I run regular Skype sessions for forum members.
The idea is that forum members will be able meet up with each other to chat and eventually exchange contact details, maybe even set up chat rooms themselves where they can practise spoken English together in a relaxed, fun and informal way.
What do you need to have?
- You will need a Skype account, with the most up to date version. (If you don't have a Skype account you'll need to download the software and follow the instructions online - don't worry, it's free).
- You must use have a computer with an Internet connection (the faster the better) and a good quality sound card.
- To hear any conversations you will need a good pair of headphones (or computer speakers).
- To speak you will need a good quality microphone with a reasonable sound card (You can now buy USB headsets with a built in sound card).
What do you need to do?
- To join in with anything I run on Skype you have to join the Learn English forum and be in my contact list on Skype.
- You will need to install the free Skype software software (follow the instructions on their web site). I cannot give technical support for the installation and running of the software, but they can. Make sure your settings are correct before you start.
- Once you have the software installed, test your headset and microphone. You can do this using the tools Skype provides.
How do you access the voice sessions?
Only members of the forum can apply to join any of the voice sessions on Skype. You have to do this via the Learn English forum.
Send me a contact / friend request in the forum and then when I have accepted your request you can send me a private message with your Skype id (please do not send it to support or in the contact request).
I will then send you a contact request via Skype and once you have replied to it (in Skype), I will be able to add you to the Meet Up 4 ESL room.
You will need to save the room in your conversation list on Skype.
If you "leave" the room, it means you are no longer a member there and won't be able to get back in. If you wish to permanently leave the room, remove me from your contact list in Skype.
To join in the regular "voice" sessions, you should make sure you are "available" in Skype (green), and IM me, in Skype 5, minutes before the session starts. Type a message to say you would like to join the session and I will add you to the group - first come / first served.
At the end of each session I will remove your from the group, and you can apply to join again the next time.
(If you have followed all the instructions and still can't get in the room, let me know in the Skype area of the forum, and I'll try to sort out any problems.)
When is the room open?
The Meet up 4 ESL room is available 24/7, but I am not. I usually moderate the Meet Up 4 ESL room on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
I try to be in the Meeting room for at least two hours per week.
I can't promise I will always be there on the same day or at the same time, but I do try.
You are not limited to visiting just my room. If I am not there at a time to suit you try one that is.
What times do the regular sessions run?
There is a calendar of times here. All times are *CET = Central European Time (Berlin).
You can click here to calculate the time in your city/country, www.timeanddate.com/worldclock - choose the city of Berlin for the time to convert from.
What do we do in the sessions?
In the reading room on Mondays we read out loud, do a bit of role playing or even some drama. Due to time restrictions if the room is full, not everyone will be able to read out loud, but I will try to make sure everyone who attends regularly has a go.
In the Wednesday sessions we use the time for a bit of listening practice, or discussions. This means active listening, so be prepared to listen to a podcast, a song, a video or access an mp3 file online and to ask/answer questions about it.
Sessions and topics can be requested by forum contributors.
In the Monday and Wednesday sessions we usually start with a topic. This can involve an article or short skit to get people to speak out loud. I give feedback on English pronunciation and English speaking skills. Hopefully we then discuss the session and this gives everyone the chance to speak English freely. Common topics of conversation are: introductions, current events, food, books, movies, sports, hobbies, art, music, education, family, holidays, travel, and the weather (I am British after all).
When you enter the room for the first time make sure your microphone is muted and check what we're doing, and then if it's appropriate, type "Hi" in the chat window.
If you want to speak type "mic" in the chat window and if it's appropriate I'll call you to take the microphone. You can then talk by clicking on the microphone on your Skype panel and speaking into the mic, (don't forget to mute your mic when you've finished).
We use the following codes:-
- 111 to show we can hear you
- 222 means we can't hear you
- 2121 means your sound is breaking up
You'll see on the calendar that on Fridays (TGIF) we meet up on Skype with forum moderators in a special room. Here members of the forum who have been helping out on the network are invited to come along to relax and just chat about anything. Access to this session is by invitation only, but you can ask to join us, just don't feel insulted if we say "not this week".
What level are the rooms aimed at?
I expect the groups to find their own level, but it generally works out that intermediate to advanced students get the most out of the sessions. However, you are more than welcome to join us whatever your level, you can learn a lot by just listening. For beginners I recommend "Learn English on Second Life".
If you have any questions, please contact me via the forum.
By joining any of these activities you agree to follow the Network's rules and guidelines.
Of course you are not limited to my activities on Skype. There is a lively language learning community there, some offerings are free, others you have to pay for. Check out the Skype Language Learning forums for more information.
