by Lingoda Team
Updated on November 10, 2022
What is online language learning?
Technology affects every aspect of life and language learning is no exception. But what exactly do we mean when we say ‘online language learning’. Since this is a relatively new concept, we thought that we’d explain it a little.
Online learning revolves around a few major advantages for any student. First of all, it’s online. Obvious right? But there’s more to this than just having an Internet connection. You also need people. Real teachers who can talk to you face-to-face, help you practice speaking, and give you instant feedback. In other words, exactly like a normal classroom, but typically in a small group so you get more time with your teacher.
Flexibility is key to online learning. You can learn any time of the day, week or month from anywhere with a stable internet connection. What’s more, your time is your own. You can organise classes around your own schedule, and you don’t have to waste time travelling to and from a traditional classroom.
A real online learning business also provides up to date learning materials. No need to go out and buy expensive text books. It should also enable you to customize your learning with up to the minute topics from TV to artificial intelligence. In other words you can choose from dozens of topics around which you want to structure your learning and in a private class, you can even tell the teacher pretty much any subject that your heart desires.
To do this, you usually need a dedicated team of didactics (learning) experts who provide learning materials that are relevant and interesting. The underlying question is: Why learn a language around “Where is Sarah inside the house” when you could be learning about subjects that actually interest you?
What do you get when you’ve completed your course? Online learning should also provide certificates that prove your learning achievements. These are the documents that you can potentially use to apply to study in another country, or support a residency application. They also look pretty cool when you print them and frame them on your wall.
By now you’ve probably figured out that Lingoda offers all of the above and more. So just one more thing. Let’s get technical: Lingoda works in collaboration with a company called Zoom. Zoom provides a platform for video conferences, live chats and, in the case of Lingoda, a virtual classroom. Through this platform, Lingoda connects you to either just your teacher, in a cosy one-on-one session in the case of a private class, or with your teacher and up to 4 other students from around the globe. This is great to meet people from different cultures and see how others learn.
