaps the best known and most popular voice application for teaching English or any other subject over the internet. Skype, along with the likes of Google, MSN and Yahoo is among the top internet companies to support free voice, chat and video. Skype is also helping to fuel and further the interest in distance education and online tutoring.

More and more instructors are using Skype in the classroom as a means of fostering collaborative learning. Experts suggest that instructors follow these suggestions for developing the skills necessary to ensure a successful Skype session:

•     Use eye contact when speaking into the web camera.
•     Avoid unnecessary bodily movements.
•     Speak clearly and concisely into the microphone.
•     Check viewing angles for clearness before the web camera session.
•     Use a tripod or fixed point to keep the camera still.
•     Keep students seated so that they can be seen by the web cam.

By following these simple suggestions an instructor can assure that their Skype session is successful.

With online tutoring a typical student can now take up one-to-one language class in the comfort of their own home. All they need is a computer running Skype, an internet connection and an instructor willing to tutor them online. Online tutoring is instant, interactive and it's becoming a popular alternative to classroom learning. Students can also expect to get personalized help such as grammar, sentence construction, essay writing, proof reading, conversational english practice and much more.