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Technical

• What is online teaching?
• What is the benefit of online teaching?
• What do I need to get started?
• My computer is bought in US, can I read and write Chinese with it?
• What type of computer do I need?
• I don’t have a Webcam, can I take the class or tutoring?

What is online teaching?

Online teaching takes advantage of the broadband Internet connection and video conferencing. It uses easy-to-use and freely available Instant Messaging software such as Skype, MSN Live Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and Google Talk. Just add a microphone, a headset and an optional webcam to your computer, you can literately talk face to face with your instructor/tutor in real time. Please see How It Works for more information.
 

What is the benefit of online teaching?

Online teaching is the teaching of future now.  It virtually brings you and your instructor (tutor) together for a private one-one-one class. Your can choose your preferred schedule, your own pace, your own location (even when you are traveling!) and yet, get the full attention and full support from your private instructor/tutor. Register now to see it yourself!
 

What do I need to get started?

You need three things to get started: Hardware, software and Internet access. Here is the detail:

• Hardware. An Internet and multimedia enabled device, such as PC, a Mac, a PDA. Please make sure you have a microphone, a speaker and a webcam that connected to the computer to get the best result.
• Software. An instant messaging software is necessary to get the live conversation. For cross platform compatibility, we recommend Skype. However, we will accommodate your preferred instant messaging software, such as Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and AOL IM.
• Internet. Broadband Internet connection is preferred. Dial-up is workable with audio only, but the result will be far from optimal.
   

My computer is bought in US, can I read and write Chinese with it?

Yes, if you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS X or higher, or most version of Linux/Unix, Chinese character display and input are always supported by default no matter which language you are using. What you need to do is to simply activate them. Your instructor or tutor will guide you through the process when you need to display or input Chinese characters. Even you are using the operating system without Chinese support, you can always use free online input service as long as you have access to Internet.
 

What type of computer do I need?

If you use Skype, you can use  IBM compatible personal computers with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista operating system, Mac OS X or higher, or Windows Mobile.

If you use MSN, you are limited to the IBM PC due to the compatibility issue. There is no support on video from Microsoft in current MSN on Mac.

I don’t have a Webcam, can I take the class or tutoring?

Yes, you can use just the audio part of Skype or MSN. Your instructor or tutor can not see you. You will still be able to see them. However, we still strongly recommend you using a webcam, so you will enjoy the full benefit of face-to-face teaching or tutoring.