Online learning has never been as prevalent as it is today. Due in part to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, students, as well as teachers, have had to adjust to an entirely digital learning environment. Whether we like it or not, today’s workforce is moving online and the number of professionals who work from home has undoubtedly reached new highs over the course of the past year. Learning online has helped many professionals prepare for this shift to online work.
This article will examine four benefits to learning a language online.
Flexibility and Efficiency in online learning
An online course requires just as much time and work as a face-to-face course, although the online format affords you greater flexibility. Students can choose to attend lessons from any location of their choice. It also allows language institutes to reach an extensive network of students without being restricted by geographical boundaries, which ultimately leads to a more diverse classroom. Online lessons can be recorded, archived and shared for future reference, so students can easily catch up with lesson material after having missed a class.
Personal Learning Journey
Every student has a unique learning journey and learning style. Online learning offers a wide range of resources for all learner types and can be personalised to suit individual needs. By extending the lesson plan beyond traditional textbooks to include authentic online resources, such as podcasts, PDFs and videos, teachers are able to become more efficient educators while students are given the autonomy to take control of their own learning trajectory, at their own pace and time.
Improved Virtual Communication and Collaboration
Learning to work with others in an online environment can make you a more effective leader. Participating in a virtual discussion board with your peers is much like participating in a virtual team at work. You are given the opportunity to communicate your ideas clearly, develop an appropriate response, and project a professional image. Your teacher, just like your manager, expects you to write respectful, thoughtful and tactful responses while building rapport with your peers. Regular participation in discussion groups will allow you to hone this skill quickly as you continue to post week after week.
Refined Critical Thinking Skills
Online learning facilitates the ability to think critically about what you do every day. The goal of an (online) classroom is to challenge you to think differently and your managers want you to think critically, too. Mastering this skills will help you succeed as a student, as well as an employee. Online learning is based upon a self-paced, self-motivated learning trajectory which ultimately shows your employer that you have the ability to think critically about any challenge that stands in your way.
If you are ready to fine-tune your language skills, consider registering for an online language course.
