AllBackupBuddyProgram

[|Did I miss anything?]
Tom Wayman's poem captures the essence of how important it is to be in class and not miss. But sometimes you can't be there; technology can allow us to "be in class" without being in the classroom. (Remember H1N1? You might feel fine with Avian Flu but you had to be quarantined for a long time. You might not be able to physically be in class but still be able to participate due to family issue, car problem, snow on a non-snow day, conjuctivitis,...).

toc Backup Buddies are the colleagues in your class that will "Skype" you in if you need to miss class due to a reason you cannot physically attend class but can participate virtually. Your team of Backup Buddies can choose your communication technique (Skype, Google Hangout, FaceTime,...) as long as it allows the buddy who is not in class to hear and see what's going on in class.

You will be assigned to a team of Backup Buddies for practicum (so you can use them for CIA, seminars, or Dr. Theresa's class). If you need to miss class, contact one of your Backup Buddies who will set up his/her laptop in class in such a manner that you can hear (and maybe see?) what's going on in class. Your Backup Buddy will be able to have an occasional quiet conversation with you if you need something repeated or have input to offer to the class. //(Note to Skype buddies who are healthy and in class: if you can, bring a headset or at least an earpiece for these quiet conversations.)//

//Be sure to email your professor that you are missing and that you will be virtually attending class.//

Preparation for being a Backup Buddy: (This is for Skype...if you pick a different tool, do the same things, just customize it to your tool.) =Make Sure All Team Members Have an Account= > =Become a True Team= =Practice Using Your Technology= Familiarize yourself with Skype and its capabilities. You can read about [|Skype and how it works]or just "mess around" with it. You and your Skype buddies need to each be able to:
 * 1) If you don't already have it, download [|Skype software] for your computer and install it. (Note: you and your buddies do not have to have the same type of computer for this to work.)
 * 2) Open the software.
 * 3) If you have an account (a Skype name), log in. If you don't have a Skype name, set one up. Look under the rectangle where you should type in your Skype Name for the tiny words "Don't have a Skype Name?" and click on the words.
 * 1) Be cautious about putting too much information about yourself out there. Very little information that they ask for is required information to open the account.
 * 2) Know that the default setting is that anyone can access the Skype directory. You can set your settings so that even if they find you in the Skype directory, they can't call you. Set your preferences (and there are a lot of preferences) to settings that will make you feel comfortable, confident, and safe using Skype.
 * 1) Exchange Skype names with all your Skype Buddies on your team.
 * 2) Additionally exchange another communication technique so you can contact someone when you need a Skype Buddy.
 * 3) In Skype, request to be recognized by each other.
 * 4) Make sure everyone on your team is in your contact list.
 * 1) Initiate an audio or video chat with someone (NOTE: you will get less feedback if both parties are able to wear headsets or at least earphones/earbuds)
 * 2) Answer an invitation to an audio or video chat with someone.
 * 3) Send a text message via Skype while having an audio or video chat.
 * 4) Set up a conference call (a multi-person chat).
 * 5) Participate in a conference call and learn how to use the mute button to avoid feedback and white noise in the background.
 * 6) Practice sharing the screen (a very helpful tool for backup buddies so they can see what you're doing on your computer).