Frequently Asked Questions – Regarding classes and online learning at WISE

Technology & skills 

• What equipment do I need to join an online class/lesson?

To join our online classes/lessons, you need a computer or mobile device with a microphone and video (although video is not always necessary). 

• Do I need any technical skills to join an online class?

Students need basic computer skills to access and navigate the platform we use for our online lessons.  You will need to know how to use a keyboard and mouse and you will need to be able to download an app/programme. 

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Before you start your online lessons, WISE will send you clear information on how to join our online lessons and if you are ever in doubt, you can contact us for technical support. 

• What happens if I don’t have a camera?

 

We understand that some laptops/computers don’t have integrated cameras.  Although having a camera is not essential, it does provide a more personalised learning experience and so we strongly recommend it. 

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Internet problems

• What happens if I can’t connect to the class?

If you are unable to connect because of internet problems, try to let us know, if you can.  We always record our lessons and so we will send you the recording once the class has finished.  You can then catch up on what you’ve missed, in your own time. 

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​Preparing for class

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• How can I prepare for my online lessons?

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Like any lesson, you might like to have a notepad and pen in front of you whilst you are in class so that you can write down any new vocabulary or write the answer to the questions the teacher may set.  Some students, however, prefer to record new vocabulary directly onto their computer, this is also fine. 

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Your teacher will try to send you any new materials the day before your lesson.  This is because some students prefer to print out some material and have it in front of them whilst they study. 

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At the end of each lesson, your teacher will set homework and give you an overview of what to expect in the next class.  Make sure you do your homework and be ready to show it to your teacher in the next lesson. 

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During the class

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• What should I do if I can’t hear the teacher?

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If you can’t hear the teacher, try and adjust your volume on your computer.  If this still doesn’t work, let her/him know by writing a comment in the ‘comments’ box.  If neither of you can fix the problem, disconnect from the class and try and re-join.

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• Will I have to speak during the class?

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Yes, of course.  During the online class, you will be asked to answer questions, give your opinion on a topic and sometimes debate or present an idea.  It is really important that you observe class rules and try to take it in turns to speak.  We ask you to do this so that everyone benefits from the online class experience.  If you are in doubt, you teacher will guide you.  

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• Will I be able to work (do pair work) with other students in the class?

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Yes, your teacher should be able to organise pair work and break away groups.  Online classes can be very exciting and interactive.  

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Missing a class

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• What happens if I can’t attend a class?

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If you know in advance that you won’t be able to attend a class, let your teacher know by emailing her/him.  If it’s the day of your class and you can’t attend, contact your teacher or text your class WhatsApp group.  

After the class, your class rep can let you know what you missed and tell you about any homework assignments.  The teacher can also send you a recording of the missed class so that you can listen to it in your own time and catch up. 

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Homework

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• Will I be expected to do homework?

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Homework will be set during each class and we expect our students to do it, as it is a fundamental part of the learning process.  It is important that students do work outside the class, not only to consolidate learning but also to ensure progression.  

At the beginning of each class, the teacher will go through the homework set and answer any questions. 

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• How will my teacher correct my homework?

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If you were set a specific task e.g. grammar or vocabulary, the teacher will go through the answers in class and write them up on the board to ensure you can see the correct answer.  

If you were set a writing task, then your teacher will ask you to email the task to her/him and she/he will then send it back to you with corrections and feedback. 

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Progress

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• How will I see my progress?

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At WISE, we monitor our student’s progress closely.  

When you join WISE, you will complete a Placement test which will tell us your level of English.  A few weeks after you join, you will have a 1-2-1 tutorial with your teacher who will help you set some learning goals.  Then each month you will be expected to complete a progress test.  

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The test requires you to revise all of the areas you have covered in class over that month.  When you have made sufficient progress, you will be given the opportunity to move up a level (if and when a space is free). 

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When you leave WISE, you will take an exit test which will show how much you have progressed since starting at WISE.

 

It is important to note that you will need to study outside your online classes too.  Independent learning is key to learning a language. 

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Making friends

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• How can I meet other students and make friends?

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We understand how important it is for our students to interact with each other and practise their language skills.  For this reason, as soon as you join a class at WISE, you will be added to the class’s WhatsApp group where you can talk freely to each other. 

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In addition to this, via Blended Learning you will meet your classmates. WISE offers a social programme for its students and you will hear more about this when you start classes. Things will be a little different under the current situation due to Covid 19 but we are confident that during your time at WISE, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet other students.  WISE prides itself on its friendly and nurturing atmosphere.  You will never feel alone as we like our students to feel integrated and supported. 

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Feedback

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• Who should I contact if I have a problem / suggestion for my class?

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If there is something that you don’t like about your class or if you have a suggestion for us, please let us know as soon as possible.  We welcome feedback.  

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You can either contact your teacher directly or Liz Denham liz.denham@weybridge-english.com . If you have a complaint, please follow our Complaints procedure. 

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General questions

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• Is online learning as effective as face-to-face teaching?

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Online education can be just as effective as face-to-face teaching.  In fact, some learners prefer online learning and successful online students are usually more organized and more in control of their studies. 

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• What are the advantages of attending online classes?

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  There are numerous advantages:

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1. You save time (you don’t have to physically travel to the classroom)

2. You save money (there aren’t any travel costs involved)

3. There is a large amount of flexibility (you are in control of when you attend)

4. It’s better for the environment (because there is no travel to the class, so you are reducing your carbon footprint.  

 

• Does WISE offer the same student support online as they do offline?

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Yes, absolutely.  We are a friendly language school that 100% supports its students.  From the day you enrol, you will be made to feel welcome and supported through your learning journey with us.  

Over the years many of our students have commented on the ‘family feel’ that is created at WISE and we will do everything we can to keep that going. The blended Learning programme allows the best of online and face-to-face.