Online learning in higher education allows distance education students to complete degree requirements in virtual environments. Universities are challenged with providing quality education experiences for these students and meet the students' needs for engagement and challenge within a collaborative framework. This study proposes how Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) could be used to provide face-to-face participation in a traditional classroom using a unique "Skype buddy" system. In this project we examined the experiences related to the satisfaction, benefits, challenges, and surprises of each of the participants (Skype buddies, professors, and other students in the class) in two doctoral seminars. (Contains 3 tables.)