Are you interested in learning a new language?
If so, you’ll be happy to know that there are several ways in which you can do this from the comfort of your own home. One popular way is to take Language lessons on Skype.
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What are language lessons on Skype?
Language lessons on Skype, in many ways, are similar to traditional ones. You’ll meet with a teacher who will guide you through exercises and activities to help you learn the language.
Skype language lessons can be one-on-one or conducted with a group of students. It can also be tailored to your specific needs and goals, focusing on grammar, reading, writing, or speaking.
Depending on what language you want to learn, your teacher may use various methods. These may include reading, writing, conversation, or even using technology.
Language lessons on Skype will likely be scheduled at a certain time each week, so you have to be disciplined about attending them and following through with them.
For the Language lessons to be effective, you’ll need to put in the effort and be consistent in attending.
Skype language lessons: what to expect
When you take Skype language lessons, you’ll likely meet with your teacher once weekly for a set number of hours.
Depending on the language and your particular goals, you may work with your teacher for a longer or shorter period. Depending on your language lesson, your teacher may ask you to do various activities.
For example, suppose you’re learning a language spoken in a different culture. In that case, you may be asked to read books in that language. You may also be asked to write in that language.
During the language lessons on Skype, you’ll likely have a computer or laptop, where the Skype aspect comes into play. Your teacher will also have a computer, so you and your teacher can see each other.
The benefits of Skype language lessons
There are several benefits of taking language lessons through Skype. They allow you to take lessons from the comfort of your home.
This means you won’t have to worry about taking time off work to attend a physical class or travel to a physical language school. With Skype lessons, you can work around your schedule.
They’re also relatively affordable and accessible to nearly everyone. Although Skype language lessons are convenient and cost-effective, they’re not necessarily less effective than in-person lessons.
There is a research that shows Skype language lessons to be just as effective as in-person lessons.
Tips to have a successful Skype language lessons
When you’re taking Skype language lessons, there are a few things that you can do to learn fast.
Here are some tips:
Familiarize yourself with Skype
Before your first language lesson on Skype begins, ensure you understand how Skype functions if you have never used it.
To ensure you comprehend essential details like what to click on, where to look, and how loud to speak, you may set up a practice call with friends, family, or co-workers.
Even if you’ve used Skype before, get accustomed to using a new headset, microphone, or pair of headphones if you purchased them just for your training. Ensure your equipment is working and your internet connection is sufficient.
Tools for your language lessons on Skype
The best tool for language lessons on Skype is a PC, not a phone or tablet. Aside from a pc, you will also need quality headphones, a webcam, and your Skype account.
Find your perfect space
A well-lit, quiet, distraction-free area is key to maximizing your Skype language learning experiences. If you’re taking language lessons through Skype at work, you may not want to do so at your desk.
You can seek out a small meeting room where you won’t be disturbed or distracted by phone calls and co-workers. Family members may also be present if you attend the Skype language class at home.
So seek a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted.
Just relax
Some people find using Skype a little unsettling. However, if you cannot relax, learning a new language will be much more difficult than it should be. Therefore, relax!
Your tutor is here to help you, not to judge you. Remember that this is not a job interview.
Tell your tutor if you know anything you can do to relax. Your language teacher will do everything they can to ensure you feel comfortable.
Use all Skype features
In addition to being flexible, taking language lessons on Skype offers a diversity of unique advantages.
Using some of Skype’s built-in features, you and your language tutor can have effective lessons. For instance, you can ask your tutor using Skype’s instant messaging function at any time during the class.
These may then be reviewed after the session.
During the session, a language teacher can use this instant chat feature to provide you with discreet cues and advice. They can give you advice on pronunciation and vocabulary without disrupting your flow.
Aside from the video, you may also use the screen sharing feature to present something.
Review your notes
After your Skype call has ended, don’t just turn off your computer. Instead, go through your notes to remind yourself what you learned and what questions you have.
Spend 10 minutes going over what you have learned so that you don’t forget it all immediately.
What’s the next step?
How to find and choose a Skype language teacher?
There are a couple of things to remember when looking for a teacher for your Skype language lessons. First, you’ll want to ensure that the teacher has experience teaching the language you want to learn.
Also, you’ll want to ensure that the teacher has a good reputation, which will help you have a positive experience.
You can search on a general language learning website or sites connecting language students with teachers. You can also ask your friends and family if they know of anyone who teaches lessons or even post on social media looking for a teacher.
As a language tutor with years of experience, here are my top recommendations on where to find a perfect tutor for your language lessons on Skype.
- Italki
- Preply
- Verbling
- Verbal Planet
Italki is the most prominent and advanced online tutoring platform, and that’s why it’s my favorite. You may sign up for Italki through this link to receive $10 off on your first lesson.
Choose the best tutor for your language lessons on Skype
There are two types of language tutors: Those who are qualified and experienced and those who barely speak one foreign language. What do they know about learning a language?
In contrast, some teachers (especially online) “like learning languages” but lack a clear vision of how to teach.
Why settle for one when you can have both? A polyglot with experience in both teaching and learning languages.
Skype language lesson is a popular way to learn a new language from anywhere.
While these lessons are convenient and cost-effective, it’s important to make sure you choose a teacher with a good reputation.
When taking language lessons on Skype, be prepared, be consistent with your attendance, and use the technology to better interact with your teacher.
Now, if you want to learn a foreign language fast, make sure to check these learning resources.
