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Since the demise of Skype, more students and tutors are preferring to use Zoom. I certainly find it the most user-friendly and versatile of the video-call options. However it has the disadvantage of time-limited lessons, disconnecting the call abruptly at the 40 minute mark (hence why Cafetalk only allows tutors to offer up to 35 minute lessons using free zoom software!).
For the last few months I have been considering paying for a premium Zoom account to enable me to offer longer lessons to my students. A few of you have requested it and I also believe that many would benefit from the longer duration. So today I have 'taken the plunge' and purchased a year's subscription!
Rather than add 50 minute variations of all of my lessons, I have decided to keep things simple and add a single '50 minute' lesson to my schedule, which you can use for any of my popular lesson types. Of course, for those of you who prefer to take a shorter class, that option will remain. Whatever you choose, I can guarantee you a warm and friendly welcome to class and a relaxed environment for your learning.
Liz English
2025年9月12日
Ah interesting thank you, I'm on a macbook so will investigate those other options too! Let's keep in touch on here as well, it's great to share resources and knowledge.
Thirzah
2025年9月11日
Hi Liz, Thank you for your quick and honest reply. I have been doing some research into screen sharing and annotation options for Google Meet, etc. I use an Apple Mac and intend to get Presentify (Mac-only App)to use with all the platforms I work on. Maybe Presentify could work for you and your students. I love using off2class.com, but sometimes I need to use other materials which aren't as interactive. I'll get back to you in 6 months for an update. Thanks again, Thirzah.
Liz English
2025年9月11日
Hi Thirzah. To be honest I haven't used all the functionality of Zoom in terms of annotation or other tools etc because I need my lessons to be equally functional even if a student chooses Lattep or Google Meet. I think what has impressed me most is the stability of Zoom, primarily because it's not browser based. In terms of cost, so far I would say it hasn't been worthwhile, but it's very early days and hopefully there will be more uptake of longer lessons in the future. Check back with me in 6 months and I'll let you know how it's gone!
Thirzah
2025年9月11日
Hi Liz, I'm an online English teacher like you. Can I ask if you find the benefits of paying for Zoom outweigh the cost? I work with a few different platforms and their classrooms, but I find they lack some important features like annotation tools, etc Has Zoom impressed you?