Accent Modification Classes Using Zoom
Why It's a Great Idea

​In recent years, distance learning via the Internet has become almost a way of life, both in our professional and personal lives.  We communicate with people from all over world using either telephone conferencing or video conferencing. Chatting with friends and family members, conducting business meetings, earning a degree, meeting someone new from an online dating service, and providing instruction in almost any field available are just a few of the benefits of using the technology that the internet provides.

Why is choosing Zoom's video conferencing on the internet to improve your communication skills?  What are the benefits?  In this article, we will be taking a look at the reasons video conferencing classes are becoming so popular with people from all walks of life.

1. Zoom is free!
The videoconferencing software, Zoom, is free to download on any computer: whether it be a PC or Mac. In today's world, we are all looking for the most cost effective way to interact with others, and it doesn't get any better than free! FaceTime is included with all iPhones and is free to use with anyone who has an iPhone.

2. Zoom provides three methods of communication to meet everyone's needs.
Once you install Zoom on your computer, you can communicate with people on your contact list using a variety of methods: audio only, video conferencing, and text chat.  Videoconferencing is most like face-to-face, because you have the luxury of seeing and hearing the person you're speaking with.  Most of the people I work with prefer the video conferencing feature over in-person classes. There are a few individuals  who prefer audio conferencing over videoconferencing, as video conferencing is more threatening than audio alone. Zoom has something for everyone!

3. You have the option of private or small group classes with Zoom software.
While Zoom now provides both private and small group options, almost all of the people I work with prefer private classes. The main reason for preferring a private class is that most people do not want to be corrected in front of others, as it makes them feel self-conscious and embarrassed. They are much more comfortable working directly with an instructor. 

4.  Zoom's video conferencing are high quality..
Because Zoom provides such good quality videoconferencing, there is usually no delay between the movements and speech.  Occasionally, if a person does not have a fast enough Internet connection, the videoconferencing feature of Skype may not be an option. In this case they may need to change to the audio only feature on Skype or use the telephone. From my experience in working with hundreds of people, there is no difference between the improvement rates for individuals using video conferencing versus audio.

5. Working on the Internet allows me to work with people from all over the world.
Zoom uses the Internet for video and audio conferencing, making it accessible for all individuals, regardless of their location.  This is a huge advantage! The only time that the Internet would not be suitable for classes is if the student does not have the Internet or has a very slow Internet connection. The other consideration is the difference in time zones. Care must be taken to make sure that the time zones are correctly identified for each person, so that classes can be scheduled appropriately. 
FaceTime is accessible to anyone using an iPhone and has WiFi.

6.  Having classes using videoconferencing is very convenient.
Today's professionals work long hours and often travel frequently for work projects. Because there is no travel time associated with having classes via Zoom, you can arrange to take classes whenever it is convenient for you: at work in a conference room, at home, or even at a hotel if you are on a business trip.  These options make taking classes using Zoom very convenient.

In summary, we are all busy with our day-to-day lives, and free time is precious. Because there is so little downtime, we are always looking for convenient ways to schedule activities and classes without them becoming a burden. In today's society with our high technology, Zoom video conferencing provides the solution for us.  For accent modification classes and communication skills training, it is the perfect way for individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds to minimize extra time away from family or work.  It's nice to know that you are just a click away from taking a class to help you achieve your goals in spoken English!