From Classroom to Computer: A Language Instructor's Perspective
As a language instructor, I can attest to the many benefits of online language learning. In recent years, the rise of online language learning platforms has revolutionized the way we approach language learning, offering students a wealth of interactive tools and multimedia resources that make learning a new language engaging and enjoyable.
In my experience as a language instructor, I had to quickly adapt to fully online synchronous teaching due to the pandemic. While I had integrated hybrid learning in my previous experience as a language teacher, it was difficult to tailor-fit learners' needs from fully physical to fully online. Adapting to a fully online setup in a short amount of time was a feat that required a lot of creativity, and flexibility and demanded more empathy on my part as an instructor. Empathy is pretty hard to get across because technology is more of a barrier than a mediator.
One of the primary advantages of online language learning is its flexibility. With a variety of courses and resources available at any time, learners can customize their language learning experience to fit their individual needs and schedules. Additionally, many online language learning platforms incorporate interactive tools, such as videos, quizzes, and conversation partners, that provide students with the opportunity to practice and improve their language skills dynamically and engagingly.
Another benefit of online language learning is its accessibility. Students can access online language courses from anywhere in the world, making it an ideal option for those who live in remote areas or have busy schedules.
However, adapting to a fully face-to-face setup after a period of fully online teaching can also require an adjustment period. Both teachers and students who have made that sudden shift have known a life where both possibilities exist and the way they behave and interact has also been affected.
Online language learning also enables learners to progress at their own pace. Unlike traditional classroom settings, online language learning platforms allow students to take the time they need to fully understand and master a particular concept or skill. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who require additional support or time to learn new material.
On the other hand, online language learning is not without its challenges. One of the primary disadvantages is the lack of face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers. While online platforms offer various interactive tools, they cannot fully replace the personal connection and feedback that occurs in a traditional classroom setting.
Another tricky aspect of online language learning is the role that empathy plays. In a physical classroom, teachers can more easily read their students' body language and respond to their emotional needs. Online, this can be more challenging. Students may feel isolated or disconnected from their teacher and classmates, and it can be more difficult for teachers to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. To make a more tolerable atmosphere, facilitators usually ask everyone to mute their microphones to eliminate unwarranted noise. However, this creates hostility and too much of a controlled environment. Additionally, due to bandwidth constraints or security issues, some participants turn off their video feed which could create some insecurities for both teachers and students.
To overcome these challenges, online language teachers need to make an extra effort to be empathetic and understanding. This might mean taking extra time to check in with students and make sure they are comfortable with the online format. It might also mean being more patient and flexible in responding to students' questions and concerns. All in all, this requires a lot more energy from the teacher. Learning becomes a little too much personalized than most of us are ready to admit.
One way to foster empathy in online language learning is to create opportunities for students to interact with each other outside of formal class time. This might include setting up virtual language exchange partnerships or creating online discussion forums where students can connect and practice their language skills together. By building a sense of community and shared learning goals, teachers can help students feel more engaged and supported in their online language learning journey without putting too much strain on their time and energy. One very good example I was able to experience was when I signed up for online sign language classes. Each week, we were assigned a language partner with whom we were required to spend a few minutes during our weekend to talk about a specific topic. As a learner, it helped me continually practice and have constant feedback on my progress without heavily relying on my usual instructor and it also diversified my interactions. It was well thought-out, scheduled and organized which gave me a sense of being accompanied rather than monitored. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t see that through because I lacked motivation which brings me to…
Another challenge of online language learning is the need for self-motivation and discipline. Without the structure and accountability of a traditional classroom, students must be self-disciplined and motivated to remain focused on their language learning goals. Technical difficulties such as poor internet connection or platform glitches can also impact a learner's progress and motivation.
Online language learning can be an effective and engaging tool for language learners. By selecting the right platform and setting clear goals and expectations, learners can take advantage of the interactive and innovative nature of online language learning to make significant progress in their language learning journey. It's important to be aware of the potential challenges, including the need for extra effort to foster empathy and create a supportive learning environment. In language learning, being a social act, focusing on creating a conducive environment for interaction and collaboration is key. As an instructor, I encourage my students to embrace the flexibility and accessibility of online language learning while also being mindful of the challenges that can arise.
Some tools I have personally tried, tested and recommend for your own language learning:
Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that offers courses in a wide variety of languages. Its gamified approach to learning encourages users to earn points and compete with friends, while its bite-sized lessons are designed to be completed in just a few minutes a day. I use it for at least a few minutes of my day, preferably in the morning to jump-start my day. It gives me a quick and easy source of the sense of fulfilment to have acquired something useful in a day. Currently, I’m discovering German vocabulary and sentence constructions and training/harnessing my Portuguese vocabulary through repetition.
Lingoda is an online language learning platform that offers courses in several languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and Business English. The courses are taught by qualified native-speaking teachers and are available 24/7. Lingoda offers both group classes and private classes, and students can choose to take classes at their own pace or follow a structured course plan. The platform also provides students with access to a variety of learning resources, including grammar and vocabulary exercises, reading materials, and listening practice. I tried its free trial course and I honestly liked it! It’s convenient and easy to use. I’d definitely set aside a budget for this soon to enhance my German.
HelloTalk is a language exchange app that allows users to connect with speakers of the language they are learning. The app offers features that enable users to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills with their language partners. I especially like HelloTalk because its chat tools allow users to correct each other’s sentences and easily detect/correct them. I have personally met some of my language partners in real life and some of them have become really good friends beyond our language exchange!
Italki is an online language-learning platform that connects users with native-speaking tutors and teachers. Users can schedule one-on-one lessons, participate in language exchanges with other learners, and get feedback on their pronunciation and conversation skills. I haven’t personally used this but I once explored the platform and know both students and instructors who have used this and I have seen tremendous progress.
bibliothequedeparis.fr (or any French city library) offers free access to self-paced online language resources. Most of which were developed by Assimil. All you have to do is sign up for the library and you have unlimited and free access to their collection, not to mention the physical books you can borrow too!
Marie de Paris (Cours de Langue). The town hall of Paris also offers semestral and yearly language courses to Parisian residents for an affordable price. I paid 220 EUR for an entire year’s worth of Portuguese classes. We meet once a week for two hours. Both online and face-to-face classes are available and I happen to choose the online session for greater flexibility.
Verb Hive is an online language school based in the Philippines but caters to anyone who has access to a computer and the internet! I was one of the pioneer teachers in this online language school and I have tested and honed my skills in online language teaching through their platform!
Learn Languages by LeniontheRoad is a page I dedicated in this blogosphere as a repository site for additional resources in Lithuanian, and Korean (soon: French, Portuguese and Filipino) as part of my passion project. It’s free so go check them out! They are far from being a complete set of modules but they could help to complement your learning!
For the curious and engaged reader: Have you ever tried online language learning before? What was your experience like? What advantages and disadvantages of online language learning have you encountered? Do you think online language learning is an effective way to learn a new language, or do you prefer a traditional classroom setting? Do you have any language applications, websites or resources you would recommend?