What are /r/vipkid's favorite Products & Services?

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We Hold!

We Praise Dino!

This is the way.

I use this or this. I keep binder clips attached to the corners and have clear command hooks on the wall where they go up. I take it down as soon as I’m done - or not if I want to be cheeky on a Teams call for my day job.

I bought a collapsible clothing rack and a backdrop on Amazon. I can’t find the exact one, but this is similar. It’s lightweight and easy to travel with.

https://www.amazon.com/Need-Rack-Collapsible-Clothing-Rack-Commercial/dp/B00070ENH4/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=clothing+rack+fits+in+suitcase&qid=1605599165&sr=8-6

I'm teaching my wife how to tutor on camera. I'm totally done, but she is ready to start doing it now. It's amazing how easy I make it look and how hard it is to learn.

Bao teaching is going, but tutoring online in general is definitely just getting started. It's still a good time to broaden your horrizons, but...check this guy out? https://preply.com/en/tutor/18692/

Think you could make a better intro video and get a piece of the pie too? Teaching online doesn't have to go away yet...

https://smile.amazon.com/Whitmor-Deluxe-Adjustable-Garment-Rack/dp/B01KVJM5R0/ref=sr_1_32?keywords=portable+clothes+rack&qid=1556035170&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&s=gateway&sr=8-32 . Got that one on amazon! It's awesome!!!

On sale for a few more hours for $17. Online TESOL Course from International Open Academy (96% Off)

https://www.groupon.com/deals/international-open-academy-787?utm_source=&utm_campaign=UserReferral_ma

Posted before but in case you haven't found one yet:

I did this one last year. It was 7 bucks at the time but now it's 19$:
https://www.groupon.com/deals/international-open-academy-787

It's a TESOL, it took me a little over 2 hours to do and both VIPKID and GoGoKid accepted it.

I got it last year. I just looked it up and seems to be still up there, but 15$ now:

https://www.groupon.com/deals/international-open-academy-787

I can understand. Here are a few tips that I use to keep classes simple and my sanity in place:

1) I never use secondary rewards with my regulars. They don't expect them. For new students, I give emojis as a reward. A simple smiley face or something related to the unit. I've never been dinged for not using secondary rewards. My feedback is 421 Excellent, 4 Good, 0 Unsatisfactory.

2) I don't use props. I keep my iPad by me and occasionally pull up pictures. Again, I've never been dinged.

3) I catalogue my feedback by course number in a Word document. By now I've taught about every class there is, and my feedback document is over ninety pages. I swap out name, gender pronouns (when necessary) and personalize it a bit, but I can give thorough feedback on a lesson in less than a minute.

4) I also work a second job so I'm sure to give myself at least one day off a week. I used to teach Sunday mornings and afternoons, but gave up the mornings to regularly take a 90-minute yoga class. Mentally it's been well worth the sacrifice of a the pay of a few classes. It's helped me to keep exercise in my daily routine, even if it's just for thirty minutes.

5) Don't focus on all the classes you have stacked up for the week or that day. Do your best with the student your working - simplicity doesn't mean you don't offer quality. In fact, I think often times the busyness of extra rewards and props deter from the learning process.

6) Indulge yourself a bit to make being up for the extra hours you're putting into working. For me, it's as simple as adding a square of mint Lindt chocolate to my morning latte (that I drink while teaching and, again, only one four-star ding but complaining taking a drink of water).

I hope this helps. I wish you the best.

You should do a speed test on wifi and another with ethernet (make sure wifi is off and LAN is connected) to see what the difference in speeds are. IMO you want at least 12-15mbps+ download speed and maybe 6-8mbps+ upload speed for a reliable connection. This, of course, depends on who else/what else is connected to the network and using bandwith while you're teaching. You might be able to get a decent connection with lower speeds but the last thing you want is to not get paid after waking up early (or teaching a whole lesson and dropping out at 24mins) for having a bad connection. Don't give them an excuse to not pay you because they'll surely take it!

If it seems slow, try disconnecting anything you don't need internet to while you teach (i.e. turn phone wifi off, unused computers wifi off, etc...) and test again to see any difference that makes. Also, some routers allow you to prioritize bandwith so you can set your teaching computer to take priority to ensure the connection doesn't get too slow if someone jumps on the network.

