“Ormai” (good word that. It means “By now”) the Internet has become mundane.
Booking a flight or shopping online is no longer the adventure it once was.
And we rely on the web for free resources and information in a way which would once have been science-fiction, but is now unremarkable.
But progress means casualties: I was lately involved in an online debate about whether the “rete” (net) means the death of language schools (it does, apparently).
In a rush to adapt, lots of language schools (including this site) have started offering online Italian lessons, via Skype, the ubiquitous free-to-download and use, VOIP programme.
But can virtual lessons ever really replace the real thing?
Will Skype kill language schools as we know them?
Skype lessons won’t ever replace the “real thing”
- No broadband connection? You are SO going to waste your money!
- Know how to operate the microphone, webcam, etc. on your computer? Thought not.
- How to tell a quality teacher from a cowboy? Go to a “real” school, of course.
Skype Italian lessons are the future!
- Most people are a long way from a good Italian teacher.
- No time or money wasted getting to class.
- Choose from an ever-growing online pool of teachers (and if not satisfied, change!)
- Study whenever and wherever you want.
- Get an mp3 recording of your lesson to listen to again.
Have you tried a Skype lesson? Would you recommend it?
Or would you rather do it the old-fashioned way?
(Comments welcome! Just fill in the form below)
P.S. If you’d like to find out what all the fuss is about, check out our Skype Italian Lessons page in the OnlineItalianClub.com shop!
Lee Paoli says
I like to follow a course that has a “live” instructor with 3 to 5 other students because you can learn a lot from both the teacher and the other students. However, I never taken a course using Skype, so this is not well founded in facts.
Daniel says
I agree, Lee, that small groups offer a nice balance. Individual classes, online or off, are better if you have specific needs or preferences that might be hard to satisfy in a group, whatever the size.