| As you opened up this article, you no doubt have a | | | | cost (cash and time) of some of the more |
| view on web-cams? As yet I don't have one, and | | | | conventional teaching methods available in the |
| regard them as a bit of an intrusion. This is probably | | | | marketplace. |
| my Luddite tendencies showing themselves, as I | | | | The advantages are clear: experienced teachers |
| understand that video phone calls via the internet are | | | | available at times convenient to the student; |
| very popular. Web cams do have (in my mind at least) | | | | businessman and school student alike able to access |
| some 'seedy' connotations though, don't they? Nothing | | | | native speakers and get quality training without leaving |
| is hidden on some sites! The other day, however, I | | | | their home, let alone their country; reduced impact on |
| came across the Webcam being used as a teaching | | | | the environment (a Webcam doesn't have a large |
| tool. An up to date way to get a teacher and a | | | | Carbon footprint, does it?); a cost effective way of |
| student together across the continents. | | | | staff getting top-up lessons after that expensive stay |
| Actually this is an excellent idea, with numerous | | | | in the US or UK; a readily available expert to help tune |
| advantages for the student: a native speaking teacher | | | | that presentation or prepare for that meeting. The |
| on demand (almost); help with preparing meetings or | | | | disadvantages are less obvious: for some, no |
| lectures; revision of things learnt in a more conventional | | | | computer (obvious) or a computer that's not up to the |
| setting (the classroom or the language laboratory for | | | | connection speeds and criteria necessary for a goof |
| example); even just some conversation practice. I've | | | | webcam session, would make this an impractical |
| just checked out what a Luddite is: someone 'who | | | | method; one hour slots don't allow for teaching |
| opposes the advance of technology due to the cultural | | | | tangents - a student's attention span dictates an hour |
| changes that are associated with it'. I'm not one of | | | | as the ideal time for any teaching session; if this type |
| those really, as I can see, as I hope you can, that | | | | of teaching isn't well administered, frustration and |
| teaching English via the webcam could be an excellent | | | | non-availability of teachers could easily negate the |
| way of linking a skill with a need for a fraction of the | | | | benefits. |