Just google Speedtest and you'll see a good tester right away. Or go to this speedtest to check it out.

https://www.howtochatonline.net/chat-apps/wechat-asking-a-friend-to-verify-account/#Which_Accounts_are_Eligible_to_Verify_Another_Account_on_WeChat

So I think we need to already be friends. If it gives you the chance to put in someone else's number/info let me know and I'll give you mine

A couple things, the green bars may or may not mean much. Go to https://www.speedtest.net/ and check your internet speed there. 10 MBPS is usually fine to teach on although I think 20 is actually recommended.

But like others have said this sounds like it might be an issue with your computer's processing power rather than internet speed. Basically your computer is trying to do too many things at once so it can't do any of them very well. You can help this by closing anything else that is open on you computer at the same time as the VIPKID app. Also restarting you computer before class might help as well.

I THINK can set an alert through websites like visualping, but I think that due to the fact that parents often cancel when we are asleep, it might be hard to catch it. I haven't tried.

I feel you, it is infuriating and frustrating when your ticketing system creates more problems than the ones it is supposed to resolve. If you are tired of it, then allow me to suggest you an alternative: Kayako.

That is why you need to make sure that your help desk software comes with proper and reliable customer support, and fortunately, that is the case with Kayako. You will never more experience problems due to the language barrier, because the agents speak English perfectly.

It comes equipped with all the solutions you need and you can request your own demo to see if it fits your needs: https://www.kayako.com/demo-request

Don't worry, because it is free. You are going to have a much better time using Kayako than Freshdesk, I can guarantee you that from now!

my daughter has taken lessons through Preply preply.com there are a few other sites similar that I haven't tried, like verbalplanet.com

On Preply, you pick the language and tutor. They aren't all screened and interviewed and all. I've taken lessons with different people. Some were OK; some not great.

https://www.wechat.com/en/

It's kind of like China's version of whatsapp meets facebook. You have to show your code in class and the parents will scan it and add you to their friends list and you can talk to them there. The app will even translate for you if they don't speak much English.

This one

It comes with a bunch of attachments and a remote, too, if you want to be a TikTok star or something.

https://www.amazon.ca/Longman-Preparation-Course-TOEFL%C2%AE-English/dp/0133248127/ref=asc_df_0133248127/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292996645836&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1370980000148260806&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002402&hvtargid=pla-523228517985&psc=1

Radiance 10" Ring Light with Tripod Stand (74" Tall) - Dual Phone Holders, 3 Lighting, Selfie Circle LED Lights Ringlight for Video Recording, Confere https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CM3B44L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Q82iWE82UobA1

I ordered this soft light box from Amazon. You have to buy a bulb and stand separately. I just got a desk clamp style stand and it’s working for me.

If no background it working for you, then no reason you need one. If you want an easy one, however, you can buy a cheap one on Amazon. I made a background that's attached to my wall at home, but I bought this for traveling (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M5SP21L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) because it packs flat and I can stick to any wall with painter's tape. I got the 3x5 vinyl (which is more like a matte synthetic fabric) and it works great! It does retain some of the marks from being folded, but it looks decent on camera.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JLYHXLB/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the computer; I feel like that might answer your questions better than I can. I know the ram is 8GB but I don’t know about the processor.

I bought this one a while back. It gets the job done and the brightness is adjustable. Reeeaaallly helps hide those super dark circles under my tired eyes. 😂 UBeesize 10" Selfie Ring Light with 50" Extendable Tripod Stand & Flexible Phone Holder for Live Stream/Makeup/YouTube Video https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QFV72LK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_kr.ZFbDW1YXGP

Oh man! No mine isn’t hot in the slightest! Let me see if I can find the link to it.....pretty sure it was this one.... it was on sale a little when I got it. UBeesize 10" Selfie Ring Light with 50" Extendable Tripod Stand & Flexible Phone Holder for Live Stream/Makeup/YouTube Video https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QFV72LK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_kr.ZFbDW1YXGP

I got these on Amazon! Feeloty - Nice to Meet Question Card Game for Kids - Table Topics Conversation Starter for The Entire Family https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FGFWV5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_bLgaITEROXlfj They’re kind of pricey for a reward but I like that they have nice graphics on each one for some contextual clues. Some are really easy questions and some are more deep. They’re color coded to help you pick ones you feel are appropriate for that situation. Some ones off the top of my head: -camping or hotel -math or reading -live where you live or somewhere new -dressing casual or formal -homework or chores -winter or spring -neat or messy -dance or sing Etc

