The best tips to get the most out of your online classes

Taking English classes online today has become a daily routine that is part of our relative normality, it is that given the current circumstances, we have seen the need to adapt to e-learning, or electronic learning, a concept that was born there in 1996 in California, United States, and that has been gaining strength and evolving over the years. It is important to mention that many online English courses have a fairly interactive system where both tutor and students maintain a high degree of participation, just as if it were a face-to-face class, that is why in order to make the most of each hour of English classes online, we leave you the following recommendations:

The Technological Factor

If it is your desire to get the most out of your online English course or any other e-learning activity that you are doing, it is extremely important that you take into account everything related to technology since your experience will depend on it. , that of your tutor and your group is as satisfactory as possible, is that the user experience is a concept which includes the way in which you perceive, feel or interact with a system or a service, generating in you like or dislike, for take into account the following elements:

1. Computer.- Having a good computer, whether it is laptop or desktop, is of the utmost importance when taking your English classes online, always keep in mind that your machine must meet some technical characteristics that will make it more appropriate to fulfill its mission ; Sufficient RAM, disk memory, video card, a good processor, among other elements are of the utmost importance, as is a good antivirus and correct general maintenance of your machine, because in many occasions super powerful machines are slowed down by the existence not only of viruses but of programs that run automatically and consume too much resources.

2. Internet speed.- There is nothing more frustrating than an English class where the internet speed is not adequate, the screen freezes, the image is corrupted, the audio is choppy, and countless other problems. It is estimated that an adequate speed so that your online English course becomes a comforting experience for everyone, is at least 10 MB of upload and the same amount of download. However; There are some other details that you should observe, such as the fact that you are working with a wireless or wired connection, since when working with a wireless Internet connection, you run the risk that your Internet adapter is interfered with by certain signals radio stations such as the same cell phone and the quality deteriorates, as well as the further you are from the modem, the lower the signal will be, so we recommend that you use a wired connection through a network cable, which you can find in the market for a cost of 2.50 USD US dollars for 10 meters of cable including connections to the port of your computer.

3. Audio.- One of the drawbacks that make the user experience highly unpleasant is the inappropriate use of audio devices, referring to the use of headphones in poor condition with poor connectors and also lacking a built-in microphone. Why is it important then that your audio device has a built-in microphone? Let me explain something to you! Most modern laptops come with something known as a built-in mic (built-in microphone). This device that your laptop has, is highly sensitive and manages to capture sounds from the environment; It is impressive how sensitive it is, that it can capture conversations that happen up to a radius of 10 meters away from where you are, all of which generates a mixture of noises that prevent your online course from becoming a satisfactory experience and on the contrary it turns out to be an unpleasant moment for all the participants. It is not necessary to buy expensive headphones, one of the best secrets is to use the headphones that come with your cell phone, since they have a built-in microphone and also have a noise reduction system, on the other hand there is a series of these on the market devices which you can find for 3 US Dollars.

4. Video.- It is spectacular how useful the video quality is when establishing a more real interaction between the participants of the online English course, most laptops include a web camera from the factory, with a quite acceptable resolution, in case your machine does not have this built-in device, you can get cameras with a fairly good resolution from 12 US dollars. Also consider keeping a clean background, by this I mean having as few objects as possible in the environment that your camera projects, as this can dispel the attention of the rest of the participants.

Your work environment

Having a comfortable and suitable place is undoubtedly of great benefit when taking an online English course, it is necessary to understand that the process of acquiring new knowledge, such as learning English online, encompasses a series of factors where the environment is one of them, we suggest you and in order that your experience and that of other people, is the most satisfactory, observe the following recommendations:

1. Stay away from noisy places.- Keep in mind that by being part of an online class, you will be joining a group of people, showing respect for this group is of the utmost importance, and one of the best ways to show consideration, appreciation and respect is avoid, as much as possible, noises that may cause discomfort to the participants of the session. It is imperative then that you look for a suitable and noise-free place where you are away from annoying sounds, such as vehicles beeping, babies crying, people talking, dogs barking, music playing, among other sounds that can be considered aggressive and harmful to the group. Remember that the people in your class use hearing aids, this means that the beep of a vehicle or the cry of a baby, they will hear it directly in the eardrum.

2. Put aside all distractions.- The simple fact of being connected to your English classes online from your computer can be an irresistible temptation to spend some time doing indistinct activities to the learning process, avoid having unnecessary windows open, such as social networks, videos and other websites that divert your attention from the ultimate reason for taking your English classes. Remember to only have the learning platform open and completely forget about other activities, at least for the duration of your online English class.

Comfort above all.- Make your learning process an edifying moment, look for a suitable space with a comfortable temperature, a comfortable armchair or chair, an orderly desk, adequate lighting, avoid consuming food or drinks, use comfortable clothing and adequate. Enjoy it to the fullest and get the most out of your English Course in Ecuador.