Italki is an online language-learning platform that was founded in 2007 with the aim to connect tutors with language learners from across the world through video chat. It is headquartered in Hong Kong, China, and using the platform students can learn several languages including English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and so on. It not only allows students to find teachers for 1-on-1 tutoring but also provides tutors with the opportunity to earn money.
How does Italki work?
Italki is a multisided platform that allows registered users to take the role of learner or the role of tutor. Each of these is assigned separate profiles. Upon registration, learners can start looking for the right teacher. Further, on the basis of reviews from other students and qualifications, learners can choose a language tutor. Once the tutor is selected, a learner can book a trial lesson.
Additionally, a learner can look at the teacher’s calendar and select a time to take the lesson. The booking request is then submitted. The teacher can either approve or deny the request. If the request is approved, then as per schedule, the lesson takes place. Credits are taken out from the wallet on Italki and are held in escrow until a lesson is completed. In case of a missed lesson or dispute, the credits are released back to the learner.
Why is Italki popular?
Italki is primarily popular because of its offerings, which can be divided into the following sections:
- Informal Tutoring - This option is given by tutors who may not have any teaching experience but are native speakers. Informal tutoring costs less than professional lessons and a tutor is not obligated to use textbooks.
- Professional Lessons - Tutors who have industry experience impart professional lessons. These are more expensive and teachers are expected to guide the lessons in a way that adapts to the learner’s needs.
- Language Partners - This is another option for learners who can’t afford to get private lessons. All that is required is for you to teach your native language in exchange.
Apart from that, Italki has two categories of teachers.
Professional Teachers - Those who have a relevant university degree or a teaching certificate. They have professional teaching experience and the status is verified by the Italki staff.
Community Tutors - These are native speakers of the language or language learners with high proficiency who can provide informal lessons and conversation exchange.
Classic Features of Italki - A Language Learning Platform
Usability and Accessibility
The platform is easy to use as step-by-step instructions are available. Further, users can easily access the platform for language learning lessons from across the world.
Finding a Language Tutor
Italki incorporates advanced search and filter options so that tutors according to a learner’s requirements can be found. The tutors can be filtered by:
- Languages they Speak
- Price of their Lesson
- Availability
- Native Speaker or Not
- Professional Teacher vs Community Teacher
Feedback
There are numerous tutors on the platform and so it is vital to go through the reviews from past learners before finalizing one.
Help and Support
Italki offers an impeccable help and support system where support ticket requests can be submitted. A broad online knowledge base with helpful articles and FAQs is also offered.
How to Build a Language Learning Platform like Italki?
A language learning platform can be built either by going in for custom development or by selecting a readymade solution. The latter option, i.e. choosing a readymade solution like Yo!Coach provides a competitive advantage as all you will need to do is - buy, install and start using it. Custom development on the other hand will be expensive and time-consuming.
Advantages of Ready-Made Solution Yo!Coach
Yo!Coach is a software solution that is specifically designed to meet the needs of an online language-learning business. It is integrated with an array of features that aid the delivery of one-to-one or group sessions to learners. The main advantages of the platform are:
- Ready-made Solution
- 12 months of Technical Support
- Fully Customizable
- Free Installation
- Multiple Support Channels
Conclusion
Italki is a leading language learning platform that effectively caters to the needs of language learners. It is easily accessible, user-friendly, and flexible. Hence, as an entrepreneur, you too can offer a great language-learning platform to learners and capitalize on the language-learning market.
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