Now that you and the teacher have agreed to have a lesson, how you decide to have the lesson is up to you. italki will eventually have a way for users to conduct a class directly on the website. However, for now, how the class takes place will depend on you and your teacher.
italki recommendations
 | We recommend using Skype for connecting with teachers and students online. Skype is already used by over 300 million users all over the world to make free computer-to-computer phone calls. Skype is FREE. You can download skype here. http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/ |
In order for you to communicate with your teacher, we strongly recommend using a headset. Using a headset to talk over the internet helps reduce background noise and feedback. Headsets are generally inexpensive and worth the investment. It is best to test out your headset ahead of your lesson, to avoid problems. If you want some suggestions for headsets, you can find them here:
italki recommendations
Do you need a headset? Order it online!
If your internet connection is fast enough, we also recommend using video in your lessons. We have found that teachers and students both prefer video lessons. Unfortunately, some connections may be too slow to support video. In order to have video lessons, you will need a webcam.
If you need to purchase a webcam, you can get some suggestions here.
http://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/videocall/#high-quality-videoIf you need help setting up a video call on skype, you can click here.
http://www.skype.com/intl/en/help/guides/video/italki recommendations
Do you need a web camera? Order it online!
Communicating online is not as natural as face-to-face communication. Try to be patient. This is especially true if it is your first class.
- Always be courteous and friendly.
- Try to be early, and get your computer ready ahead of time
- Try to minimize distractions
- If you are planning to record the lesson, you must tell the teacher or student ahead of time. (How to record on Skype)
Other tips- Never reveal your italki passwords or personal information
- If there are any problems, please notify italki immediately.
Please do not miss your scheduled class time. This is very important, because you will be penalized for missing your appointment. If you miss your class without warning, you may have to pay the teacher for the unattended class. We will ask the teacher to reschedule, but it is up to the teacher to decide. Your teachers are often very busy, and view your scheduled class session as a professional commitment.
italki will send an email before your session is supposed to begin, but it is your responsiblity to be online and prepared.