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A must-have for Cafetalk lessons!
How to use Skype & Zoom!
This section introduces how to use Skype and Zoom and its convenient features necessary for taking lessons on Cafetalk.
About Skype
Skype is a software provided by the Microsoft Corporation. You can chat and make voice and video calls anywhere in the world for free.
Official Skype PageAbout Zoom
Zoom is an online web conferencing service. It allows voice and video calls, and multiple people can participate at the same time. Downloading the application and basic use is free.
How to use Skype
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So what exactly is Skype?
Skype is a software provided by the Microsoft Corporation. You can chat and make voice and video calls anywhere in the world for free.
Learn more → What is Skype?
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Can I take lessons on an iPad or tablet?
Yes, you can download and sign in to the app "Skype for iPad" or "Skype" for Android in advance and then take lessons.
Learn more → Can I take lessons on an iPad or tablet?
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Can I take lessons on my iPhone or smartphone?
Yes, you can download and sign in to the app "Skype for iPhone" or "Skype" for Android in advance and then take lessons.
Learn more → Can I take lessons on my iPhone or smartphone?
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How can I use Skype?
To use Skype, first download Skype on your computer, tablet, smartphone or other device.
Learn more → Step By Step Guide to Skype
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What is a Skype Name?
The Skype Name is an ID created when you register on Skype. You need to register your Skype Name on Cafetalk’s account settings page before the lesson so that the tutor can search for your Skype Name on Skype.
Learn more → What is a Skype Name?
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How do I start a lesson using Skype?
A few minutes before the scheduled lesson time, please click the "Start Skype Chat" button on the Cafetalk Request page. The Skype app will open. You can also send messages to the tutor before the lesson start time. At the start time of the lesson, the tutor will call you, so please wait.
Learn more → Getting ready for lessons on Skype
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I’m totally new to Skype calls and a bit nervous...
We recommend that you complete a call test before your first lesson. An auto-response voice call test service is available within Skype.
Learn more → Let’s get used to Skype with a call test!
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What is an instant message?
Instant Messages (IM) are text chats on Skype. You can exchange messages with your tutor before or after a lesson, and it’s convenient to display text during a call.
Learn more → How to display instant messages during a Skype call
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Can I see the tutors’ face during the call?
Yes, most tutors provide lessons using video calls on Skype, where you can see each others face. Please make sure to check each tutor’s profile page for details.
Learn more → Can I see the tutors’ face during the call?
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The tutor can’t hear my voice / I can’t hear the tutors voice!
Here is what to do when you experience audio issues during a Skype call.
Learn more → Skype audio troubleshooting
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How do I update Skype to the latest version?
If you are not using the latest version, please update it to ensure a good call quality. Please refer to the help pages below to learn how to update the Mac and Windows versions of Skype.
Learn more → How to update Skype
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How do I record a Skype call?
There is an option to record during the lesson and use the recording for self study later. (*You must obtain the other party’s consent before recording audio or video). Please see the help page below to learn how to record audio/video during a call.
Learn more → How to easily record Skype video and audio calls with the Skype app
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How do I block someone on Skype?
Are you bothered by messages from spam accounts? Skype allows you to block users that are troubling you.
Learn more → How do I block someone on Skype?
How can I use Zoom?
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So what exactly is Zoom?
Zoom is an online web conferencing service. It allows voice and video calls, and multiple people can participate at the same time. Downloading the application and basic use is free.
Learn more → What is Zoom?
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Can I take lessons on an iPad or tablet?
Yes, you can download and sign in to the app "ZOOM Cloud Meetings" for iPad or "ZOOM Cloud Meetings" for Android in advance and then take lessons.
Learn more → Can I take lessons on an iPad or tablet?
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Can I take lessons on my iPhone or smartphone?
Yes, you can download and sign in to the app "ZOOM Cloud Meetings" for iPhone or "ZOOM Cloud Meetings" for Android in advance and then take lessons.
Learn more → Can I take lessons on my iPhone or smartphone?
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How can I use Zoom?
If you wish to take lessons via Zoom, please sign up for Zoom in advance for a smooth start.
Learn more → Getting ready for lessons on Zoom
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How do I take a lesson using Zoom?
You can find more information on the help page below.
Learn more → How to request a lesson to be taken via Zoom
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What should I keep in mind when taking a lesson via Zoom?
When the microphone and camera are turned off, each icon will have a diagonal line. When you connect to Zoom, please make sure that both are turned on.
Any notes, links, files, etc. that the tutor posts in the Zoom chat will not be viewable after the Zoom call is ended. Please make sure to save them before closing Zoom.Learn more → Things to keep in mind when taking a lesson via Zoom
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The tutor can’t hear my voice / I can’t hear the tutors voice!
The Zoom app may not be able to read the microphone or speakers connected to your device.
Learn more → Frequently asked questions about lessons via Zoom
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I can’t hear the sound right in my music lessons!
Zoom was originally designed for use in meetings and it has a mechanism that automatically determines sounds other than human conversation as "noise" and filters it out. If you are using Zoom to take music lessons, such as piano or singing lessons, you need to turn on "Original Sound for Musicians".
Learn more → How to set up Zoom for music lessons (PC) / (mobile version)
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Is there a time limit for free calls?
Zoom used to have no time limitations for 1-to-1 calls for customers on the free plan. However, due to changes in their Terms of Service, starting May 2nd 2022, all meetings conducted with free accounts will have a 40-minute limit regardless of the number of participants in the call.
Learn more → Taking lessons over 40 minutes on Zoom
Take a free counseling for Skype/Zoom test calls!
If you have any concerns about using Skype or Zoom, or if you would like to do a test call before the lesson, please request a free counseling session.
Cafetalk’s official counselors are waiting for you!