Set up a FREE Skype account

To get started with virtual school visits, you'll need a Skype account. If you are not familiar with Skype just visit www.skype.com and take a tour. Skype is a program that allows you to make calls through your computer or mobile device. Although you can pay to call land phones or cell phones, you can also use Skype technology to make face-to-face calls through your high speed internet for FREE.

You'll need a computer with a webcam and high speed internet already set up.
 First, go to www.skype.com and create a FREE account by clicking Join Us. They offer you the option to connect with your Facebook or Microsoft account, which is great for personal use, but if you are trying to set up a classroom account I suggest you create an account from scratch.
You'll need to provide them with your email address, name, and basic information. This information will be private.

Next you'll be asked to provide a user name. Name your account something easy to remember because this is the name that people will look for to connect with you. For example 'LittleSchool3rdgrade' 'Awesome4th' 'Ms.SmithClass'. My username is 'marianallanos.schoolvisits'. Then create a password to protect your account.
Next, they'll ask you to type in some numbers to prove you're not a robot. Finally, click on the button Agree.
If you don't have Skype installed on your computer, then you'll need to download it. It takes only a few minutes.
Now you can sign in with your username and password to your newly created account. In the next window you'll be prompted to check your sound and image and to upload a profile picture. I highly recommend that you do both. After you upload your picture, you'll be all ready to go!

As you can see, I've created a new account for school visits.

You can add people by typing their name, email address or Skype name on search book. Add me by typing marianallanos.schoolvisits. Once I accept your request, we'll be ready to start chatting. Vice versa, when someone adds you as a contact, you will need to accept before you can start seeing each other face-to-face.