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 your computer doesn't have it, you can buy one for very little money.
Good Internet connection
At least 1 Mbps connection speed, both upload and download. You will find out your 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 you don't use any cable, you 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 your Internet connection.
You have 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 you might not hear the teacher correctly or be heard by him/her.
I advise you to check the quality of your connection with the Internet speed test and by making video call tests with friends or relatives.
Skype (or Facetime, Google Hangout, Zoom, Webex...)
Classes will take place through videocalls. That's why you will need to install Skype and/or Facetime (Facebook) , Google Hangouts (Gmail), Webex or Zoom.
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
You will need a Gmail account and Google Drive. That's where you will have your 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.
You need to follow the explanation below of how to install Google Drive:
- First of all, you have to create a Gmail account, if you don't have any.
-Then, you have to log in and go to the upper-right side, where the Google Apps are located. Then you must click on Google Drive.
-Once you are in Google Drive, you will find a menu on the left side where you can see all the folders in Drive.
In "Shared with me", you will be able to see the folder that we have created for our lessons.
If you want to know more about how Google Drive works, you 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 you must open them before the class begins.
When the lesson finishes, the teacher will assign you some homework, 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 you begin our classes eager to learn! Learning a language is very gratifying, but you also need effort, patience and a lot of determination.
Moreover, it is important that you conceive 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!