What calling software is used for lessons? What are the pros and cons of each?
LanguaTalk tutors use a range of different calling tools for lessons. The main options you'll find are Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Whereby, and Zoom. We encourage tutors to offer at least two of these options to provide flexibility.
You'll see the available calling options listed on each tutor's profile, typically below their introductory video. When you book a trial or your first lesson, if the tutor offers more than one option, you'll be able to select your preferred tool.
Download Requirements:
- No Download Needed: Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Whereby work directly in your internet browser.
- Download Required: Zoom requires you to download their software.
If you prefer to avoid downloading software, choosing a tutor who offers Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or Whereby might be best. However, if you find a tutor who seems like a perfect fit but only offers Zoom, don't let the download put you off – it usually only takes a few minutes to install.
Key Considerations & Limitations:
- Microsoft Teams:
Pros: Works in your browser (no account/download needed), free plan allows calls up to 60 minutes.
Cons: The 60-minute limit on the free plan might be restrictive for lessons longer than an hour. Chat messages may not be easily accessible after the call.
- Google Meet:
Pros: Works in your browser, generally no strict time limits for 1-to-1 calls on the free plan, easy to use.
Cons: Chat messages may not be easily accessible after the call.
- Zoom:
Pros: Widely used, reliable connection.
Cons: Not recommended if neither you nor the tutor has a paid Zoom subscription, as free calls automatically end after 40 minutes. Requires software download. Chat messages may not be easily accessible after the call. (If you have a paid plan, you can share your personal meeting link with your tutor). If a tutor only has Zoom available, it'll almost always mean they have a paid subscription.
•Whereby:
Pros: Works in your browser, simple interface, offers Google Docs integration within the call.
Cons: The free plan has a 30-minute time limit, making it unsuitable for standard lessons unless one of you has a paid account. If a tutor only has Zoom available, it'll almost always mean they have a paid subscription. Chat messages may not be easily accessible after the call.
In-Lesson Experience:
All these video tools are well-suited for language learning. They allow you to do everything you would in a physical classroom: speak, listen, read, write, and share learning materials effectively.
Many tutors like to use a shared Google Doc during lessons. This allows both you and the tutor to type notes, corrections, and work on exercises together in real-time. It's also a great resource for revision, keeping everything you've covered in one place. (If you use Whereby, you can even collaborate on Google Docs from within the call itself).
Alternatively, some tutors prefer to type corrections and notes directly into the chat messaging area of the calling tool. For all the calling tools mentioned (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Whereby, and Zoom), the chat history might disappear or not be easily accessible once the call ends. Therefore, if your tutor uses the chat and you want to revise these notes later, it's crucial to copy and paste them into a separate document before finishing the lesson.
How to Start Your Lesson Call:
For any of the calling tools offered, you will typically find your tutor's unique meeting link on the My Tutors tab of your LanguaTalk dashboard. At the scheduled time of your lesson, simply click this link to join the call. Remember that only Zoom requires you to have downloaded the software beforehand; the others work directly in your browser.