When we think of France, we instantly imagine ourselves on the streets of Paris, smelling the delicious croissants and hearing the beautiful French language. We also wish we could learn French in a blink of an eye - even though we know it is not the case unfortunately. The good news is, you don’t have to go all the way to France to learn the language, you don’t even have to leave your room! In the last few years digital education has become more popular, since it saves you lots of time and energy. There are great ways to attend classes on Zoom, so grab your coffee, sit on a comfy couch, and let’s get started!
What is Zoom?
Zoom is one of the most popular cloud-based video conferencing software, which makes remote working or studying very easy and effective. When meeting in person isn't possible or necessary, Zoom allows people to meet and work together successfully "face-to-face." This means that users can turn on their cameras and microphones, so it almost feels like the person you are in a video call with is physically there. This makes remote meetings much more human, which is critical for users to feel and stay connected, especially when it comes to attending a course.
When using Zoom, you can hold conferences, audio conferences, webinars, and can even record the meetings, and also use live chat during the call. You can even meet teachers, co-workers or students and have online French courses, because you don't need a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting. A "Zoom Meeting" is just a Zoom-hosted meeting in which guests can participate and can join using a computer, a tablet or a phone.
In order to have a well-functioning and effective Zoom call, you should use a device that has a microphone and/or a camera, when your goal is to meet “face-to-face”. This allows you to speak to the other participants, and also be seen by them properly. A stable internet connection is also a must in order to have a smooth and effective meeting.
What are the benefits of having Zoom French classes?
Flexibility
When working a 9-to-5 job or studying at college, time management can be very difficult, especially when we are trying to find free slots in the busy weekdays for something new to learn. This concern may even discourage people from taking language courses, since it takes a lot of determination and time to learn it effectively.
Fortunately, digitized education has become just as natural as taking in-person language lessons, because we can get access to the necessary tools more easily nowadays. This way, you don’t have to leave your house in order to take private French lessons. The time it would take you to travel from point A to B can now be used just as you like, for a nice walk, or memorizing French vocabulary for your next lesson. The choice is up to you!
Personalized teaching
Even though language groups can be a great chance to meet new people and connect with them, it also has its disadvantages. Those who are struggling to pick up the pace or would like to get a clearer explanation on different topics may not get a chance due to the narrow time frame. On the other hand, when you are taking private French classes on Zoom, your tutor will focus on only you. This way you will learn French more effectively, and don’t have to worry about peer pressure either.
Effectiveness
When you enter an in-person language course, there are certain situations that can slow the process of learning. It could be students who arrive late and need to catch up, or even an unexpected, loud honking car outside the classroom. This can be frustrating not only because it is not effective, but you also feel like putting money into this is not worth it. When you are learning French via Zoom, the spotlight will be only on you and your learning journey. It is also helpful for people struggling with social anxiety, because you don’t need to worry about anyone else in the virtual room, and your online teacher most definitely will not judge but encourage you.
Designed for real life
When learning a new language, it is important to focus on actually speaking it. Even though you need to start by learning the grammar and vocabulary, the sounds and intonations are also very important, and will take you to wherever you would like to with your French. Online French lessons with a native speaking teacher can help you actually feel like you were dropped somewhere in France and have to use what you got - your French knowledge - in order to get on with your life. It may sound scary at first, but listening and practicing a language vocally is the most effective way to actually master it.
What is the difference between this type of e-learning compared to other methods?
We all know the feeling when we enter a classroom, open our notebooks and try to read the teacher’s notes on the whiteboard. Some may find it more difficult than the others, but we all should agree that using different kinds of tools (for example for visualization purposes) is very useful. Since our brains are decoded to memorize more colorful or graphic things, we might need them when we are taking French courses on Zoom.
Fortunately, Zoom is an excellent platform which can transfer all of the physical classroom essentials to an online class. It is even more advanced than some of its rivals, such as Skype or Google Meet. Even though Skype French lessons can also be effective if you are not into virtual whiteboards and being able to draw on them, it is a fun advantage of the software.
Zoom also allows you to use a virtual background, so you don’t need to worry about your cat crawling into the frame, or just feeling insecure about showing your room to somebody else online. You may search for Wikipedia articles straight from your Zoom Chat channels and share them with other users with the Wikipedia Search chat app, which can be very handy when you’re taking Zoom French lessons.
Having a French course on Zoom can be also more enjoyable and easier due its user-friendly design, and having only a few hardware requirements, than taking Skype French classes, which is a bit more minimal and simple. However, it does not matter if you learn French via Skype or Zoom, your determination is what matters most!
Who can attend online French lessons with Zoom?
French, like any other language, has distinct levels of proficiency dependent on how well you speak and understand it. In order to decide which level you are on, you can take a test to see what kind of French class you should take. Your teacher can also provide you with a trial lesson, in which you can get a clearer picture about your current level and your possible study plan.
The A1 is a beginner level in which you are familiar with basic terms and phrases that will assist you in meeting your needs, such as ordering at a restaurant or introducing yourself. The next level is A2, which indicates that you are more comfortable conveying personal information and that you can more easily ask questions regarding your immediate surroundings and environment. Listening to native speakers on this level may still be challenging due to the language's pace and complexity.
You are more confident in your language abilities at level B1 (Intermediate) and can have more fluent talks about job, hobbies, studies, or other topics including events, experiences, and thoughts. On level B2, necessitates require more complicated skills such as spontaneous communication. This level allows you to express yourself in detail and engage in a wide range of themes, allowing you to work in the French language at your workplace.
When you reach the C1 (Advanced) level, you are fluent in a wide range of themes, including everyday and social life, professional and academic topics. You can converse about anything in great depth and have a good understanding of French pop culture. The greatest level you can get is C2, which indicates that you have a comprehensive command of the French language, nearly as if it were your native tongue. It does not matter if you are a complete beginner or a more advanced student, it’s never too early or too late to learn French by Skype or Zoom!
Learn French online via Zoom!
If you would like to impress your friends by quoting great French movies, or would like to know more about this beautiful language, don’t hesitate, dive into it! Save time and energy by attending online courses, and be as effective as one can be!
Check out FFA's customized Zoom French courses if you're ready to delve into something brand new, or if you'd want to brush up on your old French skills. Study French online with native-speaking, expert teachers and become fluent in the language quickly with personalized and well-structured classes! Get your first online lesson for free, and get a taste of France virtually!