Example Uses

• conduct office hours with distance students - it's often difficult for distance students to visit you in your office, but with skype, they can simply call you.
• help build learning community - audio options help increase that sense of presence that is so crucial for helping many feel connected.
• conduct lectures - introducing a topic or summarizing key points at the beginning or end of a unit can be quite a valuable learning tool.
• have your students use it to work on group projects - it's easier than trying to get together in one location and it's definitely easier than trying to coordinate via email.
• provide assessment & feedback - especially with the application sharing plug-in, you can show and tell your learners what they did well and what they could have done better just as if they were sitting at your desk.  Even if you don't use screen sharing option, just hearing your voice for feedback can often make sure mis-understandings don't happen.
• use it to provide your students with a "security net" - it's comforting to see that you're online and they can contact you if they need
• See Designing eLearning Chat Sessions for more ideas, tips, etc. 

Potential Benefits

• text, voice, and video help get the message across
• collaboration can be easier and more effective
• learning community can build stronger ties

Things to Consider and Potential Challenges

Audio Conferencing

• If you're going with strictly audio conferencing, remember that these aren't recorded by default.  So, if you need to have a record of what was discussed, either get everyone to participate in typing what everyone says (do this in skype text chat area)  OR  install one of the great audio recording Extras for skype.    You can see this list of audio recording options.
• Voice conversations are fabulous opportunities for quick-thinking, fast-paced learning needs.  You don't want to use skype to encourage reflective thinking, but you can use it to encourage depth of learning and understanding, expression of alternative views, etc.
• Because you can easily send files with skype, consider sending an agenda to everyone at the beginning of the conference to keep everyone on track.  Estimated times for certain activities can help things stay focused and on-topic.    However, if you're using skype for brainstorming or other free-flowing discussions, agendas could be counter-productive so do select the appropriate choice based on your learning objectives.
• Make sure to post the recordings where everyone can find them.  It is always important to let everyone know that they'll be recorded and where the items will get posted.   If the recording will be public, make sure everyone knows good strategies for maintaining the level of privacy that makes them most comfortable.
• Summarizing the key points of a session after it is complete and including that with the audio transcript is quite helpful.  You can do this or you can have your learners do this as a continuation of the learning activity. 

Text Chat Conferencing

• If you're going with strictly a skype text chat option, remember that not everyone reads and types at the same speed.  Make sure to take steps to help guide the pace of the text chat.   This could be anything from having to type in a specific symbol  (e.g. a "?") to be recognized to type or to specify the order in which people will type.   There are really any number of strategies. The important point is to do something to ensure no one gets left in the dust and no one is kept waiting for too long. 
• Text chats are saved on each individual's computer so everyone will have a record. However, it is a nice idea to post the text chat transcript in the LMS or elsewhere so that those who could not attend can still benefit.
•  A summary of key points (done by you or by the students for extra learning opportunity) is useful for long text chat transcripts. 

Video Conferencing

• Video conferencing is free for 1 to 1 video.  For more than 2 people, at least 1 of the people needs to have a premium (as in "paid"  account).  This if for sharing your web cam.   If you want to screenshare, you can share  only with 1 person.  See this screensharing info page for more.
• Video conferencing is really quite lovely for consultations and assessment/feedback with another individual.   However, if you need it recorded, you will have to install one of the Skype Extras like VodBurner or SuperTinTin Recorder.   

Tutorials

• Skype's Help Section

Resources & Research

• EDUCAUSE: 7 Things You Should Know About Skype