Computer with camera and headphones
A computer with camera, as well as headphones with microphone (although not necessary, this is highly recommended, as the sound will be better).
Computers usually have a camera included, but if the student's computer doesn't have it, he/she can buy one for very little money.
Good Internet connection
At least 1 Mbps connection speed, both upload and download. The student will find out his/her connection quality on this website here.
In order to get a stable connection, it is recommended to connect the Router with the computer throught an Ethernet cable.
If the student doesn't use any cable, he/she can try to place the closest to the Router as possible.
Another easy advice is to close all the tabs not needed during classes. In this way, it won't occupy all the bandwidth in his/her Internet connection.
The student has to take into account that it is essential to have a good Internet connection so that the classes can be carried out easily. If there is a bad connection, the call may stutter and he/she might not hear the teacher correctly or be heard by him/her.
I advise the student checks the quality of his/her connection with the Internet speed test and by making video call tests with friends or relatives.
Skype (or Facetime, Google Hangout, Webex...)
Classes will take place through videocalls. That's why the student will need to install Skype and/or Facetime (Facebook) , Google Hangouts (Gmail) or Webex.
We could use WhatsApp videocalls as well. It is recommended to have two or three of these programmes installed. In this way, if one fails, we will have the option to use another one.
Google Drive
The student will need a Gmail account and Google Drive. That's where he/she will have his/her class folder with all documents (Google Docs and Excel sheets, pdf files, images, videos, audios...).
Google Drive will be useful not only to create class documents and work on them, but also to save all kinds of useful files for our classes.
The interesting thing about Google Drive is the constant synchronization: all that we do there will be automatically saved.
The student needs to follow the explanation below of how to install Google Drive:
- First of all, the student has to create a Gmail account, if he/she doesn't have any.
-Then, he/she has to log in and go to the upper-right side, where the Google Apps are located. Then he/she must click on Google Drive.
-Once the student is in Google Drive, he/she will find a menu on the left side where he/she can see all the folders in Drive.
In "Shared with me", he/she will be able to see the folder that I have created for our lessons.
If the student wants to know more about how Google Drive works, he/she can watch this video.
Working with Google Drive in the class
During the class, both the student and the teacher will able to see and write into the Google Docs document. This document will be used as virtual whiteboard, class document and workbook.
Moreover, we will create an Excel file which will work as a dictionary.
During the lesson, we will work with both documents (dictionary and Google Docs file), so the student must open them before the class begins.
When the lesson finishes, the teacher will assign some homework to the student, which has to be done for the next class.
Paypal or bank account
The payment can be done with a bank transfer or Paypal.
Bear in mind that high commissions in many international transfers are frequent; so Paypal can be a good option for you, as it is for free.
If you choose Paypal, you must create an account.
Contact us if you have any questions when choosing your payment method.
Willing to learn Spanish
It is essential that the student begins our classes eager to learn! Learning a language is very gratifying, but he/she also need effort, patience and a lot of determination.
Moreover, it is important that the student conceives Spanish learning as an enjoyable process, not as a target to reach, because language learning is a long-term process!
Being aware of all this before starting learning Spanish will do things easier!