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Free software that allows you to communicate for free has to be worth a look, surely? Imagine talking to experts in your subject from anywhere in the world, and recording the conversation for later use as a learning resource.
With Skype (and a few other bells and whistles) it’s possible…

Skype is free software that allows VOIP (voice over IP), IM (Instant messaging), file sharing and other neat features. It allows you to make free calls over the internet from anywhere in the world. Even on aeroplanes, if they have internet connection (and some do).

You can buy Skype Out credit if you want to dial landline numbers from your PC - anywhere for the price of a local call. There’s also Skype In, which is still in beta testing, which allows people to get hold of you on Skype from their landline - you just have to give them a phone number to use. If you were that way inclined, registering your own 0845 number is inexpensive and easy to do, so you could use that as your Skype-In number. You get a free Skype Voicemail with this too (standard voicemail usually costs, but there are other free voicemail solutions out there such as Pamela and SAM).

Up to five people can be in a conference call on Skype concurrently. This could be used in a lesson scenario where pupils work in a group - they needn’t even be in the same room! (Ahem, or even on the same continent).

This Auricle article explains a number of alternatives on how to
It’s available for Mac, Linux, Windows and Pocket PC.