With the advent of the internet and proliferation of users, language learning is more accessible than ever. You’re able to access a tutor via Skype, Google or even Facetime, and chat to a native speaker anywhere in the world. Fancy sipping on your favorite tea, while chatting with someone in Japan? That’s powerful, isn’t it? But is learning a language online better than in person? Many would argue that nothing beats being there live with the person and hearing everything clearly. However, there are some great benefits of online language learning that In-person learning cannot beat. Here are 10.
1. Lower Costs
The explosion of the internet has made language learning more accessible allowing you to converse with people from all over the world. It's possible to learn any language with ease whether Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic etc.But, perhaps an even bigger benefit that has contributed toward improved accessibility, is the decreased cost that has resulted due to the internet explosion. You have access to a plethora of online learning resources and language apps, many of which are free. With the many technologies, you’re also able to tap into online tutors for a fraction of what it would cost for a person-to-person tutor. So, no one can say that learning a language online is less immersive!
2. You Don’t Have to Travel
Remember the days when you had to book a language learning class? The time was set and you had to attend. Well, those days are gone. From the comfort of your home, it’s possible to connect with an online tutor to learn any language. Online language learning is far more convenient - and as a result -, you have the power.
3. You Have the Power
You have the power to choose when you want to learn a language. Learning a language online allows you to set and allocate times that work for you. You don't have to march to the beat of the traditional language learning tutors. Choose times that fit into your busy schedule. Learn languages on the go with the many language learnings apps. Access the many online tutors.
4. You Have Access to Greater Diversity
Whether you live in Germany, Russia, Thailand, South Africa, U.S.A., Mexico, New Zealand or even Brazil, there are many opportunities to learn a foreign language. You can connect with any native speaker in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. This allows you to engage in varied conversations and immerse yourself in the experience.It’s such diversity of peoples, languages, dialects, and accents, that will improve your comprehension of the target language. For example, chatting to a Spanish speaker from Mexico and Spain will allow you to understand subtle nuances and colloquialisms unique to that country.
5. You Can Learn in a Familiar Environment
Some people are afraid of learning new languages or even learning a new language in a large classroom environment, where they may feel embarrassed. Learning a language from home allows you to work comfortably without such fears as it’s a familiar and safe environment.
6. You Have Fewer Excuses
People often create a variety of excuses about why they cannot learn a language. Well, this may have been the case with more traditional language learning. With online language learning excuses like it’s raining or I don’t have time to drive to my tutor, no longer exist. With less room for excuses, you’re in a better position to achieve your language learning goals.
7. There are Many Language Learning Resources
Everyone is different and learns in different ways. Some learn better through visuals, while others prefer writing or audio. With the many language learning resources on the internet - from apps, tutors, forums, flashcards etc - there are more language learning resources to suit your preferred learning method. For instance, if you enjoy learning with like DuoLingo - but want a more immersive experience - you can supplement it with online tutors e.g. Rype.
8. It’s Easy to “Cheat”
When engaging with a native speaker through your Webcam, whether it be via Skype, Google or Facetime, why not supplement your language learning by having several tabs open. This will allow you to engage in a conversation with the native speaker without distracting them and help you find certain words that are on the tip of your tongue but don’t want to come out.
9. Ability to Record Sessions to Refresh Your Language Learning
Have you ever recorded a person-to-person lesson with a camera or mobile phone? Well, I’m sure you can imagine how cumbersome - not to mention distracting - this is for your tutor. Using online software like Skype, you can record your language lesson for review later.
10. Access to Digital Technologies to Boost Your Language Learning Efforts
I’ve mentioned several technologies that will help you learn a language online e.g. Facetime, apps, Google, Skype etc, but there are many others that can boost your language learning efforts. I’ll discuss a few.
Screenshare
Google Hangouts and other VoIP programs like Webex provide you with the ability to share your screen. This is a great addition to any online language learning. For example, read a book together or compare notes with your tutor.
Live Correction with Google Docs
As a freelance writer, I use Google Docs to share articles with my editor. It’s a great way to make comments, edits, suggestions, and track all these changes. It’s also a great tool for learning a language online, especially for submitting an online writing assignment to your tutor. It will allow you to improve your writing in the target language.
Final Thoughts
The internet explosion has contributed toward the rapid growth of online language learning. There’s no question about it. While person-to-person language learning has its merits - and will always have its place - online language learning is set to continue its exponential growth. And with good reason. There are many benefits like:
- Lower costs
- Not having to travel
- More control
- Access to a greater diversity of native speakers
- Ability to learn in a familiar environment
- Fewer excuses to not follow through on languages learning goals,
- Many online resources
- Ability to “cheat”
- Ability to record sessions
- Digital technologies to supplement your language learning efforts
With the many benefits, what are you waiting for? Why not start learning a language online today?
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