Technology has evolved the way people educate themselves and acquire new skills. Here is why the online modality of learning is perfect for mastering a new language.
The Internet has changed the landscape of language learning. Online schools, learning apps, websites, free materials, videos and infographics have never been more popular and consumed. Today, the web offers various learning tools related to languages, but can one really learn a language online? We say yes, and here's why.
Online learning has swung the door open to everyone looking to acquire a new language. It has made materials, classes, expert teachers and immersive resources like, songs, series and movies, accessible and readily available.
It has virtually eliminated the limitations of distance and time. A teacher based in South Korea can now easily teach students in the Philippines, or a learner in a remote area can now take up classes without visiting any physical school in the city. Moreover, students can now enjoy soft copies of books or curated materials written in the foreign language, which traditionally are hard to find in the Philippines or have to be bought abroad.
Thanks to flexible schedules and class recordings, full-time employees can now "attend" their classes during breaks and conveniently review their lessons before going to bed. Students can now study at their own pace, and in their own safe place - no need to go out, commute or spend anything (especially now the gas prices are crazy!).
Online learning has also provided the balance between autonomy and expert guidance. For instance, learners may choose to watch the replay of their classes as many times as needed to fully learn a lesson or review for a test. They can prioritize the skills they consider as most important or challenging for them. Because they are able to learn in a convenient time and in a comfortable, pressure-free environment, they may better absorb concepts and build self-confidence.
One of the main criticisms about autonomous learning (self-studying) is the lack of direction and the risk of losing motivation. This is where enrolling in courses or attending classes become highly important. By taking up language courses, students will benefit from the guidance of expert teachers and will share the learning experience with like-minded individuals - their classmates. Experience has shown that being mentored and becoming part of a community of learners greatly impacts progress and motivation.
So, can you successfully learn a language online? It's a yes! But as with anything in the world, the more you give, the more returns you will receive. The more time and effort you spend in practicing or reviewing, the more progress you will have. The more active you are in your classes, the more efficient and fluent you become.
Of course it is still advisable to go to the country of the target language and immerse yourself in the culture and the life there. But if this is not possible for the moment, it should not discourage you from learning a new language.
Thanks to online learning, the opportunity to acquire and even master a new language is now accessible. Reach it and grab it!
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