Oh and I have a tip for the lighting! I bought a strip of LED daylight lights with a sticky back off of Amazon for about 15 bucks and framed my monitor with them. It perfectly lights your face and it's cheap. You can also dim them and turn them off after class. Here is a link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075RYSHQQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a tip for the lighting! I bought a strip of LED daylight lights with a sticky back off of Amazon for about 15 bucks and framed my monitor with them. It perfectly lights your face and it's cheap. You can also dim them and turn them off after class. Here is a link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075RYSHQQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My wife and I bought the same orange shirts / sweaters from Walmart. Easy peasy. On top of that, I found this shirt on amazon that I splurged 15$ for and the students LOVE it!! They get super excited when I wear it. (Save those receipts to write off too!!)

https://www.amazon.com/Online-Chinese-Kid-Teacher-T-Shirt/dp/B07TSQTC52/ref=mp_s_a_1_27?dchild=1&keywords=vipkid%2Bonline%2Bshirt&qid=1577481783&sr=8-27&th=1&psc=1&customId=B075388326

I would really recommend getting a plastic webcam cover on amazon. They’re so useful for this job and you never have to worry about this happening again.

https://www.amazon.com/Laptop-CloudValley-Ultra-Thin-MacBook-Protect/dp/B079MCPJGH/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=webcam+cover&qid=1603290436&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyN0lFQThBRjVOREFYJmVuY3J5cH...

Thanks folks. Well I needed a new shirt since all my plain shirts don't see to go well with my green screen. But I don't want to spend 18 dollars for a t shirt. Guess I'll get this.

Ooh yeah it's orange hoodie time! I'm eyeing a lovely orange with black trim, but I've seen classic orange for less. Oh yeah, Fruit of the Loom! You work damn hard. You deserve that hoodie!

Fruit of the Loom Men's Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018GWYTYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_TZfsFb0HP1W1M

Would be perfect with the iron on! Go get 'em tiger! 🐅

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-LifeChat-LX-3000-Headset-JUG-00013/dp/B00906E03I/ref=mp_s_a_1_3 I use this one. It has a mute button, built in volume controls, and plugs into the computer via USB. It's listed on Amazon for $31 today.

I just bought this background for $8 off Amazon and I’m in love with it. It’s appropriate for all levels and is good for extension with higher levels- you could teach geography and probably even incorporate a reward system into it by letting older kids “travel” to the different places while teaching them something about each one.

I have crappy lighting, but the light color of the backdrop really brightens everything up. I taught with it for the first time today, and all my level 4 regulars thought it was really cool. It also gives me motivation since the reason I started this gig in the first place was to be able to work from wherever I want.

Yeele 5x3ft Globe Travel Backdrop Earth Map Worldwide Continent Famous Landmark Scenery Home Photography Background Around The World Infant Baby Adult Portrait Photo Booth Studio Props Photocall https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DC169SL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sYpbFbQCWN4PH

Amazon has a huge variety of backgrounds. I paid $7 for this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DC169SL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazon mug of joyous funny!

Klearlook Tablet Stand Holder, Height Adjustable, 360 Degree Rotating, Aluminum Alloy Cradle Mount Dock for 4.7-12.9 inch iPhone Samsung, iPad, Ninten https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KF6PSHD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_1sDTUbjrC8BhY

What about this one?

https://www.amazon.com/LB-Tapestry-Hanging-Creature-Distribution/dp/B07CNVMK2Y?th=1 - found it searching for that, it's so cute!

https://www.amazon.com/Streaming-Dimmable-Photography-Shooting-Brightness/dp/B07WWX91X5/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=led+ring+light&qid=1572221102&sr=8-6

I used the MPOW headphones you linked to for a while, but I had to stop because they were hurting my ears.

Now I use these and they’re much better both in comfort and quality!

I got a selfie ring light from Amazon that has a warm light option. The blue tones from the LEDs give me headaches.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XHGF566/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I like Razer Headsets. This is the one I have: Razer Man O War

That really doesn't surprise me at all hearing that bc I've never had any app behave the way this one does in terms of violating permissions

Also I searched for it in the google play store, it came right up :) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vipkid.app_teacher

I presume it'd be in the Apple app store too if you have an iphone

Jeecoo JC-G1000 Stereo Over-ear Gaming Headset with 7 Colors Breathing LED Light and Microphone - Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GOB77F4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3CNvzbVD609GF

It's got a mic kill switch over the speaker. Very comfortable, I just don't plug in the light to the USB. It comes in orange, if you like their orange branding