Do you use always use video for your online lessons?

[suMMit]

A few months ago I had a bad internet connection with an italki teacher, so we decided to shut off the video and see if that improved it. Not only did it improve the internet quality, but I felt more relaxed not looking into the camera. The next time we met, I called him from my WeChat audio phone to ear , no video. This I discovered was even better since his voice was going straight to my ear rather than through the computer speaker. Now I do all my Italki lessons this way with several benefits: Can hear more nuanced pronunciation, better connection, don't have to be concerned about hair/lighting/clothes/seating position/easier to do in a coffee shop. Another hidden benefit is that I've realized my phone speaking skills have improved, when someone calls me I feel much less tense than I used to.

 

However, Italki is only supplemental for me. I have 3 regularly scheduled lessons every week on a different service(which I plan to review when I have a chance). I keep this as video because I think the visual dynamic is also important. For example, discovered that I sometimes scrunch up my face when I don't understand something, so video keeps me more aware of my facial expressions.

 

Basically, I enjoy both approaches.

[889]

I was using Italki for another language a while ago and turned off the video right away: it made me self-conscious and that was a distraction.

[Moshen]

There has actually been research done this year (because of the pandemic) that documents that video talking is draining for many people, both emotionally and just energy-wise. 

 

Here is one article on some of the research:

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/zoom-fatigue-four-reasons-video-calls-are-exhausting-and-how-to-prevent-it/

[amytheorangutan]

I think it depends on individual preferences and circumstances. If you are not comfortable with the person maybe this would be beneficial but for me personally if I talk about other things not related to work I like to see people’s expressions and that helps me somewhat connect with my teacher when we talk about other things not related to textbook/lesson materials. I feel comfortable with the 2 teachers I have alternately now so I don’t feel a lot of pressure on video but initially definitely I felt more self conscious. 
 

I feel like the stressful part about work video calls is that you have to be somewhat appear professional and have your work face on for the duration of the calls which would also happen if you are on video call lessons with a teacher you’re not too familiar with. 

[Apollys]

I think video contributes valuable information to any interaction, language lessons being no exception (as long as it doesn't reduce audio quality because of poor connection).  For example, your teacher can tell if your silence is because you are trying to think of what to say rather than because you are waiting for your teacher to speak.

 

I would also like to make the argument that video is important because it allows you to pay attention to how native speakers use their mouths to produce sounds, there physical mannerisms that accompany speech, etc, but honestly in practice the video quality isn't going to be good enough to make that argument.  In-person lessons are still so far superior for this reason.